Ole Miss takes on Arkansas on Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling SEC matchup. However, the Rebels may be without their starting quarterback, Austin Simmons, who has been dealing with an ankle injury sustained in last weekend’s game against Kentucky. Here’s everything you need to know about his status.
Austin Simmons Injury Update Ahead of Ole Miss vs. Arkansas
Simmons took over as the Rebels’ starter this season following Jaxson Dart’s departure to the NFL. He committed to Ole Miss as part of the team’s 2023 class. A three-star recruit, Simmons was ranked the No. 19 quarterback in the cycle by 247Sports’ composite rankings.
He has been solid for Ole Miss so far in 2025, completing 33 of 55 passes for 576 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions, helping lead the Rebels to a 2-0 start.
Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury in last weekend’s game against Kentucky.
Simmons practiced on Friday, and according to On3’s Chris Low, he appeared to be moving well on the ankle. However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Simmons has officially been listed as a game-time decision for Ole Miss’s matchup with Arkansas.
Sources: Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons (ankle) is expected to be a game-time decision tonight against Arkansas in Oxford. He’ll be monitored in warm-ups and a decision will be made. Back-up Trinidad Chambliss received an uptick in snaps this week. pic.twitter.com/CDkGo6Ihlh
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 13, 2025
Low and Thamel reported that Trinidad Chambliss will start the game if Simmons can’t play. Low also noted that Simmons could still see action even if Chambliss starts.
Who is Trinidad Chambliss?
Chambliss transferred to Ole Miss this offseason from Ferris State. He’s a true dual-threat quarterback, having started 15 games for the Bulldogs last season, throwing for 2,925 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding 1,323 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground.
While Ferris State is a Division II program, Chambliss’ numbers are truly impressive, and his overall athletic ability should translate well to SEC football.
He has appeared in both of Ole Miss’s games this season, completing four of six passes for 59 yards and a touchdown while adding 21 rushing yards. His upside as a dual-threat option makes him a valuable weapon in head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense.
If Simmons can’t play, Chambliss should be able to keep the Rebels’ offense moving as they face Arkansas, who also enters the game with a 2-0 record this season.
The Rebels’ game against the Razorbacks will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. ET today, September 13.
