Austin David Simmons, born on November 8, 2005, in Pinecrest, Florida, is a young, talented athlete who plays as a quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels football team and also competes as a left-handed pitcher on their baseball team. Growing up in Florida, he began his high school career at Pahokee High School before transferring to Moore Haven Junior Senior High School. As a sophomore, Simmons posted outstanding statistics, passing for 3,253 yards and 27 touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a future star in college athletics. Initially, he committed to the University of Florida, but after reclassifying from the 2025 to the 2023 recruiting class, he switched his commitment to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
In high school, Simmons not only excelled in football but also demonstrated academic prowess. He earned an associate degree from Miami Dade College before turning 17, highlighting his intellectual abilities and commitment to education. By 2025, he graduated with a bachelor's degree from Ole Miss, underlining his ability to balance athletics and academics effectively.
Simmons officially joined the Ole Miss Rebels football program in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. That year, he was redshirted, meaning he did not play in any games, but used the opportunity to focus on developing his skills. During the 2023 season, he also played baseball, making a mark as a relief pitcher. He recorded a 2–0 record with a 3.21 ERA in 13 games, striking out 20 batters in 14 innings of work. This dual-sport involvement highlighted his versatility and athleticism.
In 2024, Simmons transitioned into a more active role in college football as the backup quarterback to Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss's starting senior quarterback. His first collegiate appearance came in a game where he completed 7 passes for 111 yards and threw his first career touchdown pass. He contributed in several games as a relief quarterback, including notable performances against Middle Tennessee State, Wake Forest, and Kentucky. One of the standout moments of his season occurred against Arkansas, where Simmons helped the Rebels set or tie single-game team records for passing yards and touchdowns. He threw for 47 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a 63–32 victory.
In a crucial moment later in the 2024 season, Simmons stepped in during a game against Georgia after an injury to Jaxson Dart. Simmons led the team on a critical first-quarter drive, completing 5 of 6 passes for 64 yards and guiding the Rebels to the endzone, sparking a 28–10 victory. This game showcased Simmons' readiness and poise under pressure, earning him recognition as a promising future leader for the team.
By the end of the 2024 season, Simmons had appeared in 9 games, completing 19 of 32 passes for 282 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions, while also rushing for 14 yards. His impressive debut season as a backup quarterback demonstrated his potential to become a future starter at Ole Miss.
In addition to his football accomplishments, Simmons continued to excel in baseball, contributing to the Rebels' baseball team. As a pitcher in the 2024 season, he appeared in 13 games, finishing with a 3.21 ERA, a 2–0 record, and 20 strikeouts over 14 innings. His dual-sport involvement at Ole Miss reflects his exceptional athleticism and commitment to excelling in multiple areas.
Simmons, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 215 pounds, is a physically imposing athlete, with a strong arm and a high football IQ that make him a promising figure in both college football and baseball. As he continues to develop, Austin Simmons represents the future of Ole Miss athletics, with both his football and baseball careers showing immense potential.
Through his academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, and ability to balance dual-sport commitments, Austin Simmons has proven himself to be not just a talented quarterback but also a well-rounded student-athlete capable of succeeding at the highest levels. With his bright future ahead, he is poised to make an even greater impact on the Ole Miss Rebels football team and beyond.
Early Career and High School
Austin Simmons began his athletic journey at Pahokee High School in Florida, where he played football before transferring to Moore Haven Junior Senior High School. It was here that he first showcased his football prowess, throwing for 3,253 yards and 27 touchdowns in his sophomore season. His impressive performance on the field led him to be regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. Simmons' talents caught the attention of college recruiters, and he initially committed to play for the University of Florida. However, after reclassifying from the 2025 to the 2023 recruiting class, he switched his commitment to Ole Miss, signing with the Rebels for a chance to play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
Alongside his athletic achievements, Simmons was also excelling academically. While still in high school, he enrolled at Miami Dade College, where he earned an associate degree before he even turned 17. His academic accomplishments highlighted his well-roundedness, balancing rigorous studies with his demanding athletic commitments.
College Career at Ole Miss (2023-Present)
Simmons arrived at Ole Miss in 2023 as a redshirt freshman quarterback. During his first season, he was redshirted, meaning he did not participate in any games, allowing him time to adjust to the college-level competition and further develop his skills. While redshirting, Simmons also joined the Ole Miss Rebels baseball team, where he played as a left-handed pitcher. He appeared in 13 games, finishing the season with a 2–0 record and a 3.21 ERA, striking out 20 batters in 14 innings. His ability to excel in two sports simultaneously demonstrated his exceptional versatility and athleticism.
2024 Season: Rising as a Backup Quarterback
In 2024, Simmons began his redshirt freshman year as the backup quarterback to Jaxson Dart, the senior starting quarterback. Although he was not the primary starter, Simmons played an important role, stepping in during various games when needed. In his first collegiate appearance, Simmons completed 7 passes for 111 yards and threw his first career touchdown pass, showcasing his potential as a future leader of the team.
Throughout the 2024 season, Simmons made several relief appearances, including games against Middle Tennessee State, Wake Forest, Georgia Southern, and Kentucky. His most notable performance came during a game against Arkansas, where he helped Ole Miss break or tie single-game team records for passing yards and touchdowns. Simmons threw for 47 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a 63-32 victory for the Rebels.
Another key moment came in a November 2024 game against Georgia, when Simmons came off the bench after Jaxson Dart sustained a minor injury. Simmons went 5-of-6 for 64 yards, leading the Rebels to an important 28-10 victory, showing that he could perform under pressure and lead the team when it mattered most.
By the end of the 2024 season, Simmons had made significant strides in his career, finishing with 19 completions, 282 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions in 9 games. His 154.0 passer rating underscored his efficiency and ability to make an impact as a backup quarterback.
Dual-Sport Athlete: Baseball and Football
In addition to his football career, Simmons continued his commitment to baseball at Ole Miss, where he played as a left-handed pitcher. In 2024, he appeared in 13 games for the Rebels, finishing with a 3.21 ERA, a 2–0 record, and 20 strikeouts in 14 innings. His success in baseball further established his reputation as a dual-sport athlete, demonstrating his high level of athleticism and versatility.
Future Prospects
Simmons is poised to continue his development as both a quarterback and a baseball player at Ole Miss. As he enters his sophomore year in 2025, he will continue to compete for a starting role on the football team while also contributing to the baseball team. His strong performances in the 2024 season have positioned him as one of the future stars of Ole Miss football, with many fans and analysts excited to see his growth in the coming seasons.
With his combination of athletic ability, work ethic, and intelligence, Austin Simmons is expected to be a key player for Ole Miss in the future, both on the football field and the baseball diamond. His career thus far has already showcased his potential to succeed at the highest levels of college athletics, and as he gains more experience, he is likely to make an even greater impact for the Rebels.
As of now, Austin Simmons has not yet participated in any international competitions or events in either football or baseball. His career has been focused entirely within college athletics at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he has made notable strides as both a quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels football team and as a left-handed pitcher for their baseball team.
Football: Quarterback
Austin Simmons is a quarterback known for his strong arm, athleticism, and football IQ. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 215 pounds, he has the physical stature to excel in both pocket and off-the-run situations. His throwing mechanics are solid, and he’s capable of making both short and long-range passes with precision.
Simmons is also noted for his mobility—his ability to move within the pocket and extend plays with his legs when necessary, though his primary strength lies in his passing game. While he isn’t primarily known for rushing, he has shown the ability to gain yards with his legs, especially in critical situations. This dual-threat capability makes him a versatile option at the quarterback position.
In his 2024 season as a redshirt freshman, Simmons showcased his composure under pressure when called upon in relief situations, especially in tight games against Georgia and Arkansas. He demonstrated accuracy, completing 59.4% of his passes, throwing for 282 yards and 2 touchdowns over the course of 9 games. His touchdown-to-interception ratio (2:0) reflects his decision-making skills and his ability to control the ball, an essential quality for a quarterback. He has also proven to be an efficient passer, as demonstrated by his 154.0 passer rating in his limited appearances.
Simmons has shown the ability to deliver quick releases, which is critical when facing heavy pressure from defenses. He also demonstrated his leadership and confidence in high-pressure moments, such as leading the Rebels to victory in a key game against Georgia after stepping in for an injured Jaxson Dart.
Baseball: Pitcher
As a left-handed pitcher, Simmons’ style of play on the baseball diamond reflects his control and accuracy. He is known for having a smooth delivery, and his ability to change speeds effectively allows him to keep batters off balance. His fastball is his primary pitch, and while he does not overpower batters with speed, his location and movement make him effective in both starting and relief roles.
In the 2024 baseball season, Simmons posted a 3.21 ERA with a 2-0 record, reflecting his consistency on the mound. He struck out 20 batters in 14 innings, showcasing his ability to miss bats with a combination of pitches and his mental toughness to perform under pressure.
His left-handedness gives him a natural advantage when facing right-handed hitters, and his control over his pitches allows him to avoid the big inning. Simmons’ ability to perform well in both football and baseball highlights his overall athleticism, work ethic, and versatility.
Academic Pursuits
While most of his time is dedicated to sports, Austin Simmons has a strong interest in education. His commitment to academics goes beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his decision to pursue and complete an associate degree before the age of 17. This drive for learning highlights his passion for self-improvement and knowledge. Even in his spare time, Simmons enjoys expanding his intellectual horizons and is passionate about multi-disciplinary studies. His interest in a broad spectrum of subjects shows his curiosity and desire to explore various fields outside of sports.
Sports Outside Football and Baseball
Though Simmons is primarily known for his success in both football and baseball, he likely enjoys other athletic activities during his downtime. Many college athletes have an interest in staying active beyond their main sport, whether it’s through training, working out, or engaging in recreational sports. Given his well-rounded athletic abilities, Simmons might have a casual interest in activities such as basketball, tennis, or even fitness challenges to maintain overall physical health.
Spending Time with Family and Friends
Outside of the demanding schedules of college athletics, family plays an important role in Simmons' life. His upbringing in Pinecrest, Florida reflects the strong influence his family has had on him. He likely enjoys spending time with loved ones, whether it’s participating in family activities, casual outings, or just relaxing at home. Simmons’ strong family ties may also influence his interest in community-oriented activities or events that involve his friends and teammates.
Mentorship and Community Involvement
Given his leadership role on the Ole Miss football and baseball teams, Simmons may have a natural interest in mentoring younger athletes or students. His experience balancing sports and academics can make him an ideal mentor for others navigating similar challenges. Whether informally or through official channels, Simmons may take pleasure in helping others overcome obstacles, passing on advice, and being a source of support for the next generation of athletes or students in the Ole Miss community.
Music and Entertainment
While not much is publicly noted about Simmons’ interest in music, it’s common for athletes to enjoy listening to music as a form of relaxation or motivation. Whether it’s using music as a pre-game ritual or simply enjoying downtime, Simmons might have a varied taste in genres, ranging from hip-hop and pop to more laid-back styles like indie or country. Music has been known to play a significant role in boosting an athlete’s mental focus and performance, and it’s possible that Simmons shares this common interest.
Outdoors and Adventure
Growing up in Florida, Simmons might have a natural affinity for outdoor activities. Whether it’s going for a run, exploring nature, or spending time by the beach, Simmons may appreciate the simple pleasures of being outdoors. Water sports such as surfing or fishing could also pique his interest, especially with his background growing up in a region where outdoor adventures are a big part of the culture. Engaging in these activities helps him unwind and refresh outside the high-stress environments of both college sports and academics.
Social Media and Public Speaking
As an athlete in the public eye, Austin Simmons likely has an interest in using social media to connect with fans, share updates, and stay in touch with his followers. Whether through Instagram, Twitter, or other platforms, Simmons might enjoy sharing aspects of his life, including his achievements in football and baseball. Additionally, his growing leadership role at Ole Miss and his involvement in community service could encourage him to engage in public speaking or motivational talks for younger students or athletes, emphasizing the importance of balance in life and the value of hard work.
Traveling
As Simmons continues his athletic career, he will likely develop an interest in travel. College athletes, especially those competing in high-profile conferences like the Southeastern Conference (SEC), often travel extensively for away games and events. This exposure to different cities, cultures, and experiences may spark a deeper passion for travel. Whether for competition or leisure, Simmons could find joy in exploring new places, meeting new people, and expanding his horizons outside of football and baseball.
At just 19 years old, Austin Simmons has already made a significant impact on the college football and baseball scenes, showing tremendous promise as a dual-sport athlete. Yet, despite his early success and potential, Simmons is still in the early stages of his career, and it is clear that he is too young to fully establish a legacy that will define his name in sports history.
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