OXFORD, MS – With Jaxson Dart now in the NFL with the New York Giants, Austin Simmons has taken the reins as quarterback for Ole Miss, and his debut suggests a bright future for the program. Simmons delivered an impressive performance in his first start, leading the Rebels to a resounding 63-7 victory over Georgia State. His sights are set high, aiming not only for the College Football Playoff (CFP) but also a national championship.
Simmons completed 20 of 31 passes for 341 yards, throwing for three touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite the interceptions, Simmons emphasized the importance of maintaining his composure. The Rebels’ offense exploded for nearly 700 total yards, demonstrating Simmons’ ability to effectively distribute the ball, particularly by utilizing his tight ends throughout the game.
“You know, first start, it felt so surreal being out there for the first time, first snap of the game,” Simmons said. “And I wasn’t really nervous. I really just trusted myself. You know, as you see in the first drive, we scored in what, three plays, I think? I’m not sure, but, of course, I’m going to have some mistakes here and there, some mental errors like the interception early in the game. But, as far as I could say, I think I did a pretty good job, especially with the whole offensive unit. We were very explosive down the field. We were moving the ball pretty well. I’m really excited for this whole team.”
Simmons’ assurance and leadership were evident throughout the entire game, laying the groundwork for a hopeful season as he aims to steer Ole Miss toward its championship goals and help navigate success throughout the SEC.
