In an era when quarterback turnover in college football is as routine as a halftime adjustment, Austin Simmons is generating headlines not for where he’s going, but for where he’s remaining.
Despite circulating rumors that the gifted young quarterback was being courted by the Auburn Tigers, Simmons has sent a compelling, emotionally grounded message: he will not leave Oxford.
“I’d rather ride the bench at Ole Miss than start as an Auburn Tiger QB,” Simmons declared in a remark that quickly spread on social media. “Here, even the tiniest function is respected. In Auburn, I might just get a name; at Ole Miss, I’m a member of a family.”
Simmons’ statements were more than just a rejection of Auburn’s pitch; they were an unabashed endorsement of the culture Lane Kiffin had established at Ole Miss. Simmons’ decision is a tremendous victory for a school that has had significant success developing quarterbacks and preserving coherence amid the turbulence of the transfer portal.
A Recruitment War Ends With Loyalty.
Multiple SEC insiders acknowledged that Auburn had increased attempts to sign Simmons, pushing him on quick playing time and the opportunity to head a retooled Tigers offense. Auburn’s quarterback situation is still unsettled coming into the 2025 season, and Simmons was allegedly toward the top of their want list.
But Simmons, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout practices and spring workouts while being behind established starters on the Ole Miss depth chart, made it obvious that a starting spot or NIL guarantees would not be enough to buy his devotion.
“They’ve believed in me since day one,” Simmons added. “Coach Kiffin fosters relationships, not just quarterbacks. I’ve seen and felt it, and I know this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Impact inside the locker room.
Simmons’ statement elicited an extremely positive response within the Rebels’ locker room. Several teammates re-posted his quote with encouraging messages, and one team captain told local reporters, “Austin has the kind of heart you want in a leader.” He may not be QB1 right now, but he has just earned a lot of respect.”
It’s no secret that Ole Miss has become a magnet for top-tier quarterback talent under Lane Kiffin. From Matt Corral to Jaxson Dart, Kiffin has built a reputation for providing his quarterbacks with the tools—and freedom—they need to succeed. For Simmons, the opportunity to learn within that system, even if in a restricted capacity, trumps the appeal of being catapulted into the spotlight elsewhere.
Lane Kiffin’s Response
When asked about Simmons’ comments, Coach Kiffin provided a brief but telling response:
“Austin gets it. That is the mindset we desire here. He’ll play an important role in this program, both on and off the field, when his time comes.”
A statement that resonates.
In today’s college football atmosphere, where transfers can transform rosters overnight and loyalty is frequently transitory, Austin Simmons’ decision to stay in Oxford sends a clear message—not only to Auburn, but to teams throughout the country—that culture still matters.
Whether or whether Simmons sees a starting role this season, one thing is certain: he has already won a place in the hearts of Rebel Nation. And, in the long term, that dedication to the Ole Miss family may be more precious than any statistic.