News Summary
Austin Simmons is set to become the starting quarterback for Ole Miss after the departure of Jaxson Dart to the NFL. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. highlights the need for Simmons to develop his own style instead of mimicking past performances. With only two returning starters from the previous season, Simmons aims to lead the team while focusing on improving his leadership skills. Additionally, the Rebels are looking to enhance their running game with a trio of running backs and adaptability in their offensive strategy in the upcoming season.
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is stepping into a pivotal role as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, following the departure of Jaxson Dart, who was drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is emphasizing the importance of Simmons embracing his identity rather than trying to replicate past performances, such as those exhibited by Dart and former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral.
The Rebels have been under Weis’ guidance for four years, during which they averaged 35.7 points per game over the previous three seasons. The team’s offensive prowess peaked in 2024 when they scored an impressive 38.6 points per game, placing them third in the nation. Dart notably led the country in total offense and passing efficiency that same year, earning first-team All-SEC honors before his transition to the professional level.
In the wake of Dart’s success, Ole Miss finds itself returning only two full-time starters from the prior season; junior wide receiver Cayden Lee and senior tackle Diego Pounds. The spotlight now shifts to Austin Simmons, a redshirt sophomore who is ready to take the helm as starting quarterback without having made a start to date. Despite this, Simmons demonstrated his potential last season by leading a touchdown drive against the highly-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and completing 19 of 32 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns while subbing in for Dart.
Weis has noted that Simmons is “further ahead” in his development compared to Dart at a similar point in their careers, crediting Simmons’ familiarity with the Ole Miss system. Unlike Dart, who joined the Rebels for just one offseason after transferring from USC, Simmons has spent several years in the program, allowing him to acclimate and develop his on-field capabilities more thoroughly.
Recognizing the transition period following Dart’s departure, Simmons is focusing heavily on enhancing his leadership skills. Weis encourages Simmons to be authentic and true to himself while acknowledging that he does not have to fill Dart’s shoes directly. Instead, he’s tasked with leading the Rebels as they aim for continued success in the upcoming season.
Beyond the quarterback position, the Rebels are making strides to bolster their running game, which averaged 175.7 rushing yards per game last season. This figure marks the lowest rushing average under head coach Lane Kiffin, signaling a need for improvement in this area. Last season, no player recorded more than 680 rushing yards, and Dart’s 495 yards made him the team’s second-leading rusher. Defensive tackle JJ Pegues even contributed to the ground game, scoring seven rushing touchdowns to rank second on the team.
The potential for a revitalized running attack in 2025 centers around anticipated contributions from a trio of running backs: sophomore Missouri transfer Kewan Lacy, senior Troy transfer Damien Taylor, and senior Logan Diggs. Weis has identified Lacy as a player with “home run threat” capabilities, emphasizing that these running backs bring diverse skill sets that could enhance the Rebels’ offensive depth.
An additional strategy for the Rebels moving forward includes integrating more skill position players into rotating roles throughout the season to improve team depth and maintain performance quality during games. With this approach, the coaching staff hopes to foster a versatile and adaptable offensive structure.
Ole Miss will kick off the 2025 season against Georgia State on August 30 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, with the starting time set for 6:45 p.m. As the Rebels gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on Austin Simmons as he embarks on his journey as the starting quarterback and aims to lead the team to success in the competitive landscape of college football.
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Additional Resources
- C Dispatch: Charlie Weis Jr. Wants Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons to Be Himself
- Google Search: Austin Simmons quarterback Ole Miss
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Football Running Back Kewan Lacy
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels football
- SI: Ole Miss Football Staffer Praises Rebels Quarterback Austin Simmons’ Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- 247 Sports: Ole Miss Football 2025 Spring Quarterback Preview
- Google News: Ole Miss Football
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