At just 19, Austin Simmons is stepping into the spotlight as the new starting quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, exuding a confidence that has drawn comparisons to NFL star Tua Tagovailoa. The Miami native, who has already graduated from Ole Miss, earned the starting role after a standout relief appearance against Georgia in 2024, where he engineered a touchdown drive in place of an injured Jaxson Dart. In an interview with ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Simmons declared, “I just know I’m made for it,” signaling his readiness to take the reins of a Rebels team ranked No. 15 in the preseason Coaches Poll. His dual-sport background as a pitcher for the Ole Miss baseball team, coupled with his poise under pressure, has head coach Lane Kiffin and fans buzzing about his potential to lead the team to a College Football Playoff berth in 2025.[](https://atozsports.com/college-football/ole-miss-news/new-ole-miss-rebels-starter-says-i-just-know-im-made-for-it-ahead-of-highly-anticipated-2025-season-debut-austin-simmons-lane-kiffin-tua-tagovailoa/)
Simmons’ meteoric rise began with two pivotal moments against Georgia last year: a football touchdown drive in November and a clutch relief appearance in a baseball double-header in April 2024, preserving a lead against the No. 23 Bulldogs. His football stats are limited but promising, with 12 completions on 19 attempts for 148 yards and a touchdown in spot duty last season. Kiffin, who coached Tagovailoa at Alabama, sees striking similarities, telling Thamel, “There’s no way you teach any of that,” referring to Simmons’ natural feel for the game. Ole Miss baseball coach Mike Bianco echoed this, praising Simmons’ composure on the mound in SEC competition, where he posted a 3.86 ERA as a freshman, as evidence of his mental toughness.[](https://espntoday.com/ncaaf/im-made-for-it-austin-simmons-gets-his-shot-at-ole-miss/)
The Rebels face a daunting SEC schedule, including clashes with LSU, Oklahoma, and Georgia, making Simmons’ emergence critical after a 9-3 season that fell just short of the CFP. His intense upbringing under his father, Dave Simmons, left little room for a typical teenage social life, forging a relentless work ethic that Simmons credits for his readiness. “I’m just reaching that potential right now,” he told ESPN, emphasizing his hunger to prove himself in his first full season as a starter. With a talented receiving corps led by Tre Harris and a bolstered offensive line, Simmons has the tools to succeed, but his ability to handle top-tier competition, starting with the August 30 opener against Furman, will define his impact.[](https://atozsports.com/college-football/ole-miss-news/new-ole-miss-rebels-starter-says-i-just-know-im-made-for-it-ahead-of-highly-anticipated-2025-season-debut-austin-simmons-lane-kiffin-tua-tagovailoa/)
Simmons’ confidence is tempered by humility, acknowledging that “one drive doesn’t really define me as a quarterback.” Yet, his bold claim that “there’s going to be a lot more moments like that” has ignited excitement in Oxford, with fans on X calling him a “generational talent.” As Ole Miss aims to surpass last season’s near-miss against Florida, Simmons’ dual-sport pedigree and unshakable belief position him as a potential game-changer. With Kiffin’s play-calling and a supportive cast, the young quarterback’s first start promises to showcase whether he’s truly “made for it,” setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 campaign in the Magnolia State.[](https://atozsports.com/college-football/ole-miss-news/new-ole-miss-rebels-starter-says-i-just-know-im-made-for-it-ahead-of-highly-anticipated-2025-season-debut-austin-simmons-lane-kiffin-tua-tagovailoa/)
