Early Life and Academic Achievements

Austin Simmons has always shown remarkable promise, beginning his journey by training with NFL players at just 12 years old. By the age of 16, he graduated high school with an impressive GPA of 5.34 and made the bold decision to enroll early at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), leaving his home in Miami behind.

Interestingly, despite his academic and athletic prowess, Simmons had yet to earn his driver’s license, leading to a lighthearted lesson for his father, David Simmons, who took on the task of teaching him to drive in Mississippi.

The New Face of Ole Miss Football

As he prepares to take over the starting quarterback position at Ole Miss, Austin Simmons is gaining recognition in Oxford, where football reigns supreme. He will officially take the field in place of first-round pick Jaxson Dart this coming fall. Notably, he is set to graduate on May 10 with a degree in multidisciplinary studies, making him a college graduate at just 19 years old.

Feeling somewhat out of place among older peers, Simmons remarked, “It’s a weird feeling. Everyone’s older than you, and you’re looked upon as just a baby on campus. I’m here, I’m young and I’m just gonna make the most of it.”

Development as an Athlete

Initially inspired by his baseball ambitions, Simmons began his academic journey early, taking high school coursework at home. His father emphasized the importance of training with older athletes in both baseball and football, leading Austin to join a varsity baseball team in sixth grade while also working with NFL players on his quarterback skills.

David Simmons, a former Arena Football League player and coach, was determined to provide his son an edge in sports. Austin’s genetic predisposition raised concerns about his height for the quarterback position. However, he surpassed expectations, growing to 6 feet by middle school and eventually reaching 6 feet 4 inches and 215 pounds as he matured.

Record-Breaking Youth Baseball Career

As a young baseball player, Austin Simmons excelled by throwing consecutive no-hitters and maintaining a batting average of .365 as a freshman. His dual enrollment allowed him to complete college courses at Miami Dade College, where he earned an associate’s degree before turning 17. Due to his advanced standing, he did not participate in high school football beyond his sophomore year but still garnered accolades as a two-time All-Star, racking up impressive stats with 1,913 yards and 15 touchdowns during just six games.

David Simmons believed in a more effective educational approach, stating, “I got rid of the babysitting part of it… My kid didn’t need basket weaving… I put him with what he needed for college.”

Recruitment and Future Prospects

Ranked as the No. 58 player in 2025 by 247Sports, Simmons made headlines when he reclassified to 2023 and switched his verbal commitment from Florida to Ole Miss. This unique decision sparked caution among observers, as moving up two years in athlete development is uncommon. “It’s a testament to how much I liked Simmons that he was an 88 after skipping two years,” said Andrew Ivins, 247Sports Director of Scouting.

College Season and Future Goals

In the fall of 2023, Simmons redshirted but made his college baseball debut in the spring of 2024, demonstrating his abilities with 13 relief appearances and a 2-0 record. His father believes that Austin could excel in baseball, comparing him to athletes like Shohei Ohtani.

In his initial season with Ole Miss football, Simmons participated in nine games and accumulated 282 yards with two touchdowns. His notable moment came when he replaced the injured Dart, leading a touchdown drive in a victory over No. 2 Georgia.

Training and Preparation

Austin Simmons has been trained by Oliver Bozeman since elementary school, transitioning primarily from baseball pitching to quarterbacking with a focus on refining his throwing techniques. His father remains an active participant in evaluating game footage and enhancing Simmons’ mental game, complemented by guidance from former Giants head coach Joe Judge.

Looking ahead, Simmons is committed to rigorous training. His father’s philosophy embraces relentless effort, saying, “Now he’s got to focus… You gotta understand that.”

Looking Forward

As the 2023 season approaches, Simmons is committed to winning the Heisman Trophy, setting his sights high. “You always hope to be the best quarterback,” Simmons stated. “I’m just gonna be the best quarterback I can possibly be and let my game speak for itself.”

His journey signifies not only personal ambition but also the hopes of Ole Miss as the new face of their football program prepares to take center stage.