ESPN's Greg McElroy Believes One SEC Program Will Succeed With New Quarterback

Lane Kiffin and Co. will have a new signal-caller in Oxford, Austin Simmons will take QB1 reps for the Rebels.

Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; ESPN commentator Greg McElroy looks on before the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game between the LSU Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels will debut a new-look roster this upcoming season led by redshirt-sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons.

The talented left-hander has patiently waited behind record-setting signal-caller Jaxson Dart across the last two seasons with his time now arriving.

Dart was selected No. 25 overall by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a dominant season for the Ole Miss Rebels.

In 2024, the coveted quarterback threw for over 4200 yards, 29 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while leading Ole Miss to a 10-3 record, a win in the Gator Bowl, and a No. 11 AP Poll finish.

The Rebels also earned back-to-back 10+ win seasons for the first time since 1959-1960, and have a winning percentage of 74.36% dating back to 2022, Dart's first season in Oxford.

"This was the best decision I made to come [to Ole Miss]. From a coaching standpoint, being able to be developed. My coaches in the NFL definitely praise my development of being able to understand schemes and whatnot from playing in this offense and playing with the coaching staff that I did," Dart said this offseason.

"It was a huge advantage and I don't think people really talk about it enough, especially guys coming out of high school. Just how NFL-ready this offense is and how much is on the quarterback's plate. That's definitely been a huge help."

Aug 4, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) drops back to pass during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Now, it's Simmons' time to shine with ESPN analyst Greg McElroy believing the program will not have a drop off in production with the new signal-caller under center.

“There is a lot to like about what they have offensively. What I love is their firepower. Austin Simmons is going to be thrust into the starting lineup," McElroy said.

"Guys, I’m not at all concerned about this young man’s talent. I think he’s well-equipped to step right in and not have there be any drop off at all at the quarterback spot. I think people are sleeping on Ole Miss’s weapons."

No. 1⃣7⃣ – @OleMissFB @GregMcElroy is "not at all concerned" with new Rebels QB Austin Simmons and thinks Ole Miss will once again be a player in the SEC 🦈#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/J6nv3uNEUg

— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) August 13, 2025

Ole Miss will open the 2025 season on Aug. 30 in a home matchup against the Georgia State Panthers at Vaught Hemingway Stadium.

More Ole Miss News:

Ole Miss Football Fall Camp Notes: Which Quarterback Will Backup Austin Simmons?

The Preseason Coaches Poll Ranking: Ole Miss Football Comes in at No. 15

What It Means: Ole Miss Football Beats Out Michigan Wolverines for Coveted Linebacker

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