Ole Miss Football's Austin Simmons Labeled a 'Heisman Trophy Dark Horse'

Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is preparing to lead a new-look Rebels this upcoming season with all eyes on the program in Oxford.

Following SEC Media Days, Ole Miss began generating significant buzz with Simmons emerging as a player to know ahead of the season.

He's garnered high praise this offseason with former Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart even hyping up the new quarterback for the Rebels.

"I'm really excited for the guys next year. Austin's going to kill it," he said of the 2025 Rebels. "He was my guy and just the conversations we've had, even since I've left. Him calling me and asking for advice.

"Me checking up on him, seeing how he's doing. I'm excited for this squad. I've seen a lot of the pieces come from the portal and they're going to be super explosive and pick up where we left off."

But Dart isn't the only one intrigued with what Simmons can provide the program.

CBS Sports recently revealed the quarterback rankings in the Southeastern Conference with Simmons landing in the middle of the pack at No. 8.

"Like Lincoln Riley's passers, you can pencil in major production under Lane Kiffin at the quarterback spot. And he's confident in Simmons since the Rebels didn't pursue a starting quarterback in the portal this cycle after losing Jaxson Dart.

"In limited duty last fall, Simmons flashed, most notably with his touchdown drive in the first half of the Rebels' win over Georgia. Simmons doesn't have nearly as much film as some of the players behind him in these rankings, but at season's end, his numbers will be in the top tier of the conference."

Now, according to On3 Sports, Simmons is a "Heisman Trophy Dark Horse" heading into the 2025 season.

"Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons: +4,000: Last year was supposed to be the year the Rebels broke through and made the CFP, but they finished 9-3 and just missed the field. This is supposed to be a rebuild, but it won’t be if redshirt sophomore Simmons looks like he did when plunged into last year’s win against Georgia in the first quarter after an early gut-punch Bulldogs touchdown.

"Simmons looked like a wily veteran on that day. If that’s what he looks like game-to-game as the Rebels’ starter, he’ll be a household name by October."

Now, all eyes will be on the first-year starter as he prepares to lead Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss Rebels in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium this fall.

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Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and Ole Miss Rebels On SI: @OleMissOnSI for all coverage surrounding the Ole Miss program.