: Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons announces he is retiring from football and refocusing his career on baseball. Following.. 
Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin calls it a “devastating loss” for the team, while Head Baseball Coach Mike Bianco is “excited to have another midweek arm”
In a stunning turn of events that reverberated across the college sports landscape, Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmonshas officially announced that he is retiring from football to fully commit to a future in baseball.
The dual-sport standout, once hailed as one of the most unique athletes in the 2023 recruiting class, shared the news via social media on Saturday, citing his passion for baseball and a desire to focus entirely on maximizing his potential on the diamond. Simmons, who was a left-handed pitcher and outfielder, made waves in both sports throughout his high school career, and his raw talent on the mound has long been viewed as elite.
“After a lot of thought, conversations with my family, and prayer, I’ve made the decision to step away from football and focus full-time on my baseball career,” Simmons wrote. “This wasn’t an easy choice, but it’s one that aligns with where my heart is and the goals I want to pursue.”
A Prodigy with Dual Potential
Simmons originally committed to Florida as a quarterback before flipping to Ole Miss last summer. He shocked many by reclassifying from the 2025 class to 2023, finishing high school two years early and enrolling at Ole Miss as a 17-year-old freshman. The rare reclassification and his ability to throw a football 60+ yards with ease made him a viral name on the recruiting circuit. His impressive IQ and arm strength also stood out during his early days with Lane Kiffin’s squad.
But behind the football stardom, Simmons quietly continued honing his skills as a baseball player. As a pitcher, he consistently threw in the low-to-mid 90s and showed advanced mechanics for someone his age. Several MLB scouts projected Simmons as a potential top-10 round pick had he focused solely on baseball coming out of high school.
Now, he’s decided to make that leap.
The Decision: A Future on the Mound
According to those close to Simmons, his love for baseball never faded, even as he soared through the football ranks. In fact, the rigorous demands of playing quarterback in the SEC made it difficult for him to devote the necessary time to both sports. That challenge ultimately became the tipping point.
“He’s always been a baseball player at heart,” one source close to Simmons said. “As much as he enjoyed football, the path to a professional baseball career just made more sense — and he’s got the tools to go a long way.”
It’s expected that Simmons will now become a full-time member of the Ole Miss baseball program, which is led by head coach Mike Bianco. The Rebels are no strangers to top-tier talent on the diamond, having won the College World Series in 2022. Simmons is projected to be a weapon as both a pitcher and a position player, giving the Rebels another dynamic piece for the 2025 season and beyond.
What This Means for Ole Miss Football
While Simmons hadn’t yet become a major on-field contributor for Lane Kiffin’s squad, his departure still represents a notable loss in the quarterback room. He was viewed as a long-term development project with tremendous upside, especially given his youth and rapid rise through the ranks.
Kiffin and the Rebels still have significant depth at quarterback, led by Jaxson Dart, and bolstered by transfers and incoming talent. But Simmons’ retirement from football signals the end of a fascinating chapter in the program — one that was filled with buzz, potential, and what-ifs.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for a Rare Talent
Austin Simmons’ journey is far from over. In fact, it may just be beginning.
By choosing to focus on baseball, Simmons is taking the road less traveled — one that prioritizes passion over public expectation. He now turns his full attention to becoming one of the SEC’s most exciting two-way baseball talents, with the possibility of hearing his name called in the MLB Draft in the near future.
In a world where athletes are often pushed to choose one path early, Simmons’ decision reflects maturity, clarity, and a deep belief in his own vision. He may be leaving the football field, but he’s far from leaving the spotlight.
Ole Miss fans should keep watching — because Austin Simmons’ next big moment might come on the mound in Oxford, or perhaps under the bright lights of a Major League stadium.