: Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons announces he is retiring from football and refocusing his career on baseball. Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin calls it a “devastating loss” following…..Read more.. 
In a surprising development, Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons has announced his decision to retire from football and redirect his athletic career toward baseball. This unexpected move has elicited strong reactions from the university’s coaching staff, with Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin describing it as a “devastating loss” for the football program, while Head Baseball Coach Mike Bianco expressed enthusiasm, stating he is “excited to have another midweek arm.”
A Promising Football Career
Austin Simmons joined the Ole Miss Rebels as a highly touted dual-sport athlete, demonstrating exceptional talent in both football and baseball. In the 2024 football season, Simmons served as the backup quarterback to Jaxson Dart. He made a notable impact during a critical game against the Georgia Bulldogs, stepping in for an injured Dart to lead a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that contributed significantly to the Rebels’ 28-10 victory. Throughout the season, Simmons completed 19 of 32 pass attempts, amassing 282 passing yards and two touchdowns.
His performance positioned him as the presumed starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 season, following Dart’s departure. Simmons’ decision to retire from football, therefore, comes as a significant shift in the team’s dynamics and future plans.
Transition to Baseball
Simmons’ prowess was not limited to the football field; he also showcased considerable skill on the baseball diamond. In the 2024 baseball season, he made 13 relief appearances as a left-handed pitcher, achieving a 2-0 record with a 3.21 ERA and recording 20 strikeouts over 14 innings. His opponents were held to a .173 batting average, underscoring his effectiveness on the mound.
However, his baseball season was cut short due to a UCL sprain in his throwing arm, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, Simmons had expressed optimism about returning to baseball, indicating in September 2024 that he was “pretty positive” about playing in the upcoming spring season.
Coaching Staff Reactions
The announcement of Simmons’ retirement from football has elicited mixed reactions from the Ole Miss coaching staff. Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin characterized the decision as a “devastating loss” for the football team, highlighting Simmons’ anticipated role as the starting quarterback and the impact his departure will have on the team’s preparations for the 2025 season.
Conversely, Head Baseball Coach Mike Bianco expressed enthusiasm about Simmons’ full-time commitment to baseball, stating he is “excited to have another midweek arm” on the pitching staff. Bianco’s optimism reflects the value Simmons is expected to bring to the baseball program, particularly given his previous contributions and potential on the mound.
Implications for Ole Miss Athletics
Simmons’ shift from football to baseball carries significant implications for both sports programs at Ole Miss. For the football team, the departure of a projected starting quarterback necessitates a reassessment of the quarterback depth chart. The current roster includes redshirt freshman AJ Maddox and recent transfer Pierce Clarkson from Louisville, both of whom will likely compete for the starting position.
For the baseball team, Simmons’ full-time involvement is a considerable asset. His previous performance as a relief pitcher demonstrated his capability to contribute effectively, and his commitment to focusing solely on baseball may enhance his development and impact on the team. Given his recovery from the UCL injury, Simmons’ return to the mound is anticipated to bolster the Rebels’ pitching staff significantly.
Simmons’ Perspective
While specific details regarding Simmons’ decision have not been publicly disclosed, it is evident that his passion for baseball and considerations about his athletic future played pivotal roles. Balancing dual-sport commitments at the collegiate level presents substantial challenges, and Simmons’ choice to concentrate on baseball suggests a strategic move to maximize his potential and longevity in the sport.
In previous statements, Simmons has expressed a deep appreciation for both sports but acknowledged the demands associated with excelling in each. His decision to retire from football and dedicate himself to baseball reflects a thoughtful evaluation of his aspirations and the path he believes will best facilitate his athletic and personal growth.
Looking Ahead
As the Ole Miss baseball team prepares for the upcoming season, Simmons’ integration into the roster as a full-time player is highly anticipated. His left-handed pitching adds depth to the Rebels’ bullpen, and his prior experience, despite being truncated by injury, provides a foundation for significant contributions.
For the football program, the focus shifts to identifying and developing a new starting quarterback. The competition between Maddox and Clarkson will be closely monitored, with the coaching staff aiming to establish a leader who can effectively guide the team through the challenges of the 2025 season.
In conclusion, Austin Simmons’ decision to retire from football and refocus his career on baseball marks a significant transition for Ole Miss athletics. While the football team faces the challenge of filling the void left by his departure, the baseball program stands to benefit from his dedicated involvement. Simmons’ choice underscores the complexities and considerations inherent in managing dual-sport collegiate careers and highlights the importance of aligning athletic pursuits with personal goals and well-being.