Austin Simmons addresses turnover on Ole Miss roster: ‘A lot of new faces’

Lane Kiffin has never been shy about utilizing the NCAA transfer portal to find new talent for his program. As it stands, 32 players have transferred into his program this offseason.

At the same time, 28 players left the program to pursue other college football opportunities. That puts a brand new spin on the Ole Miss football roster than what sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons experienced as a true freshman in 2024.

“I’ll definitely say it’s a whole lot of new faces,” Simmons said during the Manning Passing Academy. “So really, just getting everyone on the same page, get everyone adjusted to the offensive playbook, the defensive playbook, on both sides. And really, just building that brotherhood, that culture that’s always been built around coach (Lane) Kiffin these past seasons. So, (we’re) getting everyone on the same page.”

Ole Miss’ 28 incoming transfers make up the No. 3 overall transfer portal class in the current On3 Transfer Portal Team Rankings. The class is headlined by the likes of WRs Caleb Odom (Alabama), Harrison Wallace III (Penn State) and De’Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State), who should all provide Simmons some help in the passing game. Defensively, Nebraska‘s Princewill Umanmielen committed to the Rebels earlier this offseason, along with defensive back Jaylon Braxton (Arkansas).

“I believe we have a whole lot of great weapons on the offensive side and defensive side,” Simmons said. “I feel like everyone’s really doubting us. We’re not (air quotes) exceeding the expectations, like what we have been like the past couple of years. So just going out there with a purpose, like, get ready to prove everyone wrong.”

Austin Simmons arrived at Ole Miss last season from Pahokee (Fla.) Moore Haven Junior/Senior, where he was a four-star recruit. He was the No. 266 overall player and No. 19-ranked quarterback out of the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Simmons has some experience coming into the matchup. He appeared in seven games for the Rebels as a true freshman. The Miami native passed for 282 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions during the 2024 season.

Now poised to take over the Rebels offense in 2025, Ole Miss is looking win at least 10 games for three-straight seasons — which has never been done before in program history. That effort begins on Aug. 30 during the season opener against Georgia State.