BREAKING NEWS: Excitement fills Great Vaught Hemingway Stadium as Ole Miss Rebels Football Beloved Quarterback Austin Simmons Announces I’m not going anywhere, He is set to return for the 2025-2026 Season after making the bold decision Head Coach Lane Kiffin Promised to make him the New… 

Excitement fills Great Vaught Hemingway Stadium as Ole Miss Rebels Football Beloved Quarterback Austin Simmons Announces I’m not going anywhere, He is set to return for the 2025-2026 Season after making the bold decision Head Coach Lane Kiffin Promised to make him the New…

The energy around Oxford hit a fever pitch Tuesday afternoon as news broke that Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Austin Simmons—beloved by fans, teammates, and coaches alike—has announced his return for the 2025-2026 football season. With a smile on his face and a fire in his eyes, Simmons stepped up to the podium at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and said the words that sent shockwaves through the Rebel fanbase:

“I’m not going anywhere.”

After weeks of speculation that Simmons might transfer or even test the waters for the NFL Draft, the junior quarterback put all the rumors to rest, confirming his commitment to Ole Miss and his plans to lead the Rebels for another season under the lights.

“I’ve prayed on it, talked with my family, my coaches, and my teammates,” Simmons said in front of a crowd of reporters and cheering fans. “At the end of the day, this place is home. Oxford is home. And I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet. I’m coming back to finish what we started.”

A Bold Decision Amid Growing Pressure

Simmons’ decision comes after a breakout 2024-2025 campaign that saw him rise to stardom as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC. He threw for over 3,700 yards with 31 touchdowns and added 9 more on the ground, electrifying crowds week after week and leading Ole Miss to a 10-3 record and a Sugar Bowl appearance.

In an era where player movement has become the norm and NIL opportunities often lure top talent into transfers, Simmons’ loyalty is both rare and refreshing. His decision to stay comes just as high-profile programs across the country were reportedly pursuing him with multi-million dollar NIL deals and promises of starting roles.

Head Coach Lane Kiffin, who has helped shape Simmons into one of the most exciting QBs in the nation, couldn’t hide his excitement.

“This kid is special—on and off the field,” Kiffin said following the announcement. “Austin’s decision to stay shows what kind of leader he is. He believes in this program, he believes in his teammates, and he believes in himself. That’s the kind of player you build a championship team around.”

Kiffin’s Promise: The New Face of the Program

Following Simmons’ announcement, Kiffin made it clear that Simmons would be more than just a returning starter.

“I told Austin he’s not just our quarterback—he’s the face of Ole Miss Football moving forward,” Kiffin said. “We’re going to build this offense around him. He’s our guy.”

Sources close to the program revealed that Kiffin and his staff have already begun revamping their playbook to highlight Simmons’ strengths—his ability to extend plays, read defenses on the fly, and deliver accurate passes under pressure. New offensive schemes are being drawn up to maximize his dual-threat abilities and give him full control at the line of scrimmage.

A Fanbase Reignited

In the hours after Simmons’ announcement, social media exploded with messages of support from fans, alumni, and even former Rebels greats. #NotGoingAnywhere trended nationally on X (formerly Twitter), and local businesses in Oxford began putting up signs and banners celebrating Simmons’ return.

“You could feel the city breathe a sigh of relief,” said longtime Ole Miss fan and season ticket holder Carla Dawson. “He’s not just a quarterback—he’s our heart. And knowing he’ll be back in that jersey this fall just means everything.”

Looking Ahead

With Simmons locked in and a talented core returning—including wide receivers Jamari Kelly and Malik Howard, as well as rising star running back TJ Woods—the Rebels are expected to be one of the preseason favorites in the SEC.

Early projections already place Ole Miss in the top 10 for 2025, and talks of a potential College Football Playoff run are no longer wishful thinking—they’re becoming real expectations.

Simmons, for his part, isn’t shying away from the challenge.

“I came here to win,” he said. “I believe this is our year. And I want to be the one leading us when that happens.”

As the sun set behind the stands of Vaught-Hemingway, fans lingered outside the stadium—smiling, chanting, and dreaming of fall Saturdays. With Austin Simmons staying put, those dreams just got a whole lot bigger.