Austin Simmons Takes the Helm for Missouri's 2026 Season
Missouri football announced this week that Austin Simmons will be the Tigers’ starting quarterback for the 2026 campaign, marking a departure from coach Eli Drinkwitz’s typical starter. The decision comes as the program looks to inject fresh energy into a passing attack that has struggled for consistency in recent seasons.
Simmons arrives in Columbia after a stint at Ole Miss where he completed 60% of his passes for 1,026 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. Standing 6‑foot‑4 and weighing 215 pounds, the left‑handed quarterback brings a rare combination of size and arm angle that could stretch defenses in ways the SEC has not often seen.
Although the numbers are modest, Simmons is not without experience. He has logged 259 snaps in college, a figure that trails his backup, Matt Zollers, who has seen 261 snaps. The close margin underscores the uncertainty surrounding Simmons’ readiness, as he has yet to navigate a full year as a starter and will now face the rigors of SEC play.
Beyond the gridiron, Simmons’ athletic background includes a brief foray into baseball, where he made 13 relief appearances for Ole Miss in the 2024 season. That dual‑sport experience may translate into poise under pressure, though the transition from college baseball to SEC football remains a significant leap.
The Tigers’ fan base is cautiously optimistic, hoping Simmons’ arm talent will revitalize an offense that has been hampered by turnovers and stalled drives. Yet the coaching staff must balance immediate expectations with the developmental nature of a quarterback still carving out his identity at the highest level of collegiate football.