Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
By Chris Marler
Missouri has gotten ahead of the curve this offseason it seems. They started Spring practice in February before any other programs.
They’re now naming a starting quarterback as Spring practice concluded on Thursday quelling any talk about a quarterback battle in Columbia.
Former Ole Miss starting QB Austin Simmons will be starting for his second school in as many years. This time it will be for Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers. Eli Drinkwitz has had rave reviews about the sophomore signal caller since he stepped foot on campus.
“I think [Austin Simmons is] very competitive in nature,” Drinkwitz said in February. “I think he’s got natural talent as a quarterback, obviously. Very good arm talent, decision-maker. Has the ability to run. Obviously, hasn’t played a ton of football because of the injury last year, but when he has gotten his opportunity, he’s played at a really high level and high clip.”
NEWS: Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per an ESPN source. He’s entering with a no contact tag, with Missouri as the favorite to land him. He’s expected to stay with Ole Miss through the CFP. pic.twitter.com/z7B6jaNhz6
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 2, 2026
Simmons began last season as the starting quarterback for Lane Kiffin’s Rebels. A rocky and slow start, however, that saw him throw four interceptions in the first two games and in an injury against Kentucky, gave an opportunity to Trinidad Chambliss. That was an opportunity that Chambliss seized and never let go of.
Simmons will start for an offensive minded coach and for one of the most underrated and overlooked programs in the country year in and year out. Missouri’s 29 wins over the last three seasons are the fourth most of anyone in the conference (that has been an SEC member for those three years). The Tigers will look to be bowl eligible for a seventh consecutive season under Eli Drinkwitz, which would tie a program record.
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