Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels fought hard to a 10-3 record, going all-out for the natty but ultimately falling short of even making the playoffs. Now that their all-time leading passer has turned pro, Kiffin has to fill that spot with someone who can pursue what they missed out on last season. And he didn’t blink before crowning Austin Simmons as the definite heir to the throne. And Simmons? He’s already captivating everyone after generating a lot of excitement this spring.

“I’ve never really been a verbal-type leader,” Simmons said. “I’m really trying to progress in that and become better in that field.” He didn’t develop that swagger overnight. Under Jaxson Dart’s tutelage, Simmons honed his skills, combining natural talent with experience, and seized his opportunity.

Austin Simmons, a former 4-star phenom who graduated high school two years early with a GPA over 4.0, isn’t just a football talent; he also plays basketball. After two years backing up Jaxson Dart, this QB is now ready to lead the offense. Simmons believes it’s no shock Dart was a first-round pick, acknowledging his key role in the transition. On the Rebel Report Podcast, when asked about his biggest takeaways from Dart as the starter, Simmons said, “I would say leadership, accountability, and really just putting everything on the line for the team.” This is evident in his offseason skills.

Lane Kiffin has been impressed with Austin Simmons’s spring development, noting, “I think (Simmons) has done a really good job spending time with players during spring camp. He’s always out trying to throw extra with them. He’s got a hard act to follow.” Simmons himself echoed this, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry for their success.

“We’re still finding ourselves and just looking for that true identity so we can build that chemistry with all of us,” Simmons explained. “Summer will be really big for us. I feel like that’s where we’re going to find ourselves, who we are, and how we’re going to be competitive in the SEC.”

The quarterback situation, while facing some shifts, isn’t entirely bleak. Louisville transfer Pierce Clarkson initially moved up to QB2 behind Austin Simmons while AJ Maddox was sidelined with a hand injury. However, Clarkson re-entered the portal this spring. To address the need for depth, Lane Kiffin and his staff quickly secured transfer commitments from Trinidad Chambliss, the former Ferris State star who led his team to a Division II national championship, and Maealiuaki Smith from Oklahoma State.

“We’re always trying to make our roster competitive, each individual position more competitive. We’ve done that, especially with quarterback and it makes the other players better,” Kiffin said. “Glad we were able to get that done because it makes the room better. AJ has done a good job until the injury.” But quarterback isn’t the only position they’re focusing on.

To replace veteran players, the Rebels are bolstering their offense with new firepower. De’Zhaun Stribling from Oklahoma State, Harrison Wallace from Penn State, Deuce Alexander from Wake Forest, and Caleb Odom from Alabama are all expected to contribute immediately, with Lane Kiffin utilizing each player’s unique skills in his offensive scheme to maintain a high level of performance.

With these new key additions and a new QB on the verge of making a splash this season, Lane Kiffin seems pretty satisfied with the way the team is moving ahead and building its culture.

Lane Kiffin’s 4-word culture pitch!

Ole Miss football, under Lane Kiffin’s five-year guidance, has found consistent success—a proof of the program’s culture, as highlighted by freshman quarterback Austin Simmons. Now stepping into the starting role, Simmons emphasizes the strong community and unwavering support surrounding the team. “I’d say my connection to the school is pretty strong. There’s constant support around this program,” Simmons noted. “I just love this whole community by itself. Without sports, I would still go to this school. Really it’s just the environment, all the support, all the constant support you get.” His words shout his deep connection to the university and its people.

Simmons further elaborated that this community support extends beyond the gridiron, permeating daily life. He described feeling a sense of belonging through frequent interactions with enthusiastic fans in public. “And I can go to Walmart or go to Kroger right now and just get noticed by people, and they’ll tell me they’re excited for next season,” Simmons shared. “It’s just a great feeling just going out and having people let you know that they have your back, no matter what. It’s just a great feeling, and I love this school.”

Lane Kiffin himself echoed this sentiment on his X, sharing a clip of Simmons discussing their culture with a clear message for recruits, both current and future: #ComeToTheSip. Ole Miss’ achievements, both on and off the field, are deeply rooted in this strong sense of community and support.

Kiffin’s built something solid at Ole Miss, racking up a sweet 44-18 record, including back-to-back strong seasons at 11-2 and 10-3. And now, with Simmons stepping up—the one who flashed some real potential last year with 282 passing yards, 2 TDs (19/32), and even 14 rushing yards—Kiffin, who snagged him from Miami, sees him as the perfect leader to take over from Dart. Plus, that supportive culture they’ve got seems like a real foundation for 2025.

While the pressure now squarely rests on Austin Simmons’ shoulders, his spring development paints a promising picture. As he takes charge of the team’s offense, even his teammates have been impressed with his progress. “I’ve seen Austin really step up. Just being a leader, he always wants to put in work, he always wants to throw with the receivers, and he always wants to get meshes with me. He’s becoming a leader; he’s taking control of the team. That’s what we need from our quarterback,” remarked RB Domonique Thomas. Will the Austin Simmons hype become on-field heat, cementing Kiffin’s culture?