Austin Simmons flashed his potential in his first career start, leading Ole Miss to a dominating 63-7 win over Georgia State. And he finished 20-for-31 for 341 yards, along with 3 TDs, spreading the ball to eight different receivers, led by Harrison Wallace III. The performance had fans buzzing about the QB’s future. But Week 2 brought a setback. Simmons left the 30-23 win over Kentucky with an ankle injury, though he returned for the final snap in victory formation. Here, the reality of durability questions and the physical toll of SEC play tempered the bright start. Now, heading into Week 3 and for the first SEC home game against Arkansas, the big question looms: will Simmons be on the field?

Simmons’ ankle remains a major concern, and everyone’s watching to see if Ole Miss will get their rising star back under center. Here, Wednesday’s initial player report labeled the redshirt sophomore as ‘Probable’, giving fans a glimmer of hope. But the second update added a twist, leaving the team and the Rebels faithful on edge. So, the question now isn’t just whether he’ll play, but how ready he’ll be to take the snaps come kickoff.

On September 12, On3’s Pete Nakos reported a promising update. “Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons is not listed on tonight’s injury report ahead of Arkansas.” Although Simmons had spent most of the week in a boot and skipped full practices, Rebel Grove’s Chuck Rounsaville noted he took part in Thursday’s walkthrough. On top of that, backup Trinidad Chambliss continued running first-team reps all week, keeping the offense ready. But now, with this second update, it’s looking like Simmons could be back under center for Week 3, suggesting his ankle injury may not be as serious as feared. But Simmons isn’t the only one dealing with an injury.

CB Jaylon Braxton remains ‘Questionable’ after missing the Kentucky game due to a medical situation. Meanwhile starter Dae’Quan Wright is off the report. But the other side isn’t completely healthy either.

For Arkansas, several impact players are out, including WR Monte Harrison and DL Kavion Henderson. But that’s not all. There’s WR Ismael Cisse, WR Antonio Jordan, and RB Cam Settles. To top it off, RB Markeylin Batton, DL David Oke, and DL Quincy Rhodes Jr. are listed as ‘Questionable’, while punter Devin Bale is ‘Probable’. So, safe to say, both teams will have to adjust as they prepare for Saturday’s showdown. But here, Rebel fans have reason to cheer, as their coach teases the return of two major transfers.

Rebels fans get more than just Austin Simmons’ return

This Saturday, the Rebels return home to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for their first SEC matchup against the Razorbacks. So, momentum is high, but the team is still looking for reinforcements.

During the offseason, Ole Miss made waves by landing 3 top transfers from Arkansas: OG Patrick Kutas, TE Luke Hasz, and DB Jaylon Braxton. So far, only Kutas has suited up, earning mixed reviews as he battles through lingering injuries from his Razorback days. But now, Hasz, who missed most of the summer with a broken ankle, is expected to play this weekend. Here, HC Lane Kiffin said, “I expect him to play this weekend.” And his presence could give the Rebels’ offense a serious boost against his former team.

The case for Braxton is a bit different but just as exciting. The Freshman All-American missed his 2nd season at Arkansas with injury and arrived at Ole Miss still recovering. Although he looked ready during spring practice and preseason scrimmages, but another setback delayed his debut. Now, when he does return, Braxton could transform the Rebels’ secondary, which remains a work in progress. Kiffin hinted at his impact, noting his versatility at CB and safety and his potential to make an instant difference.