Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons has re-signed with the Tigers for the 2027 season, sources confirmed Friday, securing a breakout signal-caller who has elevated the program into the College Football Playoff conversation.
The left-handed transfer from Ole Miss has completed 152 of 240 passes (63.3 percent) for 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions through eight games. He ranks among the SEC leaders in both passing yards and touchdowns while helping Missouri to a 6-2 record and the No. 18 spot in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.
Simmons, who turns 21 on Sunday, arrived in Columbia after beginning 2025 as Ole Miss’ starter. An ankle injury in the second game opened the door for Trinidad Chambliss, and Simmons never regained the job. He transferred and has thrived under head coach Eli Drinkwitz, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. currently ranks him as the No. 5 quarterback and No. 12 overall prospect on his 2027 Big Board.
The new agreement does not lock Simmons into returning for his final year of eligibility. Multiple outlets report that the deal still permits him to explore the 2027 NFL Draft after this season, though it removes the transfer portal as an option.
For Missouri, the early commitment provides rare stability at the sport’s most important position heading into a potentially volatile offseason. A majority of the Tigers’ top skill players retain eligibility for 2027, allowing the staff to retain talent and recruit aggressively around a proven starter rather than searching for a new quarterback.
Simmons and No. 18 Missouri host Texas on Saturday in a critical late-season matchup that will further shape both the team’s playoff hopes and the quarterback’s draft evaluation. Regardless of whether Simmons ultimately turns pro or returns to Columbia, the Tigers have locked in one of the conference’s most efficient and rapidly ascending passers for the foreseeable future.
