Ole Miss’ Austin Simmons No Longer on Baseball Roster to Focus on Football

In a surprising turn of events, Austin Simmons, a dual-sport athlete at the University of Mississippi, has removed himself from the Ole Miss baseball roster to fully dedicate his attention to football. This decision comes as a significant development, both for Simmons’ career and for the teams involved, as the young athlete has been widely regarded as one of the more promising talents in the state of Mississippi. While his dual commitment to both baseball and football was an impressive feat, it seems the allure and future potential of football has now taken precedence.

Simmons’ journey to this point is deeply rooted in his background and his athletic career thus far, characterized by immense promise in both sports, alongside a rapidly developing football career. To understand the full context of his decision, it’s important to consider the trajectory of his athletic growth and his decision-making process in shifting from a two-sport athlete to a full-time football prospect.

A Dual-Sport Athlete with Big Dreams

Austin Simmons was always a standout athlete at the high school level, with his talents clearly extending across multiple sports. A quarterback on the football field, Simmons showed off his arm strength, leadership, and poise under pressure. At the same time, he exhibited impressive skills as a shortstop in baseball, which earned him recognition as one of the best dual-sport athletes in the state.

Simmons’ recruitment process was intense, with both Ole Miss and other major schools showing strong interest in him for both baseball and football. He was ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the country and had the potential to become a future star at that position in college football. Simultaneously, his abilities on the diamond were undeniable. As a shortstop, he was seen as a future MLB draft prospect.

During his recruitment, Simmons faced the difficult task of making a decision about which sport to focus on, but ultimately, he chose Ole Miss, where he would have the opportunity to play both baseball and football. This decision was lauded by many, as it demonstrated his desire to pursue his passions in both sports while potentially elevating Ole Miss as a school with an elite two-sport athlete.

The Early Days at Ole Miss

Upon arriving at Ole Miss, Simmons began his collegiate career as a dual-sport athlete, something that’s rarely seen in the world of modern college athletics. Many athletes who have the potential to succeed in multiple sports are forced to choose one, as the time commitments and specialized training for each sport typically don’t align.

But Simmons’ story was different. With a strong work ethic, athletic ability, and support from the coaching staffs of both programs, he was able to balance his time between football and baseball in his first seasons. He played a role in the Ole Miss baseball team as a freshman, demonstrating his potential with solid performances on the field. Meanwhile, he also participated in football activities, taking on a backup role behind the Rebels’ starting quarterback.

His time in baseball was not entirely without its challenges. Like most college freshmen, he had to adjust to the rigorous nature of the game at the collegiate level, and the transition from high school to college competition was not always seamless. However, his potential as an infielder was evident, and many scouts continued to view him as a player with the skills to potentially make an impact in Major League Baseball.

Football: A Rising Star

While Simmons showed promise in baseball, it was his football career that seemed to be gaining momentum. Despite playing behind a talented quarterback at Ole Miss, he quickly developed a reputation as a player with a bright future. His raw arm strength, mobility, and football IQ made him a desirable prospect, both for Ole Miss and for any football program hoping to add a talented quarterback to their roster.

Simmons began to see more action on the field during his second season with the Rebels, particularly when injuries affected the team’s starting quarterback. As he stepped into more prominent roles, it became increasingly clear that he had a natural talent for football, especially as he showcased his leadership skills and ability to make big plays.

During the 2023 season, Simmons had the opportunity to demonstrate his skills in high-pressure situations. His performance on the field made it clear that he had the potential to become the Rebels’ starting quarterback in the near future. In addition to his on-field development, he displayed great leadership in the locker room and earned the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

The Decision to Focus on Football

By the time the 2024 season rolled around, it became apparent that Simmons’ football trajectory was gaining far more momentum than his baseball career. For a player of Simmons’ caliber, specializing in one sport was the most logical decision if he wanted to maximize his potential. College football, particularly the quarterback position, demands the utmost focus and preparation. The time spent balancing two sports at the collegiate level had begun to take its toll on Simmons, and he had to make the difficult decision to prioritize his future in football.

In January 2025, it was confirmed that Simmons would no longer be on the Ole Miss baseball roster, citing his desire to “concentrate on playing football.” This decision was met with mixed reactions—while many understood the reasoning behind it, there were also plenty of fans and analysts who were disappointed to see the talented shortstop leave the baseball program. However, it was clear that Simmons was making the choice that he believed would give him the best chance at a successful future in sports.

While leaving the baseball team was a difficult choice, Simmons remained focused on his goals in football. As a quarterback, his development would require year-round dedication to the sport. Training, studying film, and honing his skills as a leader would be his top priorities, and by focusing solely on football, he could improve his chances of becoming a standout college quarterback and potentially moving on to the NFL.

The Future of Austin Simmons

Looking ahead, the future of Austin Simmons is certainly bright, particularly in the world of football. After showing promise as a backup quarterback and earning playing time during the 2024 season, he is now poised to compete for a starting role in the upcoming years. The Ole Miss football program has a solid reputation for developing quarterbacks, and Simmons’ decision to focus on football could give him the opportunity to carve out a starting position.

Given the rapid development of quarterbacks in college football, Simmons will need to continue improving his mechanics, decision-making, and leadership. However, his raw talent is undeniable, and with a full offseason of football training, he could quickly establish himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

If he continues on his current trajectory, Austin Simmons may one day play on Sundays, with the NFL as a realistic goal. While baseball will no longer be a part of his future, the door is still open for him to build a successful football career.

Reactions and Reflections

The decision to leave the baseball team and focus solely on football undoubtedly impacts the Ole Miss baseball program. While Simmons’ departure might leave a gap in the lineup, the Rebels’ baseball program is known for its depth and has produced numerous Major League Baseball prospects over the years. While Simmons’ decision is a loss for the team, they remain a powerhouse in college baseball with the talent to continue competing at a high level.

For Simmons, this transition marks the beginning of a new chapter. While he may no longer be playing baseball, the challenges and opportunities ahead in football will require a high level of dedication and commitment. His decision to step away from baseball shows his willingness to do whatever it takes to maximize his football potential, and that determination is what makes his story so inspiring.