There is an alternative universe in which Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons is one of the main characters in this week's highly anticipated top-10 LSU vs. Instead, he is far removed from the drama of Lane Kiffin's return to Mississippi and is thriving within his new digs at Mizzou after leading the Tigers to a 38-21 win at rival Kansas in Week 2. Recruited by Kiffin to play for Ole Miss, Simmons arrived in Mississippi at 17, redshirted as a true freshman in 2023 and then impressed as the backup in 2024.
As a redshirt freshman that year, Simmons came off the bench to lead an early scoring drive in the Rebels' win over Georgia while starter Jaxson Dart worked through an injury. Following Dart's departure, Simmons took over the starting job and seemed primed to become Kiffin's next quarterback success story. Then came a Week 2 ankle injury in the 2025 SEC opener against Kentucky that opened the door for Ole Miss backup Trinidad Chambliss.
As Simmons recovered from the injury, Chambliss ran away with the starting job, winning SEC Newcomer of the Year. But Simmons never stopped being an SEC-caliber starting quarterback, and he looks like a perfect fit at Mizzou thus far. Simmons ranks sixth nationally in (expected points added) per dropback and third among those who have actually faced a Power Four defense.
All the attention is on Kiffin's return to Ole Miss this week with LSU. But Simmons will make his return to Oxford on Oct. 17. Chambliss QB battle that day is one to circle.
After impressing in Week 2, Simmons is one of the big risers in this week's quarterback power rankings, jumping from 30th to 10th. Big swings are common in the QBPR, especially early in the season as data floods in. Oklahoma's John Mateer dropped from 22nd to outside the top 50 this week, and LSU's Sam Leavitt fell from No. 2 to No. 43 after throwing three interceptions in the first half against Louisiana Tech.
Menash has completed 41 of 45 passes for 653 yards with eight touchdowns and no interceptions through two games. Among those with 30+ pass attempts, he is No. 1 nationally in per dropback. Among QBs who have faced a Power Four opponent, he owns a commanding edge in passer rating.
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