Lane Kiffin’s 2025 started on a high note with a heartwarming reunion with his wife, Layla after 9 years. With two daughters, a son, and a ton of positive energy, they’re a happy blended family these days. However, back in Oxford, the football scene presents a tougher challenge. Kiffin’s already navigating the departure of star quarterback Jaxson Dart to the NFL, and despite a promising 10-3 season in 2024, the playoff snub reminds him that past success offers no guarantees. But it seems Kiffin might have found his next offensive leader, a unique talent who is all set to give SEC defensive coordinators sleepless nights.

The one causing the buzz? It’s Austin Simmons, a 6’4″, 215-pound quarterback from Moore Haven who graduated high school three years early and is now set to spearhead Kiffin’s offense. Sports enthusiast Franki Hrelja couldn’t contain his excitement, taking to Instagram to warn opposing teams: “See, this is Austin Simmons Jackson Dart’s replacement. He got his first college degree at 17 years old. He can throw a baseball 96 miles per hour, and you need to hear a story.”

It looks like Lane Kiffin has indeed found a perfect fit—not just an exceptional football player but also a talented baseball star. This sophomore at True North Classic Academy boasted a .375 batting average in his first 14 games, driving in 11 runs and stealing 7 bases, showcasing his all-around athleticism. Franki Hrelja perfectly captures Simmons’ unique background: “Austin grew up in Florida, and when he was in sixth grade, he made a massive decision. He was a really smart kid, so he started homeschooling and began taking classes online seven days a week, while also being one of the best athletes in the country in two different sports.”

Imagine a player who should still be a high school freshman already eligible for college—his impressive 5.3 GPA speaks volumes. His breakout on the field came during the summer of 2022, as Hrelja recounts: “In the summer of 2022, heading into his sophomore year, Austin was working out with NFL superstar wide receivers. Then a few months later, he broke Pahokee High School’s passing record set by Anquan Boldin.” Leading Pahokee to a 9-3 record and a regional final appearance, he threw for an astounding 3,242 yards, surpassing NFL star Anquan Boldin’s record.

It’s no wonder Lane Kiffin chose him to succeed Jaxson Dart. At just 19, Simmons is already in his third year of college, highlighting his exceptional caliber. However, his path to Kiffin’s offense wasn’t typical, as Hrelja points out: “At 17, he went to Ole Miss. Now as a true freshman, Austin redshirted on the football team. However, when the season ended, he became a star relief pitcher on the baseball team. He held opponents to a .173 batting average, the best of anyone on the team, and he struck out Charlie Condon, the number three overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft.” Simmons decided to forgo baseball this spring, focusing entirely on leading the Rebels to a championship. And he’s already making waves this offseason.

Lane Kiffin’s hidden gem is making big noise this off-season

Let’s delve into Lane Kiffin’s hidden gem, Austin Simmons—a talented lefty who, at 19, should be thinking about prom but is instead turning heads in the SEC. On April 11th, ESPN’s Pete Thamel raved about him on the College GameDay podcast, telling Rece Davis and Bill Connelly, “I am very interested in the Ole Miss Rebels. I am very interested in Austin Simmons, a lefty who is just dripping with talent. He’s the first in my memory. I’m sure somebody’s done it. Early, early enrollee, right? He went two classes early. And talented baseball player as well, though he’s given that up.” Skipping two grades is indeed remarkable.

Thamel further heaped praise on Simmons: “Every spring there’s a darling, a buzz guy, somebody that’s blown everybody away, and Austin Simmons, the Ole Miss quarterback who’s projected to start, is that guy.” And he might be spot on.

Austin Simmons isn’t just offseason hype; he showed glimpses of his potential last fall, completing 19 of 32 passes for two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Remember the Georgia game? Even with Georgia dominating early and their quarterback sidelined, Simmons stepped in and calmly completed 5 of 6 passes, leading a crucial touchdown drive in Ole Miss’s 28-10 victory. He clearly performs under pressure.

And in the Gator Bowl, with the game hanging in the balance, Simmons threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Smart, sealing the win. Despite Simmons’ emergence, Ole Miss faces a significant roster turnover in 2025, returning only four starters. This isn’t a rebuild; it’s a major overhaul with eighteen starters gone. As Coach Kiffin reshapes the team, Simmons isn’t just the quarterback; he’s expected to be a key leader.

Pete Thamel perfectly captures the situation: “There is a fascinating tension of—they’ve been very good, but not good enough to make the playoff. Can he be the guy that pushes them through? I am compelled by Oxford.” That’s the central question. The pressure is on, and Simmons will either dominate defenses or face the challenges of the SEC head-on. There’s likely no in-between.