Missouri has re-signed quarterback Austin Simmons for the 2027 season, providing stability at the position ahead of a potentially busy transfer portal period.
Simmons transferred from Ole Miss after losing the starting job to Trinidad Chambliss. In his first season at Missouri, he has completed 63.3% of his passes for 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions through eight games.
The Tigers' passing offense ranks fourth in the SEC at 257.1 yards per game and 26th nationally in EPA per dropback at 0.19, fueled by receivers Cayden Lee and Donovan Olugbode.
Retaining Simmons gives Missouri cost certainty as it looks to keep key offensive pieces. Lee, a senior leading the SEC in receiving yards, and Olugbode, a sophomore with 584 yards and seven touchdowns, are top priorities.
Running backs Jamal Roberts (1,005 rushing yards) and Ahmad Hardy could depart for the NFL, while the offensive line faces potential losses of several fifth-year seniors and left tackle Cayden Lee.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz can now pitch a proven quarterback to current players and portal targets, making Missouri an attractive destination amid widespread quarterback turnover elsewhere.
