Smart Praises Missouri QB Austin Simmons
Georgia coach Kirby Smart evaluated Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons ahead of next week's game in Athens.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Football
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart evaluated Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons, describing his accuracy, arm strength and anticipation of throws. Georgia is scheduled to host Missouri in Athens next week.
Why it matters
Smart's assessment of Simmons, who starts for Missouri, previews the quarterback matchup Georgia faces in its upcoming home game. Simmons' college career began at Ole Miss, giving him familiarity with the competition in the SEC.
Simmons went 5-of-6 for 64 yards in a 28-10 Ole Miss win in 2024, when he relieved Jaxson Dart. Georgia's most recent defensive outing contained Trinidad Chambliss in what was his worst career game.
The players
Kirby Smart
Kirby Smart is the head football coach at the University of Georgia, leading the Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference.
Austin Simmons
Austin Simmons is the starting quarterback for Missouri, who began his college career at Ole Miss before transferring.
The details
Smart praised Simmons' accuracy, arm strength and anticipation, saying his throws arrive quickly and can be placed anywhere on the field. Georgia lost at home to Auburn and most recently defeated Ole Miss.
Timeline
2024: Simmons relieved Jaxson Dart and led Ole Miss to a 28-10 win.
Last week: Georgia contained Trinidad Chambliss in his worst career game.
November 9, 2026: Smart's comments on Simmons were published.
Next week: Georgia hosts Missouri in Athens.
Season Trajectory
Georgia's home loss to Auburn complicates its path through the SEC, making each remaining game a bigger test of its playoff position. Facing a quarterback with Simmons' background adds a clear opportunity to show defensive consistency after a week in which it contained Trinidad Chambliss.
Fantasy managers tracking Simmons should note his limited 2024 sample, which offers little certainty about his current production. Georgia's defensive response to his passing will shape how Missouri's offense performs in Athens.
The takeaway
Strong quarterback play often hinges on accuracy and quick decisions, the traits Smart highlighted in Simmons. Watching how those traits hold up against a top defense will show whether Simmons' early praise translates into results.
What happens next
Georgia hosts Missouri in Athens next week.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage across the United States for context on this matchup.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Saturday Down South.
