Missouri Re-signs Quarterback Austin Simmons
Redshirt junior Austin Simmons will return to Missouri for the 2027 season, with a contract that allows him to explore the NFL Draft.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
Missouri announced Friday that it has re-signed quarterback Austin Simmons for the 2027 season. The contract allows Simmons to explore the NFL Draft if he chooses.
Why it matters
Simmons, who transferred to Missouri from Ole Miss, is leading the team to a 6-2 record and a No. 18 initial College Football Playoff ranking. Retaining him gives the program continuity at the most important position on the roster.
Simmons has thrown for 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns and 2 interceptions this season while completing 63.3% of his passes. Mel Kiper ranks him as the fifth-ranked draft-eligible quarterback in the 2027 class, but whether he declares remains undecided.
The players
Austin Simmons
Missouri redshirt junior quarterback who transferred from Ole Miss and is leading the team this season.
Mel Kiper
ESPN NFL draft analyst who ranks Simmons as the fifth-ranked draft-eligible quarterback for the 2027 class.
Pete Thamel
ESPN college sports reporter who reported the terms of Simmons' contract.
The details
Missouri announced the re-signing on Friday, and ESPN's Pete Thamel reported the contract terms. The deal keeps Simmons in Columbia for 2027 while preserving his option to explore the NFL Draft.
Timeline
Friday, November 6, 2026: Missouri announces Simmons' re-signing.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11 a.m.: Missouri plays No. 7 Texas in a top-25 matchup.
Season Trajectory
Keeping Simmons in place stabilizes Missouri's quarterback position as the program climbs in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. The arrangement also reflects how contracts now give players flexibility to test the NFL Draft while staying with their schools.
Simmons' 1,952 passing yards and 16 touchdowns make him a relevant name for fantasy and draft-watchers following Missouri. The re-signing means Columbia fans can expect him to start in the Tigers' offense next season unless he declares for the draft.
The takeaway
Simmons' contract gives him a choice about the NFL Draft without forcing an early decision. For fans, the season's remaining games will show whether Missouri's offense can keep its current pace.
What happens next
Missouri faces No. 7 Texas on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., the next game that will test the offense Simmons leads.
Further reading
For more on the program, see Football coverage from Columbia.
