Missouri has re-signed quarterback Austin Simmons for the 2027 season, sources told ESPN in a Nov. 6, 2026, report by Pete Thamel. But the signing does not guarantee he will return for his final year of college eligibility: Thamel reported that Simmons could still explore the NFL draft.
That possibility comes with a prominent draft evaluation. ESPN's report placed Simmons at No. 5 among quarterbacks and No. 12 overall on draft analyst Mel Kiper's then-latest Big Board. Those are prospect rankings, not a prediction of where Simmons will be selected.
At the time of the report, Simmons had led Missouri to a 6-2 record and the No. 18 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. He had thrown 16 touchdown passes, third-most in the SEC, against two interceptions in 240 attempts. His 244 passing yards per game ranked fourth in the conference, Thamel reported.
It was a different trajectory from his time at Ole Miss. Simmons earned the starting job there in 2025 but injured his ankle, never regained the job and ultimately transferred to Missouri, according to ESPN.
For the Tigers, the early signing offers an opportunity for continuity rather than a settled 2027 roster. Thamel reported that a majority of Missouri's top skill players had additional eligibility, giving the program a chance to build on its 2026 momentum. Simmons' potential return remains subject to the draft possibility outlined in the report.
