Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Austin Simmons has reportedly declined a staggering $4.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the Georgia Bulldogs. This revelation comes just months after Simmons, a highly touted prospect, inked a lucrative $2.1 million NIL deal with Ole Miss in December 2024, further underscoring his value and potential.
Sources close to both programs indicate that Georgia, anticipating the eventual departure of their current quarterback Carson Beck, identified Simmons as an ideal successor to lead their offense. The Bulldogs reportedly presented Simmons with the jaw-dropping $4.5 million package in an attempt to lure the young talent away from Oxford.
However, Simmons, who has yet to play a down for the Rebels, ultimately turned down the tempting offer, reaffirming his dedication to Ole Miss.
This decision sends a powerful message about Simmons’ loyalty and belief in the Ole Miss program under Head Coach Lane Kiffin.
Despite the significant financial incentive from a perennial national championship contender like Georgia, Simmons has chosen to stick with the Rebels, where he is expected to compete for the starting quarterback role in the near future.
Simmons’ existing $2.1 million NIL deal with Ole Miss was already one of the most substantial for a player who has yet to take the field at the collegiate level, highlighting the immense potential the program sees in him.
Turning down an additional $2.4 million from Georgia speaks volumes about his commitment to the Rebels and the relationships he has built within the program.
For Georgia, this setback means they will need to continue their search for a quarterback to eventually replace Beck. While they undoubtedly have other talented players on their roster, missing out on a prospect of Simmons’ caliber is a notable loss.
Meanwhile, the news has been met with elation among Ole Miss fans and within the program. Simmons’ decision to stay put is seen as a major victory for the Rebels, demonstrating their ability to not only attract top talent but also to retain them in the face of lucrative offers from other elite programs.
In an era where the transfer portal and NIL deals can lead to significant player movement, Simmons’ commitment provides a sense of stability and excitement for the future of Ole Miss football.