Quarterback Austin Simmons will return to Missouri for the 2027 season after signing a new contract, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
The deal still allows Simmons to explore entering the 2027 draft following the campaign, Thamel adds.
Simmons is in his first year as Missouri's starting quarterback after transferring from Ole Miss. He was initially a four-star recruit in 2024 before reclassifying to the 2023 class.
The 20-year-old was projected to be the Rebels' starting signal-caller in 2025, but a mid-September ankle injury opened the door for Trinidad Chambliss to secure the job for the rest of the year.
Simmons is considered one of the top draft-eligible quarterbacks and has led the Tigers to a 6-2 record through eight games. He's completed 63.2% of his passes this year, throwing for 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns, and two interceptions. His two turnovers are also the fewest among all qualifying SEC signal-callers, according to TruMedia.
Missouri secured the No. 18 spot in the first release of this year's College Football Playoff ranking earlier this week. The program will face Texas on Saturday, with kickoff slated for 12 p.m. ET.
