The Rebels are barreling towards their season opener this Saturday inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium against Georgia State. Lane Kiffin gave his views, and then we got to hear from two of the offensive leaders of the team. Juniors Austin Simmons and Cayden Lee, both represented the Rebels at SEC Media Days, took the podium.
The Austin Simmons era is now fully amongst us. JaxsonDart is off doing great things in the NFL, and Rebel fans are trying to learn their new QB. Simmons has continued to flash more of his personality as his responsibilities in front of the media have increased and Monday was no different. Simmons started with a joke.
" I really just thought about today being the first day of school. Getting here early in the morning, getting a parking spot. You know everyone likes to be like Johnny Scholar."
Simmons then pivoted to discuss how the scrimmages have been highly beneficial for his growth, both as a leader and on the field.
Things then turned to his relationship with his wide receivers. There has been a lot of talk about how deep the receiving corps is for Ole Miss this season and how many weapons the new signal caller will have. However, one name stood out the most in his answers, and that was returning WR Cayden Lee.
Simmons and Lee came in together as members of the 2023 recruiting class and have developed an incredible relationship. Both of them talked about it during their media appearances this week.
"It's always been close since I enrolled. We've just gotten so much closer over time." Simmons said on his relationship with Cayden Lee.
He followed up speaking to how it helps them in preparation and on the field. "We talk on the phone about certain looks we see and what we can do better, options. He’ll tell me he’s going to do this on that look".
Cayden Lee took the podium immediately after Simmons, and there was some friendly banter as they changed places.
Lee summed it up very simply, "I feel like me and Austin’s relationship goes like beyond the football field. We’re like best friends."
Their friendship has clearly translated to the field. During Simmons' limited snaps last season, he frequently looked Lee's direction, including a big pass in the Georgia game.
The dynamic duo will be a key piece to the Rebels' offense and determine the course of the 2025 season.