Austin Simmons would not have been available in the second half of Saturday's game against Arkansas after aggravating a left ankle injury, but Lane Kiffin believes the injury won't be long term.
Multiple reports have Kiffin telling local media during his Sunday zoom session that, after speaking with the team doctors, he believes Simmons will be fine. Trinidad Chambliss started the game for Ole Miss, but he was forced to leave the game for a short stretch with a bloody hand. Chambliss was able to return for Ole Miss' final series of the first half, leading the Rebels to a field goal and eventually a 41-35 victory.
Lane Kiffin said he hasn’t seen Austin Simmons today following the reaggravation of his injury. But after talking with doctors and whatnot, Kiffin said, “I think Austin’s gonna be fine.”
— Michael Katz (@MichaelLKatz) September 14, 2025
Kiffin said he probably wouldn’t have been available in the second half last night, though.
There should be more information on Simmons' status for the upcoming game against Tulane after practice today. Simmons was struggling to walk and put weight on his left ankle after coming in for four snaps on Saturday.
Will Chambliss make another start?
If Simmons is slowed down in practice this week, it would increase the likelihood of Chambliss making another start. Chambliss, a transfer from Division II Ferris State, had a strong performance Saturday against Arkansas with 415 yards of total offense (353 passing, 62 rushing) and three touchdowns.
Kiffin said that Chambliss has an 'it' factor that can't be ignored.
"Trinidad's day didn't surprise me. Anytime we've got in the stadium for scrimmages, or in his play the last two games, he's done a fabulous job," Kiffin said. "I just think he has "it" and that's why we brought him here."
When asked to further elaborate on what makes Chambliss a special player, Kiffin gave credit to the scouting department in the program and added that Chambliss' 'it' factor is just something the coaches have seen.
"It's just a factor, and we saw it, obviously, on his game tape, and we saw it in scrimmages when we were in the stadium," Kiffin added. "Even as he was learning the offense and didn't know everything, he just found a way to kind of have some magic about him. He did it today and the thing I'm most proud of is the way he took care of the ball today."