BREAKING: Ole Miss Star Austin Simmons Shocks College Football Fans by Accepting Astonishing $8.5 Million NIL Offer from Ohio State and Texas Longhorns, Choosing to Stay with Ole Miss Rebels: ‘I Have No Plans Other Than Winning a Championship with the Rebels’….

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BREAKING: Ole Miss Star Austin Simmons Shocks College Football Fans by Accepting Astonishing $8.5 Million NIL Offer from Ohio State and Texas Longhorns, Choosing to Stay with Ole Miss Rebels: ‘I Have No Plans Other Than Winning a Championship with the Rebels’

In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals continue to reshape the college football landscape, few stories have captured the attention and stunned the community quite like that of Austin Simmons. The Ole Miss star quarterback, widely regarded as one of the most electrifying young talents in the country, reportedly received a staggering combined $8.5 million NIL offer from college football powerhouses Ohio State and Texas — only to turn it down in favor of staying in Oxford.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the sport, leaving fans, analysts, and even some insiders speechless. Simmons, a dual-threat phenom with a rocket arm and elite football IQ, had been rumored for weeks to be at the center of a heated bidding war between two of the game’s richest and most influential programs. The Buckeyes and Longhorns each viewed Simmons as a potential cornerstone — a future Heisman candidate capable of leading their programs to national titles.

But Simmons had other plans.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Ohio State and Texas,” Simmons said in a statement released via his social media accounts. “They’re two of the most respected programs in college football, and the opportunities they presented were incredible. But my heart is in Oxford. I came to Ole Miss to win championships, and that hasn’t changed. I have no plans other than winning a championship with the Rebels.”

The announcement comes as a surprise not only because of the magnitude of the offers Simmons declined, but because of what it signals about his loyalty and long-term vision. At a time when the transfer portal is busier than ever and NIL money is driving many decisions, Simmons’ commitment to Ole Miss and head coach Lane Kiffin is both rare and refreshing.

Sources close to the situation confirmed that Ohio State and Texas were prepared to structure the deal around a combination of endorsements, appearance fees, exclusive media content, and long-term marketing partnerships, with Simmons standing to earn as much as $8.5 million over two years. The packages reportedly included brand collaborations with national sportswear companies, local business tie-ins in Columbus and Austin, and even early equity stakes in startup ventures.

Yet Simmons and his inner circle stood firm in their decision.

“Money’s great, but legacy lasts forever,” Simmons told ESPN’s Marty Smith in a follow-up interview. “I want to be remembered as the guy who stayed and delivered something special to this university. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the coaching, and now it’s just about putting in the work.”

Ole Miss fans erupted in celebration after the news broke. Social media lit up with cheers, memes, and emotional posts from Rebel Nation expressing gratitude and admiration for their star quarterback. “Austin Simmons is HIM,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “You don’t walk away from $8.5M unless you’re on a mission. Let’s go get that natty.”

Coach Lane Kiffin, known for his offensive brilliance and ability to recruit top-tier talent, called Simmons’ decision “one of the most defining moments in our program’s recent history.”

“There’s no question Austin is a special player,” Kiffin said. “But it’s what he’s made of off the field that sets him apart. He’s a leader, a competitor, and a true Rebel. We’re building something real here, and he’s right at the center of it.”

Kiffin also acknowledged the changing dynamics of college football, noting that NIL opportunities are here to stay — and that schools need to adapt without losing sight of the values that define their programs.

“There’s a balance to be struck between NIL and loyalty,” he added. “Austin showed the world today that belief in a vision and a team can still win out.”

From a national perspective, Simmons’ decision may prompt a reevaluation of how players approach NIL and their college careers. While many athletes are understandably chasing financial security, Simmons’ move highlights that relationships, goals, and a belief in a team culture still carry weight.

“He’s setting an example,” said former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III. “This isn’t just about saying no to money — it’s about saying yes to legacy. That kid wants to build something, and that’s powerful.”

Simmons’ play on the field speaks for itself. As a freshman, he threw for over 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns, while adding another 600 yards and 8 scores on the ground. He’s widely projected to be a top pick in future NFL Drafts and has already drawn comparisons to Jalen Hurts and Caleb Williams for his poise, versatility, and playmaking ability.

With Simmons leading the charge, Ole Miss enters the 2025 season as a legitimate contender in the SEC. The Rebels are returning several key starters on both sides of the ball and boast one of the top-rated recruiting classes in the country. Simmons’ return solidifies their status as a team to watch in the playoff hunt.

“I know what we’ve got in that locker room,” Simmons said. “This isn’t just talk — we’re coming for it all.”

As the college football world digests this shocking turn of events, one thing is clear: Austin Simmons is not just playing for money — he’s playing for something bigger.

And in doing so, he may have just changed the game.

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