COLUMBIA, Mo. (KCTV) - Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons has had [some of the most improved NFL Draft stock of any quarterback](https://www.kctv5.com/2026/10/08/mizzous-simmons-stock-soaring-one-biggest-risers-early-2027-nfl-mock-draft/) in college football this season.
But as that’s happened, the redshirt junior and Mizzou announced Friday that Simmons has re-signed with the program for the 2027 season.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Simmons’ signing “allows the staff at Missouri to retain and recruit a top roster.” Thamel reports the contract still allows Simmons to explore the NFL Draft if he desires.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Simmons as the fifth-ranked draft-eligible quarterback for the 2027 NFL Draft class.
This year, the Ole Miss transfer has led the Tigers to a 6-2 record and No. 18 ranking in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, which came out Tuesday.
This year, the left-handed quarterback has completed 63.3% of his passes for 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
On Saturday, Simmons and the Tigers welcome another highly-touted quarterback with an NFL Draft decision to make, Texas’ Arch Manning, to Columbia for a top-25 matchup.
Kickoff between the No. 7 Longhorns and No. 18 Tigers is set for 11 a.m.
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