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In the world of college football, one of the most poignant and humbling moments is when teammates must part ways and pursue their professional dreams. This moment is particularly emotional for players who have shared seasons, victories, losses, and the many challenges that come with playing at the highest level of college football. For Austin Simmons, the quarterback from Ole Miss, this sentiment has become particularly significant as he takes a step back and watches his former teammate, Jaxson Dart, embark on his own journey toward the NFL.

As the college football season concluded, many eyes turned to the 2025 NFL Draft, and for some, the NFL Combine was the ultimate test. For Jaxson Dart, the starting quarterback at Ole Miss, this was an opportunity to show the world what he could do on the biggest stage. In a heartfelt moment of sportsmanship and camaraderie, Austin Simmons, who has played alongside Dart for a number of seasons, took to social media to wish his friend and fellow quarterback the best of luck at the NFL Combine.

This gesture speaks volumes about the type of leader Austin Simmons is and the brotherhood that exists within the Ole Miss football program. In this blog post, we’ll explore Simmons’ message to Dart, their journey together at Ole Miss, and the significance of their relationship as teammates. We’ll also take a look at what lies ahead for both players as they each carve their own path in the world of football.

### Austin Simmons and Jaxson Dart: A Shared Journey at Ole Miss

The story of Austin Simmons and Jaxson Dart is one of competition, growth, and mutual respect. Both quarterbacks entered Ole Miss with their own expectations, with Dart coming in as a highly-touted transfer from USC and Simmons, a talented local product, looking to carve out his own place in the program. Their paths eventually crossed as they both fought for the starting job in a program that had established itself as an offensive juggernaut under head coach Lane Kiffin.

Dart, with his strong arm and impressive mobility, quickly became the face of the Ole Miss offense. As the starting quarterback, he led the Rebels through high-profile matchups in the SEC and helped solidify the program’s status as a contender in the conference. Dart’s performances on the field earned him recognition, and many experts believed he had the talent and tools necessary to take his game to the next level.

Simmons, on the other hand, was a consistent presence behind Dart, offering support and pushing his teammate to be better. While Simmons did not see as much playing time as Dart, his role on the team as a backup quarterback and leader in the locker room was vital. The relationship between the two quarterbacks was always one of mutual respect. Simmons, though a competitor, understood that the team’s success depended on collaboration and encouragement. Their relationship was built on the shared goal of helping Ole Miss succeed, regardless of who was under center.

As the 2024 season unfolded, Simmons became more involved in the team’s operations, providing invaluable mentorship to the younger players. He also kept pushing Dart to elevate his game, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition and teamwork. Their bond on and off the field allowed the offense to click, and they became one of the more talked-about quarterback duos in the SEC.

### The NFL Combine and Jaxson Dart’s Next Step

Jaxson Dart’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft was a natural progression for the talented quarterback. Over the course of his career at Ole Miss, Dart demonstrated all the traits that NFL scouts look for in a quarterback: a cannon of an arm, mobility, poise in the pocket, and a strong football IQ. He led the Rebels through some of their toughest games, including a standout performance against rivals like Mississippi State and LSU, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

As Dart’s journey now moves toward the NFL Combine, where he will be put through a battery of physical tests, drills, and interviews, he is looking to prove to scouts that he is ready to take the next step. The Combine, a pivotal moment in any athlete’s draft journey, provides an opportunity for players to show off their skill set in front of NFL decision-makers. For Dart, this could be the moment where he solidifies his place as a first-round pick or a key developmental prospect in the league.

For Simmons, watching his friend and teammate take this next step was both a bittersweet and proud moment. Although they were competitors on the field, their relationship transcended that, as they shared countless hours of practice, film study, and team activities. Simmons had seen Dart’s growth firsthand, from the early days of adjusting to the SEC to the polished quarterback that Dart had become.

As Dart prepared to showcase his skills at the NFL Combine, Simmons took to Twitter and other platforms to offer his support. He posted a message wishing Dart good luck in Indianapolis, calling Dart a “true competitor” and “great teammate.” The message encapsulated everything Simmons admired about Dart—not just his athleticism, but his work ethic and leadership on and off the field.

“Good luck at the NFL Combine, Jaxson,” Simmons wrote. “You’ve put in the work, and I’m excited to see you take this next step. It’s been an honor sharing the field with you, and I know you’re going to do great things. Keep pushing, brother.”

### The Significance of the Message

For Austin Simmons, offering such a heartfelt message to Dart was not just an act of sportsmanship; it was an acknowledgment of the unique bond that athletes share in their journey through college sports. It also reflected the larger theme of the Ole Miss football program under Lane Kiffin, which emphasizes both individual excellence and team unity.

The quarterback position, in particular, is one that often breeds competition. It’s a high-stakes role where only one player can take the snaps, and every quarterback wants to be the starter. Despite that natural rivalry, Simmons and Dart maintained a camaraderie that allowed each player to thrive. Simmons, while waiting for his turn to take over the starting job, was always rooting for Dart to succeed. He understood that a rising tide lifts all boats, and if Dart succeeded, the whole team would benefit.

Simmons’ message also speaks to the character of the individual. In the high-stakes world of college football, it can sometimes be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture and focus solely on personal accomplishments. However, Simmons demonstrated that true leadership goes beyond individual accolades. His support for Dart showed that in the world of elite sports, respect for one’s teammates and their success is just as important as personal success.

### What’s Next for Austin Simmons?

As Jaxson Dart embarks on his NFL journey, Austin Simmons is poised for his own future at Ole Miss. While he may not be the starting quarterback for the Rebels in 2025, his role as a mentor and leader has been invaluable. Simmons’ decision on whether to pursue a professional football career or return to college for another year will have a significant impact on his own path.

Should Simmons choose to stay and continue developing under Coach Kiffin’s system, he has the potential to become one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the SEC. His relationship with Dart and the lessons learned from sharing the quarterback room with him will undoubtedly help shape Simmons’ growth as a player and leader. Whether or not he plays in the NFL, Simmons has already demonstrated the qualities of a great leader, one who values teamwork and the collective success of his team over personal glory.

### Conclusion

Austin Simmons’ heartfelt message to Jaxson Dart following the quarterback’s NFL Combine preparations is a testament to the bond between teammates and the sportsmanship that defines true leadership. While both players are on different paths now, their shared experiences at Ole Miss have solidified a lasting friendship. Simmons’ gesture not only highlights his character but also reinforces the unity and camaraderie that make college football such a special experience. As Dart prepares for the NFL Combine and Simmons looks ahead to his own future, one thing is clear: their journey together at Ole Miss has had a lasting impact, one that will carry with them throughout their careers.