Mizzou decides on QB, throws Matt Zollers' future into question

Missouri Tigers quarterback Matt Zollers (5). Travis Register-Imagn Images

Mizzou makes decision on Austin Simmons and throws Matt Zollers' future into question

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 9:08 PM ET

The Missouri Tigers did not feel the need to wait until fall camp to name their starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

There was a competition this spring between sophomore Matt Zollers, a former 4-star recruit, and Ole Miss transfer quarterback Austin Simmons.

That was a competition that Simmons has won, according to reports, and it makes sense.

A former 4-star quarterback himself, Simmons, from Moore Haven, Fla., committed to then-head coach Lane Kiffin and the Rebels as a high school recruit.

He was actually named the starting quarterback ahead of the 2025 season as a sophomore over Trinidad Chambliss, but he injured his ankle in Ole Miss' Week 2 win over Kentucky.

Chambliss took over the next week against Arkansas, and the rest was history for Ole Miss, which went on to have a historic season while making a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Chambliss will be coming back for one more season in 2026, which caused Simmons to enter the winter transfer portal window, and that's when Mizzou picked him up.

He's now officially Mizzou's starting quarterback.

QB1 @austnsimmons X #TheMizzouWay pic.twitter.com/gx2WDgN3t7
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) March 19, 2026

What is next for former blue-chip QB prospect Matt Zollers?

In his two starts last season for Ole Miss before being replaced by Chambliss, Simmons threw for 576 yards and three touchdowns compared to four interceptions. He also rushed for one score.

He was ranked as the No. 19 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite. For comparison's sake, Zollers was the No. 9 quarterback in the 2025 class.

It will be interesting to see what his future looks like now that Mizzou has committed to Simmons. There is no longer a spring transfer portal window, which could be why the Tigers felt comfortable making this decision so early.

He played in seven games as a freshman, starting three. He threw for 503 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. Perhaps a redshirt season could be up next as he's now effectively the QB2 behind Simmons.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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