LOOK: Better scrimmage for Simmons, but Ole Miss defense continues fall dominance

Ole Miss on Saturday scrimmaged again inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. 

It was a better day for first-year starting quarterback Austin Simmons. 

Simmons made ‘critical errors’ in the team’s scrimmage the previous week, including multiple interceptions returned for touchdowns. The defense ‘once again’ won the day, according to Rebel Grove’s Chuck Rounsaville. 

Sources told Rebel Grove Simmons was more accurate, however, even with pressure ‘all day’ in his face. Included was a short touchdown pass to tight end Dae’Quan Wright.

The Ole Miss offensive line was again without tackles Jayden Williams and Diego Pounds. Transfer starters PJ Wilkins and Delano Townsend were each injured. Wilkins was carted off. Rounsaville is reporting Townsend’s prognosis isn’t good. 

Freshman Devin Harper and transfer Percy Lewis were the tackles in their place. Harper, a 4-star signee from the 2025 recruiting class, is pushing to play immediately.

Harper was the nation’s No. 84 overall prospect. 

“Devin has relentless effort,” Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. said. “For a true freshman, he plays extremely hard. He’s extremely talented. Very athletic. So, those are the things that, number one, stand out. 

“He’s got to continue to work on the playbook, his strength, all the other traits that come with time. But this is probably the most talented true freshman lineman, I think, we’ve seen here since I’ve been here with a guy that’s got a very elite skillset and the right mindset, tenacity, that you want for that position to play early.”

RELATED: Meet the freshmen Ole Miss Rebels who could play right away in 2025

Laremy Tunsil is in a talent class all to himself. 

But Harper is similar physically and in his readiness to potentially play as Michael Oher, John Jerry and Bobby Massie all were. Each started multiple games as Ole Miss freshmen. 

“Both of those guys are very talented kids,” Wilkins said previously of Harper and fellow freshman Connor Howes. “I think they’re going to have a really bright future. Devin Harper, I mean, he comes to work every single day. Connor, he’s another hard worker. They’re both going to be really good for this team in the future and I’m excited for them.”

The included scrimmage photos were provided by Ole Miss Athletics.

QB Austin Simmons

DT William Echoles

DE/DT Kam Franklin

CB Antonio Kite

EDGE/LB Suntarine Perkins

EDGE Da’Shawn Womack

RB Damien Taylor

FS/CB Jaylon Braxton