A Massive Boost for Auburn: Malcolm Simmons Cleared to Practice, Providing a Timely and Game-Changing Spark for the Tigers’ Offense
Malcolm Simmons will reportedly be with the team and practicing—an announcement that comes as a breath of fresh air for Auburn football fans and a potential turning point for the Tigers’ offense heading into the season. The talented freshman wide receiver, known for his speed, athleticism, and versatility, has been the subject of much speculation throughout the offseason. Whether it was academic concerns, enrollment hurdles, or eligibility rumors, there was uncertainty regarding whether he would even suit up in 2025. Now, with Simmons confirmed to be joining practice, that cloud has lifted—and the sun is shining a little brighter over the Plains.
The significance of this news can’t be overstated. Simmons is not just any freshman. He’s a dynamic playmaker, a top-tier recruit who turned heads at Benjamin Russell High School with his raw athleticism, elite burst off the line, and big-play ability. The type of player who doesn’t just fill a role but has the potential to redefine what Auburn’s offense can be under Hugh Freeze in Year Two. Getting him in the fold, even if it’s late in the summer, is an infusion of talent that could move the needle for this team in a major way.
Recruiting experts have long raved about Simmons’ upside. At 6-foot and around 185 pounds, he has the build to compete with SEC defensive backs, but what truly sets him apart is his explosiveness. Whether on deep routes, jet sweeps, or screen passes, Simmons has the type of speed and acceleration that can change the complexion of a game on a single snap. His high school tape is filled with highlight-reel moments—burning defenders deep, reversing field for touchdowns, and high-pointing balls in traffic like a seasoned college veteran. He’s raw in some aspects, sure. But the talent is undeniable. And now, Auburn fans won’t have to wait long to see it translate to the college game.
For Auburn, Simmons’ arrival couldn’t come at a better time. The Tigers’ wide receiver room remains a work in progress. Last season, the passing game was inconsistent at best, despite strong efforts by the coaching staff to inject life into it through the transfer portal. With Payton Thorne returning as the likely starter and Holden Geriner pushing hard behind him, the quarterback room is more stable—but it needs help. Specifically, it needs playmakers on the outside who can stretch the field, make contested catches, and take pressure off the running game. Simmons fits that description perfectly.
While Freeze and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix have focused on installing a more balanced and aggressive offensive scheme, it’s only as dangerous as the weapons at their disposal. Auburn struggled to consistently win one-on-one matchups on the perimeter in 2024. That won’t cut it in the SEC, where opposing defenses boast NFL-level cornerbacks and safeties. Simmons adds a new dimension—not just as a deep threat, but as a gadget weapon who can be lined up all over the field. He’ll demand attention from defensive coordinators and open things up for the rest of the offense. Even if he isn’t a starter from Day One, his presence gives Auburn optionality and unpredictability in ways they lacked last year.
There’s also a symbolic value to this development. Freeze has spoken repeatedly about flipping the roster, raising the talent floor, and competing with the big boys in recruiting. Getting Simmons onto the field is a tangible sign of progress. It reinforces the idea that Auburn is not just chasing elite talent, but actually landing it—and now, getting it onto the practice field. In the ever-competitive world of SEC football, that’s not something to take lightly. Every inch matters. Every five-star or blue-chip freshman who makes it to campus and contributes matters. And Simmons could be one of those rare cases where a freshman isn’t just “one for the future” but makes an impact right away.
The timing is critical, too. With fall camp in full swing and the season opener approaching rapidly, Simmons will need to hit the ground running. His learning curve will be steep. Adjusting to the speed of college football, grasping the playbook, and building chemistry with Thorne and Geriner will take time. But Simmons has always been a quick study. His high school coaches praised his work ethic and football IQ. And the Auburn staff wouldn’t be slotting him into practice now unless they believed he was ready—both physically and mentally—to handle the load.
There’s also the matter of special teams. Simmons could be a game-changer in the return game. With his speed and vision, he has the potential to flip field position in a heartbeat, whether on punts or kickoffs. Don’t be surprised if Freeze and special teams coordinator Tanner Burns find ways to get the ball in his hands any way they can. Every touch is a chance for something electric.
From a roster management standpoint, Simmons’ eligibility also brings relief. Auburn has battled depth issues at receiver for multiple years. Injuries, transfers, and inconsistent development have plagued the position since the days of Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz. Having a young talent like Simmons come in, contribute, and push older players will only elevate the entire room. Iron sharpens iron. Whether he starts or not, he’ll raise the standard in practice and force the veterans to stay sharp and focused.
Simmons’ presence may also shift how opposing teams game plan against Auburn. In 2024, defenses often stacked the box to contain Jarquez Hunter and dared Auburn to beat them through the air. That tactic worked more often than not. But with Simmons on the field, safeties may need to stay back. Corners may need help over the top. That, in turn, opens running lanes and creates better matchups for other receivers. His speed changes spacing, which changes strategy, which changes games.
Fans will rightly be excited. There’s a hunger among the Auburn faithful for a return to offensive fireworks. The days of Bo Nix improvising under pressure or Tank Bigsby carrying the load behind inconsistent line play were frustrating—even when those players gave everything they had. Now, there’s hope that Auburn is building something more sustainable, more modern, and more explosive. Simmons is a face of that hope.
His commitment to Auburn back in 2023 was a big recruiting win, but getting him onto the field is an even bigger one. Too often in college football, fans celebrate a signing only to watch it never materialize. Whether it’s grades, off-field issues, or simply bad timing, not every talented recruit pans out. So when a player of Simmons’ caliber does arrive, healthy and ready to contribute, it’s cause for celebration.
Freeze, ever the optimist but also a realist, will temper expectations. He knows Simmons is still a freshman and that the SEC is brutal. But he also knows talent when he sees it. And he’s made it clear he wants to get the best players on the field. Simmons’ clearance means Freeze can now do just that. It also means Auburn’s offense just got more dangerous—more explosive, more versatile, and more difficult to prepare for.
The next few weeks will be critical. How quickly Simmons can assimilate into the offensive scheme, absorb the playbook, and develop chemistry will go a long way toward determining how much he plays early in the season. But the mere fact that he’s on the field is the first, and biggest, step.
This is not just great news for Auburn—it’s potentially program-changing news. Because if Simmons turns out to be the player many believe he is, his impact won’t just be felt in 2025. It will set the tone for the kind of athlete Auburn is now attracting and developing under Hugh Freeze. A player like Simmons can spark a season. He can energize a fan base. He can help Auburn take that next step. And now, finally, he’s officially part of the plan.
