Why Auburn’s Malcolm Simmons Deserves More Buzz and National Attention Ahead of the 2025 College Football Season Kickoff
Malcolm Simmons might just be one of the most overlooked and underrated wide receivers in all of college football heading into the 2025 season. Despite his athleticism, versatility, and production, there seems to be a surprising lack of buzz surrounding the Auburn playmaker. In an era where social media hype, star rankings, and highlight clips drive the conversation, Simmons has quietly worked his way into becoming a key piece in the Auburn Tigers’ offensive puzzle—and it’s time the rest of the nation paid attention.
First, let’s look at the tangible: Simmons is a gifted athlete who has consistently improved since arriving on campus. At 6-foot, around 185 pounds, he brings a mix of speed, strength, and route-running ability that gives defenders problems. He has track speed, routinely burning defensive backs deep, but he also has the footwork and quickness to operate in tight spaces—something not every college receiver has mastered. His skill set allows Auburn to move him around the field, placing him in the slot or out wide depending on matchups.
What sets Simmons apart is not just his athletic ability, but his versatility. In high school, Simmons played multiple positions—receiver, defensive back, and returner—and he’s brought that same dynamic skill set to the college level. Auburn has used him not just in traditional receiver sets, but in motion, in jet sweeps, and even in the return game. He’s a true football player, not just a track athlete wearing pads. That kind of versatility should make him one of the most talked-about players in the SEC, yet he remains somewhat under the radar.
Part of the reason Simmons hasn’t gotten the national buzz he deserves may stem from Auburn’s recent struggles. The Tigers haven’t been nationally relevant the way their fanbase expects, especially with Alabama and Georgia dominating the SEC headlines in recent years. When a team isn’t in the playoff conversation, even their best players can get overlooked. But make no mistake: Auburn is building something, and Simmons is going to be at the center of it.
In 2024, Simmons showed flashes of becoming a true No. 1 receiver. He had clutch performances in big games, including tough SEC matchups where he stood out even when Auburn came up short on the scoreboard. He’s dependable on third downs, he tracks the deep ball well, and he’s developed chemistry with Auburn’s quarterbacks—especially with presumed starter for 2025, who is expected to be more confident and developed in the passing game. Simmons’ ability to win one-on-one matchups makes him an ideal security blanket and game-changer for the Tigers.
One of Simmons’ greatest strengths is his football IQ. He’s not just relying on athleticism to get open—he understands leverage, spacing, and defensive schemes. He finds soft spots in zone coverage, adjusts his routes based on pre-snap reads, and rarely drops passes. He plays like a veteran, which is exactly what Auburn needs as they try to make a leap forward under Hugh Freeze.
Off the field, Simmons carries himself like a professional. Coaches and teammates alike speak highly of his work ethic, leadership, and maturity. He’s the kind of guy who puts in extra time in the film room, who shows up early to practice, who mentors younger players, and who understands that being great takes more than just talent. His character and commitment are huge reasons why Auburn fans are so high on his potential—and why the rest of the country needs to catch up.
Despite all of this, Simmons often gets overlooked in discussions about top SEC receivers or future NFL talent. The national media seems to prefer flashier names from blue blood programs or guys putting up monster stats in pass-happy systems. But production doesn’t always tell the full story, especially in a balanced offense like Auburn’s. Simmons’ value isn’t just in yardage—it’s in his ability to shift momentum, extend drives, and keep defenses honest.
There’s also the reality that Auburn hasn’t had a breakout receiver in several years, which makes it harder for someone like Simmons to garner early draft hype. But that’s likely to change. Scouts have already begun to take notice of his body control, catch radius, and after-the-catch ability. If he can stay healthy and build on last year’s foundation, he has a legitimate shot to be a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s got the kind of frame and competitive spirit that NFL teams love, and this season could be his official coming-out party.
The upcoming 2025 season is setting up to be pivotal not just for Auburn, but for Simmons personally. With a stronger offensive line, more consistency at quarterback, and a coaching staff that now has a full recruiting cycle under its belt, Auburn’s offense is expected to take a step forward. That means more opportunities for Simmons to shine—more deep shots, more targets, and more chances to put his name in national headlines.
If Auburn can get rolling early in the season—and especially if they pull off a big upset or two—Malcolm Simmons will become a household name overnight. He has all the tools: speed, hands, toughness, intelligence, and a knack for making big plays in big moments. All he needs now is a bigger stage and a bit more recognition from the national media.
It’s also worth noting that Simmons fits perfectly in the type of modern offenses dominating college football today. His ability to stretch the field vertically while also being dangerous on screens and underneath routes makes him a nightmare to game-plan for. As more defensive coordinators focus on stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback, a player like Simmons can exploit soft coverage and mismatches, especially if Auburn’s offensive scheme opens up more.
Auburn fans know what they have in Malcolm Simmons. They see the impact he makes every week, whether it’s picking up key yards after contact, laying down a crucial block, or slipping past double coverage to haul in a long touchdown. The coaches know it, too—they’ve trusted him with more responsibility, drawn up plays specifically for him, and leaned on him during critical moments. But now it’s time for the rest of the college football world to catch on.
The lack of buzz around Simmons isn’t a reflection of his talent—it’s a reflection of how often narratives in college football are driven by market size, media clicks, and team success. But those narratives can change quickly. If Simmons comes out in Week 1 with a 100-yard performance and a highlight-reel touchdown, people will start talking. If he continues to stack games, lead Auburn in receiving, and help turn the Tigers into a surprise SEC contender, there won’t be a corner of the country left that isn’t aware of who he is.
This season should be the one where Simmons moves from being a respected player in the SEC to being one of the most talked-about receivers in the country. He’s put in the work, he’s earned the trust of his teammates, and he’s built the foundation. All that’s left is the spotlight—and when it hits, Malcolm Simmons will be ready.
There’s a saying in sports: talent gets you noticed, but consistency earns you respect. Simmons has both. He may not be the flashiest name right now, but he could be the most impactful one by the end of the season. Auburn fans have every reason to believe he’ll be a game-changer in 2025—and if he is, it won’t be long before everyone else realizes what they’ve been missing.
