On the Plains with Jo Simmons: ‘Just Keep Going’

Transfer offensive lineman Jo Simmons is ready for new opportunities on the Plains and looks to bring experience and determination into the Auburn locker room.

A native of Dover, Delaware, Simmons started playing football at a young age, strongly encouraged by his family. His father, Joseph Simmons, played football at Indiana, providing his son with an early influence and connection to the game.

“I've always liked breaking it down with my dad,” Simmons said. “He's always been a big part of my football journey. We used to watch film together and break it down. He used to go watch the film too. We still talk and sometimes we FaceTime, and we talk through the plays.”

Simmons began his football career on defense before transitioning to offensive line in high school.

“When I was younger, I played linebacker a little bit,” the three-year varsity letterwinner said. “Then, when I got to high school, they told me I was going to play O-line. I was like, ‘I want to play D-line.’ I was really mad about it at the time. I went home upset because they put me on O-line and I thought O-line was no fun. But you learn to love it and I’ve been playing it ever since.”

After graduating from Salesianum High School, Simmons committed to play at James Madison, where he spent four seasons with the Dukes and helped anchor JMU’s offense while continuing to grow as both an athlete and a man, gaining access to valuable resources that helped shape his development.

“I came into college a happy-go-lucky kid and it definitely made me grow up to be a more mature person,” Simmons said. “I didn’t really end up playing for JMU until my junior year, but the journey of growing as a person and as a player, knowing what I had to do and figuring out how I work, I needed that process. It helped me get to where I am now.”

Last season, Simmons was part of James Madison’s 2025 College Football Playoff appearance in Eugene, Oregon. He described the experience as an opportunity to continue playing alongside a group he had grown close to.

“​​It was awesome,” Simmons recalled. “Everyone loved the team, everyone loved the guys there, and we were just happy to have an opportunity to play another week and go with those guys. It was a great experience, especially being able to keep playing with the guys that you’ve been working with all year and having the opportunity to compete on that stage.”

In January, Simmons transferred to Auburn, bringing four seasons of collegiate experience with him and quickly realizing the Plains was where he was meant to be.

“I just saw myself playing here,” Simmons said. “I liked the school and the people. I really liked everything about Auburn and that was my final decision. I didn’t want to go somewhere for my last year and not enjoy it. I’ve ended up liking it a lot, so I think I made the right choice.”

Despite the new challenges playing in the Southeastern Conference brings, Simmons was eager to embrace the opportunity and compete on college football’s biggest stages.

“One of my biggest dreams growing up was to play in front of 100,000 people and in those crazy crowds,” Simmons said. “That was always something I dreamed of as a kid. Being at this stage and getting to play in those games every Saturday, that’s what you dreamed of growing up. That’s what I really love about being here. I get the opportunity every weekend to go out there and show what I can do in front of thousands of people.”

Simmons has seen a changing atmosphere within Auburn’s locker room and is committed to being all in for his coaches, teammates and Auburn.

“I think everyone’s just committed to the culture,” Simmons said. “Everyone is rallying behind the idea that we can go out there and do something special. We have the defense to do it, and with Coach Golesh, he works so hard on the offensive side every single day. There’s not a day where we’re not meeting or doing something to make us the best team out there. We have the players to do it, too, so I’m excited to see the product out there on the field.”

Entering the final season of his collegiate career, Simmons is ready to lead by example, embracing a greater leadership role as he helps guide newcomers and underclassmen in the locker room.

“I feel like I’ve definitely had to take steps in my leadership and bring guys along,” Simmon said. “It’s not just going to a younger guy and giving my two cents, but actually leading, being out in front, taking control, taking on more active roles and giving advice. I’ve definitely had to take steps in that and it makes you feel more connected to the team. When you take responsibility and say, ‘This is my job, this is my responsibility,’ it brings you closer to the team.”

Resilience and poise are qualities that Simmons has developed throughout his journey, allowing him to persevere through challenges and continue pushing toward his goals.

“I just kept going and kept pushing and now I’m here on the biggest stage,” Simmons said. “I never thought I would be here. So just keep going, no matter what it looks like or what people say you can do. Keep grinding, and eventually, you’re going to get to where you want to be.”

Simmons is poised to leave his mark on the Plains, embracing the opportunity to compete on a bigger stage while keeping his sights set on helping Auburn win a championship.

“I want to go show what I can do and how I play on a bigger stage,” Simmons said. “I also want to win something. I want to win the SEC and that’s our goal. I think we can do it and it really starts with people believing in it.”