2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 10-3, Win vs. Duke in Gator Bowl (52-20)

Ole Miss came out like a buzzsaw last season with four consecutive victories, albeit against weaker competition. The Rebels would go onto lose two of the next three games to Kentucky and LSU, putting the season in jeopardy. A late-season loss to Florida eliminated Ole Miss from playoff contention but it ended the season with 52 points against Duke during bowl season.

OFFENSE: Lane Kiffin Leads Transition

No more Jaxson Dart under center for Ole Miss. Now, it is time for Austin Simmons to take over but is he ready?

We expect a Lane Kiffin offense to be good every year. That should be the expectation once again with a 6-foot-4 Simmons taking over. Simmons will be a new face under center while the receiving corps is also fresh.

Cayden Lee returns after being second on the team in catches last season. Kiffin hit the transfer portal hard to improve on the outside. Oklahoma State transfer De’zhaun Stribling will be in the mix right away along with Harrison Wallace, who came in from Penn State.

The Rebels will have a good group up front but the depth might struggle. While the starting five might have experience, the same cannot be said about the bench. Brycen Saunders is one of the best centers in the SEC while Jayden Williams is an NFL-caliber tackle. The line wil be tasked with opening holes for an inexperienced running back room.

Logan Diggs will look to come in at full strength off a torn ACL while Dominique Thomas will be tasked with a much-bigger role.

DEFENSE: Front Seven Will Look to Build on 2024

Ole Miss’ defense was a bit underrated last year. The front seven led the Rebels to a No. 1 ranking in the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. Ole Miss was also 14th in total defense. As expected, the Rebels lost talent to the NFL but a new group is ready to step up.

Walter Nolen and JJ Pegues were among the best tackles in the nation. Now, it will be Zxavian Harris, who brings a huge body at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds. The Rebels also hit the portal for lineman and landed Princewell Umanmielen and Da’Shawn Womack.

The front will remain strong with plenty of star power at linebacker. Suntarine Perkins was tops on the team with 14 tackles for loss. TJ Dottery was second on the team with 76 tackles. Both will be back and take on leadership positions once again.

The secondary saw major changes this offseason. Kiffin added two new corners and two new safeties to the rotation. The new additions will have to be ready to take on the challenge of the SEC. Ricky Fletcher and Sage Ryan are among the new faces in the secondary.

2025 OLE MISS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. Georgia State
• Saturday, Sept. 6: at Kentucky
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Arkansas
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. Tulane
• Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. LSU
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. Washington State
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at Georgia
• Saturday, Oct. 25: at Oklahoma
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. South Carolina
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. Citadel
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Florida
• Friday, Nov. 28: at Mississippi State