The NFL playoffs are one of the most exciting times in the football season, with teams from around the league competing for a shot at the coveted Super Bowl title. As teams battle for supremacy, former college stars continue to shine on the NFL stage, and in 2025, ten former Ole Miss Rebels will be part of this year’s NFL playoffs, showcasing the program’s continued success in developing talent for the highest level of competition.
Ole Miss has consistently been a pipeline for NFL talent, sending a diverse array of players to the pros across various positions. Many of these players not only made the roster but have become integral parts of their NFL teams, and their success reflects both their hard work and the coaching they received during their time with the Rebels. As of this postseason, these ten former Ole Miss athletes will be bringing their talents to the NFL playoffs, competing for a chance at NFL immortality.
The Ole Miss Legacy in the NFL
Before diving into the specifics of each player, it’s worth noting the strong football program that Ole Miss has built over the years. The Rebels have developed a reputation for producing talented NFL players, whether as high-profile first-round picks or underrated diamonds in the rough who end up making major contributions. Players from Ole Miss have excelled in all areas of the game, including offensive and defensive positions, and the program has produced stars at the quarterback, running back, receiver, linebacker, and defensive back positions. This year’s playoff participants are just the latest examples of the lasting legacy the university has in shaping elite talent for the NFL.
1. D.K. Metcalf – Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks
D.K. Metcalf has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Known for his unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Metcalf has been a consistent deep threat in Seattle’s offense. He is a key figure in their passing game, frequently drawing attention from opposing defenses. His success with the Seahawks has earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections, and he will be crucial to the team’s playoff run, as his ability to stretch the field will make him a primary weapon for quarterback Geno Smith.
2. A.J. Brown – Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Another Ole Miss product who has thrived in the NFL is A.J. Brown, the standout wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown has blossomed into one of the league’s most dominant wide receivers since being traded to the Eagles from the Tennessee Titans. His physicality, route running, and ability to make plays after the catch have made him a key part of the Eagles’ high-powered offense. In 2024, Brown helped the Eagles secure one of the top seeds in the NFC playoffs, and his connection with quarterback Jalen Hurts has been one of the most potent in the league. Brown’s performance will be instrumental to Philadelphia’s hopes of reaching the Super Bowl.
3. Elijah Moore – Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns
After a standout college career at Ole Miss, Elijah Moore was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, in 2024, Moore was traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he quickly adapted to the team’s offensive system. Known for his quickness and ability to create separation, Moore is a dangerous slot receiver who can make plays in both the short and intermediate passing games. While his role may not be as prominent as other receivers in the playoffs, Moore’s ability to make key catches in crucial moments can make a significant impact as the Browns look to advance deep into the postseason.
4. Laremy Tunsil – Offensive Tackle, Houston Texans
Laremy Tunsil, a standout offensive lineman for the Houston Texans, continues to anchor one of the most important positions in the game: left tackle. Tunsil, a former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins who was traded to the Texans, has earned a reputation as one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. His combination of strength, athleticism, and technique has made him a cornerstone of the Texans’ offensive line. As Houston enters the playoffs, Tunsil will play a critical role in protecting the quarterback and establishing a strong running game, providing the foundation for the offense to succeed in high-pressure situations.
5. A.J. Finley – Safety, Minnesota Vikings
A.J. Finley, a safety who played for the Ole Miss Rebels, has made a name for himself in the NFL as a versatile defensive back capable of making plays in both the pass and run games. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Finley has worked his way onto the Minnesota Vikings roster and has become a key contributor to their secondary. Known for his ability to read plays and make key interceptions, Finley’s role as a safety will be crucial as the Vikings look to limit opposing offenses during the playoff run. His instincts and ball-hawking ability make him a player to watch in crucial moments.
6. Jonathan Mingo – Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Mingo, another wide receiver with Ole Miss ties, has impressed in his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers. Known for his size and physicality, Mingo is a big-bodied receiver who can go up and get contested catches. The Panthers’ offense, under the leadership of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, will lean on Mingo’s reliability as a target in both the short and deep passing games. As Carolina enters the playoffs, Mingo’s potential to break out in key moments will be something to keep an eye on, especially as he continues to develop and gain confidence in his first postseason appearance.
7. Ben Brown – Offensive Guard, New England Patriots
Ben Brown, an offensive guard for the New England Patriots, is another former Rebel who has found his place in the NFL. Brown’s consistency and strength on the offensive line have helped solidify New England’s front five. Offensive line play is often overlooked, but Brown’s ability to keep the pocket clean and pave the way for the running game is invaluable to the Patriots’ playoff chances. With the Patriots looking to make a deep playoff run, Brown will be tasked with protecting his quarterback and creating holes for the running backs, especially as New England faces some of the league’s best defensive units.
8. Chad Kelly – Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
Chad Kelly, though not a starter in the NFL, is a notable former Rebel who has seen time with the Indianapolis Colts as a backup quarterback. Kelly, known for his strong arm and ability to make throws on the run, has had an intriguing career trajectory. While his role has been limited, he remains a part of the Colts’ playoff roster, and his potential to step in if needed adds depth to the team’s quarterback situation. Should the Colts experience an injury at the quarterback position during their playoff run, Kelly’s experience in big moments could be pivotal for their chances.
9. Robert Nkemdiche – Defensive Lineman, Arizona Cardinals
Robert Nkemdiche was once a highly regarded prospect coming out of Ole Miss, and after being drafted in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals, he has carved out a solid career as a defensive lineman. Nkemdiche, known for his explosiveness off the line and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, will play an important role in the Cardinals’ defensive front. As Arizona takes on some of the NFL’s best offenses in the playoffs, Nkemdiche’s ability to apply pressure and disrupt the pocket will be key in helping the defense stifle opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
10. Dak Prescott – Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Although Dak Prescott is one of the most well-known NFL quarterbacks, his roots in Ole Miss might not be as widely recognized. Prescott is a former Mississippi State player, but he remains one of the most influential Rebels on the playoff stage. He has been the heart and soul of the Dallas Cowboys for years and is one of the franchise’s most successful quarterbacks in recent history. Prescott’s leadership and playmaking ability will be critical as Dallas looks to make a deep postseason run and contend for a Super Bowl title. His ability to execute under pressure and lead his team in clutch moments will be essential for the Cowboys’ success in the 2025 playoffs.
