An Early Look at Ole Miss Football in 2025

As the Ole Miss Rebels prepare for the 2025 season, there are numerous storylines to follow. With a rich football history and a passionate fan base, the team is always under the microscope, especially after a competitive 2024 season. This early preview of Ole Miss football in 2025 delves into key areas including coaching, recruiting, roster changes, schedule analysis, and expectations for the upcoming year.

Coaching Staff and System

The Ole Miss football program, under head coach Lane Kiffin, is set to continue its upward trajectory in 2025. Kiffin has been a key figure in transforming the Rebels into a competitive SEC powerhouse since taking over the program in 2020. His offensive-minded coaching style has proven effective, consistently putting up high-scoring, entertaining offenses.

Kiffin’s reputation as a high-flying offensive coach is matched by his ability to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of his roster. While Kiffin has occasionally been linked to head coaching jobs at other programs, it’s expected that he will remain at Ole Miss in 2025, providing stability and direction. In 2024, Kiffin’s Rebels posted strong results, and the coach will look to build on that momentum. His ability to develop quarterbacks, particularly in the post-Jackson Dart era, is a significant factor in the success of Ole Miss’s offense.

One aspect to monitor in 2025 is how Kiffin continues to balance the attack between the air and ground game. Ole Miss has become known for its potent passing offense, but Kiffin has also developed a solid rushing attack that can dictate tempo. Recruiting and player development in these areas will be crucial in maintaining offensive balance.

Kiffin’s staff also plays a large part in Ole Miss’s success. Defensive coordinator Chris Partridge will continue to lead a defense that has shown improvement but still has areas to address. Recruiting for depth and talent on that side of the ball will remain a key focus as the Rebels aim to contend with the juggernauts of the SEC.

Quarterback Situation

The quarterback position is always of paramount importance for a program like Ole Miss, and 2025 will be no different. The departure of Jackson Dart, who has been the face of the offense in recent years, leaves a noticeable gap. While Dart’s leadership and skill were central to the team’s success, Kiffin has a track record of developing talented quarterbacks, and it is expected that he will have the next man up ready.

Several candidates will be vying for the starting role. One of the front-runners could be a transfer or an incoming freshman. Given Kiffin’s aggressive approach in the transfer portal, it’s highly likely that he will bring in a quarterback who can quickly compete for the starting job. This might be a graduate transfer who has experience in a similar system, or it could be an under-the-radar player with significant upside.

For recruits, the 2025 season could see the emergence of a star quarterback who is familiar with Kiffin’s system. The program has had success with dual-threat quarterbacks in the past, and this trend could continue, depending on the skills of the next starter. Look for Kiffin to tailor the offense to whatever strengths the new quarterback brings to the table, be it strong passing accuracy, mobility, or leadership.

The Running Back Room

The running back position at Ole Miss will also experience some turnover in 2025. The departure of standout players from previous years opens the door for new faces to step up and fill the void. Ole Miss has a history of strong running back play, with several Rebels running backs going on to NFL careers in recent years.

The 2025 season could see a combination of veterans and newcomers in the backfield. Look for younger players to take on more prominent roles as they adjust to the speed of the SEC. Whether through the air or on the ground, Ole Miss will look to maintain its offensive balance, and that begins with a strong running game.

The team’s offensive line will play a critical role in this regard. Under the guidance of offensive line coach Jake Thornton, the Rebels have consistently produced solid line play, and it will be important for the front five to pave the way for the new running backs. With Kiffin’s preference for high-tempo offenses, the running backs must also be able to handle a large number of carries and remain effective throughout the course of the game.

Wide Receivers and Playmakers

Ole Miss has long been a destination for top-tier wide receivers, and the 2025 season should be no different. While the team will lose some talented playmakers to graduation or the NFL, it is likely that Kiffin will have an array of weapons ready to go in the passing game.

At wide receiver, the program has been successful in attracting highly regarded recruits. With the departure of some key players, a new crop of receivers will need to step up and take on leadership roles. The Rebels have been known for their explosive passing attacks, and with a new quarterback likely leading the offense, the chemistry between the signal-caller and his receiving corps will be vital.

Expect the wide receiver room to include a mixture of returning talent and incoming playmakers, who will look to make an immediate impact. The ability of these players to create separation and make plays downfield will determine how successful the passing offense is in 2025.

The Defense

Defensive improvement will be one of the primary focuses for Ole Miss in 2025. While the offense has been highly effective in recent seasons, the defense has often lagged behind, making it difficult for the team to compete at the highest levels of the SEC. In 2024, the defense showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency.

Under Chris Partridge, the defense will need to develop a stronger presence in the front seven, particularly against the run. The SEC is home to some of the nation’s top rushing attacks, and Ole Miss must be better equipped to stop opposing offenses. The defensive line will be pivotal in this effort, as they will need to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and slow down the run game.

At the linebacker position, Ole Miss has a mix of young and experienced players who will need to step up. If the linebackers can be more disruptive and take control of the middle of the field, this will help the Rebels become more competitive on defense. The secondary, while showing promise, will need to improve its coverage and its ability to generate turnovers in order to complement the high-scoring offense.

Recruiting and Player Development

Kiffin and his staff have done a strong job of attracting talent to Oxford, and the 2025 recruiting class looks poised to continue that trend. Ole Miss has a number of talented prospects lined up, both in-state and nationally, who will contribute immediately. The Rebels have been able to secure commitments from highly ranked players, particularly in the trenches, which will be essential in both offensive and defensive line play.

Player development, especially for those entering the program as freshmen, will be critical in maintaining the team’s competitiveness. Kiffin’s ability to develop talent and plug gaps with transfers will be a key storyline. With the transfer portal continuing to play a significant role in college football, expect Ole Miss to remain active in recruiting experienced players who can contribute immediately.

The Schedule

The SEC schedule remains one of the most challenging in college football, and the Rebels’ 2025 slate will be no different. While Ole Miss has become a formidable opponent within the SEC West, it will need to navigate a series of high-profile matchups against rivals like Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, and Auburn.

The non-conference schedule should provide a few opportunities to get momentum early, but the true tests will come within the SEC. How Ole Miss fares in those high-stakes conference games will determine whether they can compete for a top spot in the division and earn a coveted berth in a major bowl game.

Expectations for 2025

Expectations for Ole Miss football in 2025 will be high, especially following a successful 2024 season. While the team will have some turnover, both on the field and in the coaching staff, the foundation is in place for continued success. Ole Miss will likely aim for a bowl game once again, with the possibility of challenging for an SEC Championship, depending on how the season unfolds.

There are numerous unknowns as the team enters 2025, from the quarterback situation to defensive improvement. However, under Lane Kiffin’s leadership, Ole Miss will undoubtedly be one of the more exciting teams in the SEC, and its high-powered offense will keep fans on the edge of their seats.