As the 2025 college football season approaches, Ole Miss looks poised to make a serious push in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after another year of ups and downs in 2024. The Rebels have become a fixture in the conversation of competitive teams in the SEC, but a championship-level breakthrough has remained elusive. Despite the challenges of playing in one of the toughest conferences in college football, Ole Miss has shown flashes of brilliance over the past few seasons. With a mixture of returning talent, strong recruiting, and solid coaching, the 2025 season could be the year the Rebels break through and challenge for a spot at the top of the SEC.
A History of Competitive Play
Ole Miss has long been a team that lives on the edge of success. Under head coach Lane Kiffin, the Rebels have become known for their explosive offense, especially their high-powered passing attack. The program has shown significant improvement since Kiffin took over in 2020, consistently finishing with a winning record in SEC play. The 2024 season was no different: despite a challenging slate of games, Ole Miss found itself in contention for a top-tier bowl game by the end of the year.
Yet, for all their success, the Rebels have yet to capture the elusive SEC championship or a spot in the College Football Playoff. In 2024, Ole Miss was close but fell short in crucial games, which has left fans wondering whether this team is truly on the verge of a major breakthrough. With a strong nucleus of talent returning for 2025, it’s possible that the Rebels can overcome their past hurdles and reach new heights in the SEC.
Coaching and Leadership
One of the primary reasons for Ole Miss’ competitiveness in recent years is the leadership of head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin’s reputation as an offensive mastermind has paid dividends for the Rebels, as his up-tempo, pass-heavy offense has been one of the most potent in college football. Under Kiffin, Ole Miss has ranked among the top teams in the nation in passing yards and scoring offense, while also being able to adapt to various styles of play.
Kiffin’s ability to recruit and develop talent has been another key factor in the Rebels’ ascent in the SEC. Ole Miss has consistently landed top-tier recruits, particularly at the quarterback position, where they’ve developed a reputation for producing NFL-caliber signal callers. Kiffin’s charisma and forward-thinking approach to the game have made him a favorite among players and recruits alike, and his energy on the sidelines has sparked the program’s resurgence.
However, Kiffin has yet to take the Rebels to the level of consistent national championship contention. The next step for Ole Miss will be to continue to develop their roster and sharpen their game plan to compete with the powerhouse teams in the SEC. In 2025, Kiffin will need to demonstrate that he can guide his team through the gauntlet that is the SEC schedule while keeping them focused and disciplined.
Key Players for 2025
The success of the 2025 season will depend heavily on the play of several key players on both sides of the ball. On offense, Ole Miss will rely on the leadership of their quarterback, who has been a central figure in the team’s offense for the past few years. Whether it’s a returning starter or a new face, the quarterback position will need to continue its development to keep the offense rolling.
Quarterback Position
As of the end of the 2024 season, it’s unclear who will be under center for the Rebels in 2025. Jaxson Dart, the incumbent starter for the Rebels in 2024, had an up-and-down season. Dart showed flashes of brilliance, making big plays with his arm and his legs, but inconsistency plagued his game at times. He has all the tools to be a top-tier quarterback in the SEC, and if he can put together a more consistent season, Ole Miss’ offense could become one of the most potent in the nation.
However, Kiffin has not been afraid to make bold decisions when it comes to quarterbacks, and it’s possible that the team could turn to a highly-touted freshman or transfer. Regardless of who takes the snaps, the quarterback will need to be a steady leader for the offense, especially in key games against SEC rivals.
Running Back Group
Running back is another key area for Ole Miss. While the Rebels have often been known for their passing attack, they have a strong running game to complement the air assault. In 2025, the Rebels will likely lean on a committee of backs, with the return of several talented runners from last season’s squad. If the running backs can maintain consistency and balance out the offense, it will open up more opportunities in the passing game.
Ole Miss will need to establish a strong running game early in the season to keep opposing defenses honest. With the likes of Quinshon Judkins, one of the SEC’s top running backs, back in the fold, the Rebels will have the ability to pound the ball between the tackles and break off big plays in the open field.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver corps at Ole Miss will also play a huge role in the team’s success. Known for its big-play potential, the receiving unit features several explosive athletes who can stretch the field and make plays down the sideline. If the Rebels can keep their receiving core healthy and maximize their skill set, it will take pressure off the quarterback and allow for even greater offensive diversity.
Offensive Line
The offensive line, often an underrated aspect of Ole Miss’ offense, will need to provide solid protection and create running lanes for the backs. Although the Rebels have made strides in this area, the quality of play up front will determine how much success the offense can achieve. If the line can be physical and assertive, the offense will be much more difficult to stop.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ole Miss will look to improve in several key areas in 2025. The Rebels have often struggled defensively, particularly in stopping the run and getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, in recent years, there has been notable improvement in the defensive unit, and the arrival of new recruits and transfers could provide a much-needed boost.
Defensive Playmakers
The defense will be led by a strong group of veterans, many of whom are entering their final year in the program. Ole Miss will need their defensive line to disrupt opposing offenses and create negative plays, while their linebackers and secondary must be ready to stop the run and defend the pass. Defensive coordinator Chris Partridge will continue to develop schemes that help his unit improve, as the Rebels will need to be much more disciplined if they are going to compete with SEC powerhouses.
Linebacker play will be critical in 2025. Ole Miss has some strong returning players, and if they can fill the gaps left by departing seniors, the defense could take another step forward. The secondary, which has been a point of concern in the past, will need to be better at creating turnovers and limiting big plays in the passing game.
SEC Schedule Challenges
The SEC schedule is always one of the most difficult in college football, and 2025 will be no different. Ole Miss will face traditional SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, as well as in-conference rivals like Mississippi State and Arkansas. These matchups will test the Rebels’ depth and resilience, as playing in the SEC requires teams to perform at a high level week in and week out.
The games against Alabama and Georgia will be especially crucial, as both teams are perennial national title contenders. If Ole Miss can take care of business in these high-profile matchups, it could position them for a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, assuming they can finish strong in their division.
Additionally, the annual Egg Bowl matchup against Mississippi State will always be a high-stakes contest, with bragging rights and bowl positioning on the line. The Rebels will need to stay focused and play at their best in these rivalry games if they want to improve their standing in the SEC.
