Where Does Ole Miss Football Land in Next Season’s Way-Too-Early Top 25?

As college football fans and analysts begin to look ahead to the next season, the release of the “way-too-early” Top 25 rankings is always a highly anticipated event. These rankings, while speculative, offer fans a glimpse of what the coming season might look like. For Ole Miss football, the program has undergone significant transformations in recent years, and with key players departing and a fresh wave of talent entering the program, the question arises: Where will Ole Miss land in the way-too-early Top 25 for next season?

The State of Ole Miss Football

Ole Miss football has been on an upward trajectory since Lane Kiffin took over as head coach in 2020. Kiffin’s offensive mind and ability to recruit at a high level have turned the Rebels into a competitive force in the SEC. In 2021, Ole Miss finished the season 10-3, marking one of the program’s best seasons in recent memory. However, the program is still striving to break through to the next level, which involves consistently competing with the upper-echelon teams in the SEC.

With a program on the rise, it’s essential to evaluate the team’s performance, roster changes, and coaching staff heading into the next season. This allows us to speculate on where Ole Miss could land in next year’s way-too-early rankings.

Key Players Departing

Before diving into the ranking itself, it’s important to address the significant departures from the Ole Miss roster. Like many teams, Ole Miss has seen key players leave, either due to graduation, the NFL draft, or the transfer portal. These departures can greatly impact the team’s performance next season and affect the way early rankings are structured.

1. Jaxson Dart – Quarterback

Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss’ starting quarterback, had a solid season but has opted to declare for the NFL Draft. Dart’s departure leaves a notable void at the most important position on the field. While Dart was not always perfect, his dual-threat ability and strong arm were critical to Ole Miss’ offensive success. Replacing a quarterback of Dart’s caliber is no easy task, and the Rebels will need to develop or find a new signal caller who can manage the offense and produce at a high level.

2. Zach Evans – Running Back

Another significant loss is running back Zach Evans, who had a productive year in 2023. As a proven SEC-level back with great vision and speed, Evans’ decision to leave for the NFL will leave a sizable hole in Ole Miss’ backfield. The Rebels will need to rely on younger running backs to step up, potentially including Ulysses Bentley IV and freshman recruits.

3. Defensive Departures

While Ole Miss’ offense has often been the focus of Kiffin’s tenure, the defense was a work in progress. The Rebels saw several key defensive players depart, including linebacker Tavius Robinson and cornerback Deantre Prince. While the defense was better than many expected in 2023, the loss of experienced players will require significant rebuilding efforts, particularly in the secondary and on the defensive line.

The Return of Key Players

While Ole Miss will lose some key players to the NFL Draft and transfers, the Rebels do return a solid core of contributors who will help keep the team competitive.

1. Quinshon Judkins – Running Back

One of the most exciting returnees for Ole Miss is running back Quinshon Judkins. A breakout star in 2023, Judkins will enter the 2024 season as one of the best running backs in the country. His ability to take over games with his physicality and vision is a major asset for the Rebels. Judkins’ return gives Ole Miss a proven weapon in the backfield and a player who can carry the offense when needed.

2. Lane Kiffin – Head Coach

The presence of Lane Kiffin cannot be understated. Kiffin is known for his offensive innovation and ability to get the most out of his players. He’s built a culture at Ole Miss that combines high-powered offense with improved defensive play, and his ability to attract top recruits has significantly raised the program’s profile. As one of the most recognizable and respected coaches in college football, Kiffin will play a crucial role in Ole Miss’ success next season.

3. Mingo & Brown – Wide Receivers

Ole Miss will also return some talent at wide receiver. Both Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, along with tight end Michael Trigg, will provide stability in the passing game. They should be able to complement the new quarterback, whichever player takes the reins, and continue to make the Ole Miss offense potent.

Recruiting and Transfer Portal

One of the ways in which Ole Miss has consistently improved under Kiffin is through the transfer portal. Kiffin has proven adept at bringing in immediate impact players, and this year will be no different. The addition of highly-ranked recruits and transfers could provide Ole Miss with the depth and talent needed to maintain their competitive edge in the SEC.

Key Transfers

The Rebels are expected to make waves in the transfer portal, particularly at the quarterback position. If they are able to bring in an experienced transfer quarterback, this could go a long way toward securing the offense for the coming season. Other areas that will see improvement are the defensive line and the secondary, where depth is needed to keep up with the speed and skill of SEC offenses.

2024 Recruiting Class

In addition to the transfer portal, Kiffin will lean on his 2024 recruiting class. While Ole Miss is not typically a top-five recruiter, Kiffin’s ability to identify and land key prospects has allowed the program to compete with the big boys. The incoming recruits, particularly in the trenches, could make a huge difference in the team’s overall success.

The SEC West and National Landscape

To get a sense of where Ole Miss might land in next season’s way-too-early Top 25, it’s important to consider the broader landscape of college football, particularly in the SEC. The SEC West will continue to be one of the toughest divisions in college football, with teams like Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M all boasting strong recruiting classes and established coaching staffs.

While Ole Miss has shown it can compete with these teams, consistency will be key. The Rebels will need to prove they can beat teams like Alabama and LSU on a regular basis, which will be a challenge, but not an impossible one. Moreover, with the advent of the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, a high ranking in the way-too-early rankings could place Ole Miss in a position to make the playoff for the first time in program history.

The Rebels’ 2024 Schedule

Looking ahead to the 2024 schedule, Ole Miss will face a difficult slate of games, especially within the SEC. However, they will also have opportunities for statement victories. Key matchups to watch will include games against Alabama, LSU, and Mississippi State. Ole Miss will need to win at least one, if not two, of these games to solidify a spot in the Top 25.

The non-conference schedule offers opportunities to build momentum with winnable games, but the real tests will come within the SEC. How Ole Miss performs in conference play, especially on the road, will ultimately determine their ranking.

Projection: Where Will Ole Miss Land?

So, where will Ole Miss land in next season’s way-too-early Top 25?

Given the departure of several key players, the uncertainty at quarterback, and the ongoing development of the defense, Ole Miss is likely to land in the 15-20 range in most early rankings. The team has too much talent, particularly with Judkins, Kiffin, and a promising recruiting class, to fall out of the rankings entirely. However, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position and the losses on defense may prevent them from cracking the top 10.

Ole Miss will likely be considered a solid contender in the SEC West, but not necessarily a preseason favorite. A lot will depend on how quickly the new quarterback settles in and how effectively the defense develops under new leadership. If they can find consistency in those areas, a Top 15 finish and a shot at a College Football Playoff berth is within reach.