Ole Miss' Christmas wish of a College Football Playoff place was not granted; perhaps too many of us were naughty. However, heading into 2025, they have some pretty exciting gifts that have been given.
If players, recruits, and anything surrounding the program were Christmas gifts sitting under the tree, these would be the best of them all.
Quarterback Austin Simmons
Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons was a gift from a few seasons ago, but the Rebels will see more of him next season with Jaxson Dart heading to the NFL.
We saw the excitement surrounding Simmons's selection as the starting quarterback in 2025 on that one drive against Georgia in Week 11. After Dart was injured on the game's first drive, which also included an interception leading to a Bulldogs touchdown, Simmons came in.
The redshirt freshman orchestrated a touchdown drive, tying the game at 7-7. Simmons had two throws that showcased his accuracy in tight windows. Aside from his ability, he showed so much composure when it felt essential that Ole Miss scored points.
Lane Kiffin will likely bring in a veteran via the transfer portal, but Simmons looks the part, and Rebels fans should feel happy surrounding the quarterback position heading into 2025.
Five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham
Ole Miss once again had a top 20 recruiting class, with the jewel being five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham. An in-state prospect, Kiffin managed to flip him from the grasp of Alabama.
Cunningham was one of the highest recruits out of Mississippi and the sixth-highest offensive recruit in program history. He was also the second-highest wide receiver recruit, so you can see why it was a big deal for Lane Kiffin and the Rebels.
Kiffin isn't afraid to let true freshmen play if they are ready, and Cunningham has the talent and physique to be a day-one starter. There will be plenty of excitement when the Mississippi native takes the field.
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding
Since arriving in Oxford before the 2023 season, an area lacking in previous years. Although the 2023 season was not where they wanted it to be, it was still an improvement.
The 2024 season saw a considerable increase, with the Rebels ranked high in several categories, including being first in rushing yards allowed and having the most sacks in the nation.
Pete Golding gives Ole Miss recruiting gifts. The former Alabama defensive coordinator is a top recruiter, has brought in top talent during the 2024 season, and continues to do so via recruiting high school talent and transfer portal players.