Ole Miss climbs again in new AP Poll following road victory against Kentucky

The Ole Miss Rebels have made a notable jump in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 college football poll heading into Week 3 of the 2025 season. After a thrilling 30-23 victory over Kentucky in their SEC opener, the Rebels have moved up three spots to No. 17 in the AP Poll.

This move comes on the heels of a solid 2-0 record and a dominant performance that showcased their resilience and skill under pressure and the ability to overcome adversity.

The win against Kentucky was particularly impressive, as Ole Miss overcame an early 10-point deficit to secure the victory. Sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons played a critical role, completing 13 of 24 passes for 235 yards and rushing for an additional 44 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Lane Kiffin praised Simmons' effort and assured fans that his injury was not serious, underscoring the team's depth and ability to perform under challenging circumstances.

Sophomore running back Kewan Lacy was incredibly impressive once again, rushing for 138 yards and a score. He was a big reason for the Rebels being able to hold on to their lead and run out the game. He is currently the leading rushing in the SEC through the first two weeks of the season.

One of the biggest plays of the game came early on a 4th and 2 on the Rebels own side of the field. Ole Miss was trailing 10-0 at this point, and failure to convert could've easily led to a larger deficit. Simmons was able to deliver a strike to Harrison Wallace, who took it all the way down to the 1-yard line, setting up a critical touchdown.

With Ole Miss climbing to 17th in the AP rankings, the team sits among 11 SEC schools featured in the Top 25 this week, reflecting the conference's continued strength and competitiveness. The Rebels' rise in the rankings is matched by their progression in the Coaches Poll, where they have also seen upward movement as they moved up to 12th.

As Ole Miss looks ahead to their upcoming matchup against Arkansas, the team and its supporters will be eager to build on this momentum. The Rebels have demonstrated a blend of offensive firepower and defensive grit, earning them national respect and positioning them as a formidable contender in the SEC and beyond.