Ole Miss could have an easier CFP path than they thought based on the first rankings reveal

The initial 2025 CFP rankings had a good surprise in store for the Ole Miss Rebels.

At No. 6, the Rebels were one of the six SEC teams in the CFP Top 12, with No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Georgia, No. 11 Texas, and No. 12 Oklahoma.

According to the released bracket, Ole Miss will face No. 11 Virginia in a first-round matchup at home. If the playoffs were starting tomorrow, Ole Miss would be the clear favorite to hold off the 8-1 Virginia.

Lane Kiffin's squad has been through some tough tests this season and has emerged victorious in most games thanks to its dynamic roster. They are an undoubted offensive machine, but what will really give them the edge over the Cavaliers would be their improved defense.

The Ole Miss defense was a key to its win against a ranked SEC opponent in Oklahoma last week. It's clear how far they have come and how far they are prepared to go this time around.

Even when looking at the strength of schedule, Ole Miss has just one loss this season against Georgia, a team ranked higher than them in the first 2025 CFP rankings at No. 5.

And, not to forget, that even that one against the Bulldogs was a narrow, one-score loss.

It is clear that the Ole Miss squad has come prepared this year to live up to the high expectations their fans have.

Kiffin's squad has real potential this season, and their CFP path looks less dreadful than initially expected.

If they do come out winning against Virginia, they will be facing Texas A&M, the top-ranked SEC team in the 2025 CFP rankings at No. 3.

How it changes through the following weeks will be a key storyline to follow.