ESPN ranks only two SEC teams with a less difficult schedule than Ole Miss in 2024

The strength of the schedule is always a central talking point at this stage of the season. With the roster set, who has a more manageable task of surpassing their predicted win total? According to ESPN, Ole Miss is one of those programs.

ESPN ranked the Ole Miss 2024 schedule as the No. 22 most difficult in the FBS this season. That is high compared to the number of Power Four Conference teams (67). That being said, of the 16 Southeastern Conference teams, the Rebels are ranked No.14.

It left only two teams from the SEC with a predicted easier schedule than Ole Miss: LSU and Missouri. Both teams happen to be legitimate challengers to the Rebels for a place in the 12-team college playoff in December. LSU was ranked one spot behind Ole Miss, with Missouri not making the top 25 released by ESPN.

The rankings speak to how tough the SEC is for all the teams. Ole Miss has the 14th toughest schedule, with Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, and Kentucky to play in 2024. The team might have been bumped up a few places if it wasn't for their favorable four-game out-of-conference schedule.

The four teams with the most demanding schedules all play Ole Miss in 2024. Florida, Mississippi State, Georgia, and Kentucky are ranked from No.1 to No.4 in that order. The Wildcats are the first SEC team Lane Kiffin's side faces in week 5 of the season.

In the recent Preseason Coaches Poll, Ole Miss was ranked No.6. In addition to the roster Kiffin and his staff have built, it's also down to the schedule. Now, the team needs to grab the opportunity and prove that the hype around them was right.

It's just 34 days until Ole Miss gets their 2024 season underway against FCS team Furman at home.