On3s Defensive Line Rankings Has Ole Miss as One of the Best in the Nation

The Ole Miss defensive line is ranked alongside the elite in college football per On3s Jess Simonton.

Ole Miss fans know we have an exceptional roster heading into a make-or-break 2024 season. However, it's nice to hear college football media sites acknowledge what the fans believe. 

On3s Jess Simonton had the Rebels' four offensive units in his top 10 rankings. On May 13, he released his first defensive unit rankings, with the Ole Miss defensive line making it alongside the elite in college football.

The Ole Miss offensive line landed at No.6 in Simonton's rankings, one spot ahead of powerhouse Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish has seen several past players on the defensive line drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL draft over the last few years.

What Makes the Ole Miss Defensive Line One of the Best in College Football?

The Rebels finished the 2023 season with 35 sacks, ranking them in the top 25 in the nation while adding 60 tackles for loss. Despite this, they struggled with pressure against some top teams, including the game against Georgia.

The acquisitions of elite defensive linemen Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen from the transfer portal have helped propel the Ole Miss defensive line into one of the best in the nation. Both players have been disruptive in the SEC over the last couple of seasons, and they are looking to play their way into first-round selections in next year's NFL draft. 

Defensive coordinator Pete Golding also returns Jared Ivey, JJ Pegues, and Suntarine Perkins, who all contributed last season. The Ole Miss defensive line also has a talented freshman in Kam Franklin, who has the potential to hit the ground running in 2024.

With a good 1-2 at each position on the early depth chart, the Ole Miss defensive line deserves to be ranked alongside the best in college football. Now, they need to prove it on the field when the season starts.