One thing stopping Ole Miss football from being a Dark Horse National Title contender

Ole Miss landed in another preseason top 10. This time, it was Greg McElroy from ESPN and the Always College Football Show. In addition to ranking the Rebels No. 7, McElroy had several positive things to say about the program heading into 2024.

Despite coming off an 11-win season in 2023, Lane Kiffin and his staff were still concerned about being picked apart by Georgia. McElroy pointed to the pieces they added via the transfer portal, especially on defense, making the defense a difference-maker in 2024.

In addition to mentioning the high-quality offense from last season, which added more pieces to the roster, Greg McElroy said the one thing stopping Ole Miss from competing for a National Title this season is their top players staying healthy.

Fans may point to that and say that the same with every program. The elite programs in Georgia, Alabama, and Texas have much stronger depth at each position. Ole Miss will have rotation, not pound-for-pound, the same ability as others. Therefore, keeping players such as Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen, and Trey Amos healthy, among others, will be crucial.

Greg McElroy praises defensive coordinator Pete Golding

Greg McElroy also praised defensive coordinator Pete Golding. Heading into his second season with the program, McElroy said Golding is an excellent defensive mind, even though some disagree.

McElroy said this is his best contingent of talent by a mile this year, which is true compared to last season. That's no knock on the defense Ole Miss had in 2023. Kiffin and Golding have worked the portal well to make it physically stronger, which needed to be improved last season.

Ole Miss has a defense that even elite teams will take seriously when they face it. We know what this offense can do under Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Can the defense perform to the standard that people have them on paper?