Week 1 projected depth chart for the Ole Miss football defense

The Rebels' offense has been a strong part of the team under Lane Kiffin since he arrived in Oxford. This season, the defense is expected to make great strides. Ole Miss had a top recruiting class this off-season, with some talented defensive players added alongside players who stayed for another season. Could this be how the defense lines up for Saturday's game?

Defensive tackles: Walter Nolen & JJ Pegues

Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding ensured the defensive front was getting some size to compete with the elite in college football. Texas A&M transfer Walter Nolen will help with that at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds. Nolen will likely play opposite the center, with JJ Pegues helping beside him. Zxavian Harris, Akelo Stone, and freshman William Echoles will sometimes rotate in and out with the top two.

Defensive end: Jared Ivey

Jared Ivey coming back on the defense for one more season was as big as Tre Harris returning on the offense. Ivey had 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last season, and alongside Nolen and Pegues, it's a fearsome defensive three. Behind Ivey, Ole Miss has transferred Chris Hardie, a very experienced defensive end and an exciting freshman in Kam Franklin.

Defensive end/Edge: Suntarine Perkins

Another top transfer for Ole Miss, Princely Umanmielen, has been recovering from shoulder surgery during the off-season. Reports in early August suggested he would be ready for week 5 of the season. He may be healthier earlier than that, but Suntarine Perkins did a brilliant job last season as a freshman. He could start Saturday, giving Umanmielen more time to recover.

Linebackers: TJ Dottery & Khari Coleman

Lane Kiffin will feel like TJ Dottery will be a new player on the roster, thanks to playing in just one game last season due to transfer eligibility. He should start Saturday as Arkansas transfer Chris Paul, who may feature, is cleared to practice this week after an injury. Khari Coleman will be the other starting linebacker, and JUCO transfer Raymond Collins will be another excellent depth piece.

Cornerbacks: Trey Amos & Isaiah Hamilton

Alabama transfer Brandon Turnage could have been a starter with the Crimson Tide in 2024, but instead, he looks to help sure up the secondary for Pete Golding. Alongside Isaiah Hamilton, they should start at the outside corner positions. Brandon Turnage could also push to start on Saturday, with Chris Graves Jr. backing up alongside whoever does not start out of Turnage and Hamilton.

Nickel: Yam Banks

The secondary has the potential to rotate, something DC Pete Golding will indeed utilize during the season. Yam Banks could start at the nickel position, but don't be surprised if it's Trey Washington. Louis Moore could break into the rotation after a good pre-season.

Safeties: Trey Washington & John Saunders Jr.

Returning players from last season, Trey Washington and John Saunders Jr. will likely start in week 1, with Washington at strong safety and Saunders Jr. at free safety. The Rebels have Key Lawrence, who is challenging for a starter's spot, and Yam Banks could also pop up at safety throughout the season.