It seems like the 2025 Ole Miss Rebels have flying under the radar in terms of the national media. There just seems to be a lack of buzz around this group and a lack of expectations. However, in the last week or so that has started to change.
First, On3 commentator, JD PicKell went on the record about presumptive Ole Miss starter Austin Simmons. PicKell insinuated that he has a high level of belief in what Simmons can be for Ole Miss this season, basing most of this one the belief that Lane Kiffin put in Simmons during his touchdown drive against Georgia.
Jaxson Dart went out early vs Georgia and Lane Kiffin threw it around the yard like it was pickup football with Austin Simmons for 1 drive.
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) July 3, 2025
Tells us a lothttps://t.co/8Fp5QIU6U0 | @OMSpiritOn3 pic.twitter.com/cqH8X9XMBK
This is something that I emphatically agree with. It seems like all the focus is on Sellers, Manning and Lagway. However, Simmons has all the talent in the world. It is clear that Kiffin and staff have full faith in him to lead this offense, and in his limited time he has shown no reason to believe he can't be a top SEC QB. While there will certainly be growing pains with Simmons in his first year as a starter, I think he will surprise a lot of people across the country.
Then this week, Fox Sports Analyst Joel Klatt, did a segment on his podcast about the 10 teams most likely to make their first playoff appearance in 2025. For Klatt, the Rebels came in as the second most likely team. Klatt based his prediction on two things.
One, Lane Kiffin and two, an easier schedule. Klatt heaped praise on Kiffin, “Lane’s an excellent coach. He’s one of the best coaches in America. I think people love to hate on Lane, but everywhere he’s been, he’s done an excellent job. He’s grown, he’s matured, and I find him to be hilarious on Twitter.”
I too think there is a solid shot this team can make a run to the playoffs. This is a team that does have a ton of production to replace from last year, but I think the staff has done a great job of building up young talent throught the portal and high school ranks over the last several years and now is the time for those players to step up.
The staff replenished the backfield with Damien Taylor, Kewan Lacy, and Shekai Mills-Knight, and Logan Diggs will be fully healthy. The reloaded at receiver with Stribling and Wallace. Added a dynamic tight end in Luke Hasz to pair with Daequan Wright. They also added numerous portal O-lineman, which was one of the weakest spots on last years team.
On the defensive side the staff has loaded up in four and five star talent on the defensive line and Randal Joyner is one of the best in the business at developing talent. I think this group will make some noise this year. They return sack leader Suntarine Perkins and the defensive heart beat in TJ Dottery. The staff also went to work in adding some talent in the defensive backfield through the portal. Overall, I think this is a deep and talented roster that is being a bit overlooked.
I also agree with Klatt that this the schedule lines up great for the Rebels. Three of the hardest games are in the Vaught against LSU, Florida and South Carolina. I also think the schedule sets up nicely where Simmons will get two of the easier SEC games in Kentucky and Arkansas before one of the major turning games against LSU.
If we assume that Georgia game in Athens will be a loss, then there are four key games -- LSU, South Carolina, Florida, and at Oklahoma -- that will be crucial. The Rebels would need to go 3-1 in these games in order to make the playoffs. We are now 52 days away from kickoff against Georgia State, and people are starting to come around about the potential of this Ole Miss team.