We are just days away from 2025, and after another season with plenty of ups and downs, the next chapter of Ole Miss football is about to begin. What can we expect, and what may we predict could happen after December 31, 2024?
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl winners and a ten-win season
It may still be part of the 2024 season, but the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl takes place on January 2. Duke lost players to the transfer portal, including their starting quarterback, Maalik Muphy, who transferred to Oregon State, which was a surprise.
The Rebels are returning nearly all their starters, even those heading to the NFL. Walter Nolen, Jared Ivey, JJ Pegues, and Princely Umanmielen are going to make it challenging for whichever quarterback starts. If Ole Miss plays their best, they should achieve another bowl win under Lane Kiffin.n.
Another top-5 transfer portal class
Yes, a fourth consecutive top 5 transfer portal class in 2025. Ole Miss currently sits behind LSU and Texas Tech, and although they may not secure another No.1 ranked class, they will certainly have a top 5 rank.
Lane Kiffin has already acquired six four-star transfers, according to 247Sports. We will see which other players transfer in, but it's already been a successful haul, along with the 2025 recruiting class.
Cayden Lee to lead the SEC in receiving yards
Sophomore Cayden Lee broke out last season, having the second-most receiving yards on the team with 817. Lee got open frequently for Dart, especially on quick slants out of the slot. He also finished seventh in the SEC in receiving yards.
Some top receivers in the SEC include Alabama's Ryan Williams and new transfers such as Auburn's Erc Singleton Jr. However, with Lee the leader in the Ole Miss receivers room, I expect him to have over 1,000 yards in 2025. He is already forming a partnership with potential starting quarterback Austin Simmons.
Another double-digit winning season, with a side of playoffs?
Looking at the 2025 schedule, Ole Miss should eke out another double-digit winning season. However, can they do it without a bowl game, which would get them into the 12-team College Football Playoffs?
We can't get ahead of ourselves, as we saw what happened in 2024, but other SEC programs, such as LSU and Auburn, will receive much more attention thanks to their high-end transfer portal work.
It's possible for Ole Miss, which may not have the experience of last season, but they do have plenty of playmakers and raw talent that could surprise a few.