Report: Ole Miss expected to hire SMU's Alex Brown for high-ranking personnel, recruiting role

Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels are expected to make another key hire, as they expect to be among the top contenders in the SEC in 2024.

According to Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports, the Rebels are expected to hire SMU’s Alex Brown in a high-ranking personnel and recruiting role.

“Ole Miss is expected to hire SMU’s Alex Brown in a high-ranking personnel and recruiting role, sources tell

,” Zenitz posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Brown, who has been at SMU as general manager and senior director of scouting and player personnel, has been a key part in the roster construction that contributed to the Mustangs improving from seven wins in 2022 to 11 last season.

“Will add another respected piece to the personnel and recruiting department under Lane Kiffin and new Ole Miss GM Billy Glasscock.“

As Zenitz pointed out, Alex Brown was an important part of SMU’s success last season. With Ole Miss looking to take a step forward, it’ll be fascinating to see what he can do for the Rebels entering the all-important 2024 campaign.

Jared Ivey reveals Ole Miss’ mindset towards lofty 2024 expectations

Expectations have never been higher for Ole Miss in the Lane Kiffin era. With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams this season, the Rebels are a popular selection to make the field. Plenty of factors play into that, with the incredible defensive line being one of them.

Jared Ivey is a returner up front, deciding to come back for another season in Oxford instead of leaving for the NFL Draft. Ole Miss has never truly been in this situation, having preseason national attention when it comes to competing for the CFP. And while Ivey admits he and his teammates discuss the matter, their mindset has changed throughout the process.

“There are times when it comes up,” Ivey said during Wednesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “But I feel like for us, the wh/’y has accepted that and that’s, kind of, our way of thinking. It’s not something I feel like you have to talk about a lot. It’s something that we just do.”

Kiffin has done a great job building the roster and is known as the Portal King. Ole Miss has built through the NCAA transfer portal over multiple seasons. Ivey is a great example, beginning his career at Georgia Tech but then opting to play multiple seasons at Ole Miss.

Playing in every game last season, Ivey recorded 46 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. All of those are career highs after making the switch over from the ACC. An impressive season he will be looking to improve upon in 2024.