Lane Kiffin takes jab at Kirby Smart's weight ahead of game at Georgia

One reporter lobbed up a question for Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin at his Monday press conference, and Kiffin threw it back in the face of Kirby Smart. With the Rebels set to take on Georgia this weekend, Kiffin got a fun inquiry about the sideline antics of the two coaches.

Neal McCready of Rebels247 mentioned how animated both Kiffin and Smart can be, asking the coach who he believed burned more calories between the two in a given game. Kiffin knows a good troll opportunity when he sees it and seized the chance to take a shot at Smart over his weight.

“I don’t know, that’s a good question,” Kiffin said. “I walked by the TV and saw his press conference today, so I don’t think he’s burning too many calories.”

Best moment from @Lane_Kiffin’s press conference, as asked by @NealMcCready.

😂

🎥 @OleMissFB pic.twitter.com/vZWFv0z953

— Benjamin Wolk (@benjaminwolk) October 13, 2025

That kind of trash talking has come to be expected from Kiffin, who has developed a reputation as the SEC’s ultimate troll. It’s all in good fun and hopefully he and his team can back it up on the field in what should be an exciting matchup.

Kiffin and Smart have faced off against each other twice since the former took over the Ole Miss job in 2020. Georgia got the better of the Rebels in a 2023 matchup, but Ole Miss claimed the most recent victory last season.

Saturday’s contest will be a big one for the SEC standings, as the Bulldogs sit behind Ole Miss, Alabama and Texas A&M, all of which are currently tied for first place. A tight game is expected with Georgia entering the game as a touchdown favorite according to BetMGM.

Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart are plenty familiar with each other even outside of facing off as opponents the past couple of seasons. The pair were also assistants together for two seasons at Alabama under legendary coach Nick Saban before Smart left to take the Georgia job in 2016.

Kiffin was highly complimentary of Smart earlier in his press conference, even comparing him to Saban. But he still couldn’t resist another opportunity to troll him, pointing out his lack of success in going 1-7 against the Crimson Tide.

“People talk about people leaving coach Saban and what do they take — I think Kirby basically is Nick Saban in almost every area,” Kiffin said. “How he is, how he coaches, everything. How he models his team. And it’s worked. Basically have repeated the program and the success, really against everybody but Alabama.”

All that is setting up for a game that comes down to the wire when these two sides clash this weekend. Kickoff between Ole Miss and Georgia is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Sanford Stadium in Athens.