5 Things You Need to Know About the Ole Miss Rebels

Football time in the Bluegrass returned last Saturday as Kentucky defeated Toledo 24-16. The ‘Cats dominated the game defensively until the fourth quarter, but the offense certainly left plenty to be desired in week one. A rather mediocre performance to begin the year only heightens the importance of this week two matchup with the Ole Miss Rebels. First of all, the ‘Cats are just 2-10 at Kroger Field in their last 12 SEC matchups. That simply isn’t going to cut it. Secondly, much of Big Blue Nation is in a “show me” holding pattern. Optimism and excitement are at a decade-long low after last season’s 4-8 debacle. Last week did little to inspire the fanbase so this Saturday will serve as an early-season turning point. Fair or not, many fans will be vindicated for checking out if Kentucky loses to Ole Miss. However, a victory would quickly galvanize the fanbase.

Kentucky’s offense sputtered a bit in week one, but the Ole Miss Rebels did what they do best. Coach Lane Kiffin’s offense put up 63 points and just shy of 700 yards of total offense in a beatdown of Georgia State. However, there are some reasons for optimism in the matchup for the Wildcats. Ole Miss threw two interceptions and were disrupted by Georgia State’s pass rush at times. With Kentucky’s pass rush grading out so highly in week one, along with collecting an interception, there could be some opportunities for defensive havoc on Saturday afternoon. Additionally, the Rebels 191 yards on the ground in week one. If the Wildcats can establish their rushing attack once again we could be in for a battle at Kroger Field. Ole Miss will be seeking revenge from last season, but there are some reasons to like the matchup for the ‘Cats.

As always, Kentucky Sports Radio’s football experts Nick Roush and Adam Luckett have spent the week providing in-depth breakdowns of the Wildcats’ opponent. 11 Personnel and the KSR Football Podcast have you covered as well if you prefer preparing for Saturday’s game via audio. However, for those looking for a more surface level preview you have come to the right place. Here are five things you need to know about the Ole Miss Rebels.

Lots of New Faces Headline the Ole Miss Offensive Attack

Jaxson Dart played his way into becoming the 25th overall pick in the NFL Draft with a massive senior season at Ole Miss. The three-year starter for the Rebels threw for 4,279 yards on 69.3% completion percentage connecting on 29 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Dart’s top two receivers, Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, went to the NFL as well. Those two were second and fourth round picks respectively. The Ole Miss Rebels also had to replace their starting running back and two interior lineman. Last year’s team had one of the best offenses in college football. However, with so many moving parts, it is to be determined whether this iteration will have the same success.

Coach Lane Kiffin has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to posting elite offenses. Ole Miss has finished in the Top 20 of SP+ all five years under his tutelage. The 2024 Rebels’ offense was seventh best nationally. Featuring Coach Kiffin’s patented spread tempo attack this group will look to pick up where the 2024 team left off. However, without a NFL first round quarterback and a pair of NFL wide receivers that could be easier said than done. Either way this week two matchup will go a long way towards examining just how good this Kentucky defense can/will be this season.

High Expectations for the Rebels’ New QB1

High expectations come with the territory of being the starting quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels under Coach Lane Kiffin. Following Jaxson Dart is no easy task, but Austin Simmons could be up for the challenge. The left-handed redshirt sophomore got quality backup time in 2024 and is now the full-time starter in 2025. Simmons was 20-31 with three touchdowns in week one against Georgia State. However, he also threw two interceptions and fumbled once. He can make every throw on the field and is capable as a runner, but ball security will be crucial in week two at Kroger Field.

Plenty of Talented Options at Wide Receiver

Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, the Ole Miss Rebels two NFL Draft Pick wideouts from a year ago, caught a combined 109 passes for 1,936 yards, and 16 touchdowns last season. Replacing that level of production will be no easy task. However, between a couple talented returners and a boost from the transfer portal there are plenty of options to go around.

Cayden Lee is the top returning target. The true junior caught 57 passes for 874 yards and two scores last season. Dae’Quan Wright brings back 27 catches for 394 yards and four touchdowns. Then, there are four transfers in the mix for Austin Simmons to target. Penn State transfer Harrison Wallace III got the bulk of the action in week one bringing in 130 yards and a touchdown on just five catches. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State transfer Deshaun Stribling has over 2,000 career yards and 17 touchdowns to his name. Alabama transfer Caleb Odom and Wake Forest transfer Deuce Alexander will factor into the passing attack as well.

Hard to Replicate Ole Miss’ Elite Defense From 2024

Former Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding has made a major difference for the Ole Miss Rebels since coming to Oxford. He immediately lifted the defense to a Top 25 unit in 2023 before finishing in the Top 5 last season. The Rebels were first in yards allowed per rush (2.29), first in havoc rate (16.7%), second in points allowed (14.4), fourth in yards per play (4.48), and 10th in third down conversion percentage allowed (31.86%). However, it will be an almost entirely new defense in 2025. Ole Miss lost 13 of 16 players who recorded over 300 snaps last year. Five of those players went on to be selected in the NFL Draft. Coach Golding will have his hands full when trying to replicate the success this defense achieved last season.

Talented Front Seven

There will be plenty of new faces, but the Ole Miss Rebels won’t lack for defensive talent. Massive defensive tackle Zxavian Harris is one of the few returning pieces. The 6’8″ 330 senior recorded 32 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss last season. His sheer size is an issue up front. Kam Franklin and LSU transfer Da’Shawn Womack are former high-level recruits who made an impact last week for the Rebels. Nebraska transfer Princewill Umanmielen is one to watch as well up front. The Big Blue Wall held strong in week one, but Ole Miss will present a different level of challenge here in week two.

At the second level, Suntarine Perkins is the name to know. A likely All-SEC performer this season, the linebacker recorded 60 tackles including 14 for loss and 10.5 sacks last season. He is undoubtedly the Rebels’ top returning defensive player. TJ Dottery is another productive returner among their linebacker core. Then, there is Marshall transfer Jaden Yates. He earned All-Sun Belt honors with 126 tackles last season. It will be interesting to see if Kentucky can win the line of scrimmage against this talented Ole Miss front.