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Ole Miss enters the new season with rising anticipation and plenty of moving parts. After quarterback Austin Simmons made waves in recruiting conversations, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he’ll deliver on the promise. However, this season, his potential won’t only be based on adapting quickly to the Rebels’ fast-paced culture, but also NIL deals shifting college football’s landscape and talent pipelines widening.
Luckily, the Rebels aren’t strangers to big moments or pressure. In 2024, their offense ranked among the nation’s best in both yardage and scoring, nodding to a program built on explosive play. On defense, they were sturdy up front but more vulnerable in the secondary, a contrast that could shape matchups in the upcoming SEC slate. Add in the weight of recent events surrounding the Ole Miss community, and it’s clear this program plays amid intense scrutiny and emotional stakes.
Austin Simmons heads into fall camp with plenty of buzz around his potential. As a top recruit and incoming quarterback, he represents a fresh chapter in the Ole Miss Rebels odds and offense. There’s optimism among fans and insiders, but nothing is guaranteed, especially with competition brewing for the starting job. Simmons will need to stand out not just in practice but also in scrimmages, where every decision and pass will be weighed against Southeastern Conference (SEC) standards.
The stakes are higher because this isn’t just about talent anymore. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have transformed college football, particularly athlete exposure and expectations. Simmons is stepping into a system where performance and brand overlap in real time. Ole Miss insiders believe he has the poise and mechanics to thrive, but the leap from high school play to an SEC-level offense is steep. All eyes will be on how well he reads defenses and responds to pressure, both on and off the field.
Ole Miss carved out a reputation as one of the most electrifying offenses in college football last season. With 526.7 yards per game, second in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), and an average of 38.6 points, they proved that speed and efficiency aren’t just buzzwords. Quarterbacks delivered 350.8 passing yards per game, and the team notched 31 touchdowns, making the air attack a consistent threat. On the ground, 175.8 rushing yards per contest added balance and versatility to the playbook.
The depth goes beyond totals. Ole Miss ranked tenth in passing touchdowns and twenty-third in rushing scores. These numbers echo the 2020 season under Matt Corral and Lane Kiffin, when the Rebels averaged 39.2 points per game, battled through an all-SEC schedule, and earned an “A-” from PFSN Insights. The success rate and conversion on money downs don't reflect situational sharpness, something this new squad will need to maintain.
Defence continues to be a mixed bag for Ole Miss. On the ground, they lead the nation with 80.5 rushing yards allowed per game, first in the FBS, and only seven rushing touchdowns given up, placing them second. This shows how well they handle early downs and limit big-play potential from run-heavy teams. It’s a cornerstone of their strategy and a source of confidence heading into high-pressure matchups.
But in the secondary, the story shifts. Ole Miss allows 230.8 passing yards per game, putting them 86th in the FBS. That gap could open opportunities for pass-first offenses looking to exploit coverage weaknesses. The Rebels did manage to limit passing touchdowns to 13, ranking sixteenth, so it’s not all shaky. Still, the discrepancy between run defense and pass defense will require tightening. Coordinators are expected to focus heavily on pressure schemes and coverage drills in camp.
Two games on Ole Miss’s schedule stand out not just for tradition, but for their potential to shift the team’s season trajectory, both already highlighted in FanDuel’s NCAAF Season Trends as high-impact matchups.
First up is LSU on September 27, a series dating back to 1894 and now played annually for the Magnolia Trophy. With both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard, this game could turn into a showcase of explosive plays and red-zone execution.
Then comes the Egg Bowl on November 28, a fiery in-state clash against Mississippi State that ranks No. 23 among college football’s greatest rivalries. Ole Miss leads the all-time series, but recent matchups have been unpredictable and emotionally charged. The Bulldogs are known for gritty defense, while the Rebels counter with explosive plays, particularly 78 gains of 20+ yards last season.
Ole Miss carries more than expectations this season. With Austin Simmons in the spotlight and the offense showing top-tier numbers, the team is positioned to compete. Their defensive depth will be tested, yet their adjustments are already underway. That’s who they are. Through wins and setbacks, they’ve always shown toughness and control under pressure. Now, the focus shifts to consistency, execution, and staying ready for anything.
