News Summary
The Ole Miss football team has started its preseason training at the Manning Center as they prepare for the upcoming season. Led by head coach Lane Kiffin, the Rebels are gearing up to replace key players lost to the NFL Draft while focusing on enhancing their offensive line. With their first game against Georgia State just weeks away, the team is looking to build on its recent success and develop a strong roster for the challenges ahead in SEC play.
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI – Ole Miss football commenced its preseason training on July 29 at the Manning Center as the Rebels gear up for the 2025 season. The opening practice marks the beginning of a crucial training period leading into their season opener against Georgia State on August 30, which will take place at home. Following this initial matchup, Ole Miss will dive into Southeastern Conference (SEC) play with a game against Kentucky scheduled for September 6.
Returning under the leadership of head coach Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss is striving to build on its impressive record of success, having achieved three ten-win seasons in the past four years. However, the Rebels face the challenge of replacing significant talent lost from the 2024 team, including eight players drafted in the recent 2025 NFL Draft. Among those drafted was quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was selected in the first round, highlighting the extensive talent that will need to be replenished.
The first practice session, which was open to media coverage, did not include contact drills. A notable player in attendance was sophomore Caleb Odom, a transfer from Alabama who has switched positions from tight end to wide receiver. Odom, now listed as a wide receiver, boasts impressive physical attributes at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds. During practice, he demonstrated versatility by participating in drills for both tight ends and receivers, expressing a desire to contribute in multiple roles throughout the season.
In the quarterback position, redshirt sophomore Austin Simmons, who served as the backup last season, took part in all drills and is expected to step into the starting role this year. There are several competitors for the backup quarterback position, including senior Trinidad Chambliss, who holds Division II All-American experience, along with Maealiuaki Smith, Shawqi Itraish, and AJ Maddox, each of whom has unique backgrounds and potential contributions to the team.
In terms of other strategic adjustments, Coach Kiffin has focused on enhancing the offensive line and running back positions. This initiative comes in response to a subpar rushing game performance from the previous season. During practice, transfers Delano Townsend and PJ Wilkins, both sophomores, were seen taking first-team snaps at guard, indicating they will play crucial roles in the upcoming season. Another candidate for a starting position on the offensive line is Patrick Kutas, who is currently in recovery from an injury.
Kiffin has acknowledged that roster turnover is a significant challenge in college football, primarily due to the NCAA Transfer Portal, which allows players to move between teams. Ole Miss has successfully secured an array of player commitments through the portal from a variety of programs, including players transferring from Alabama and LSU, further bolstering their roster as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the 2025 season.
The 2025 season will mark the sixth for Coach Kiffin with the Ole Miss program. The Rebels concluded the 2024 season with a commendable 10-3 record, showcasing the team’s potential. As they prepare for their upcoming season, the focus will be on maximizing the talent available and creating a cohesive unit capable of maintaining the program’s upward trajectory.
With the August 30 opener against Georgia State on the horizon, Ole Miss football is poised to take on the season with renewed determination and a strategic plan in place. As they navigate roster changes and prepare for competition in the SEC, the Rebels aim to continue their success on the field.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Football Practice
- Sports Illustrated: Lane Kiffin’s Take on NCAA Transfer Portal
- The Rebel Walk: Previewing Ole Miss Football’s 2025 SEC Schedule
- Oxford Eagle: Reward Offered in Killing of Ole Miss Freshman
- A to Z Sports: Ole Miss Football Hot Takes
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Football
- Google Search: Ole Miss Rebels
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss Rebels
- Google News: Ole Miss Football
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