News Summary
The Ole Miss Rebels football team has commenced its fall camp, setting the stage for the 2025 season. With only four returning starters and a notable offseason turnover, Coach Lane Kiffin aims to leverage new talents from the transfer portal. Austin Simmons steps into the quarterback role after Jaxson Dart’s departure to the NFL, while the team’s focus shifts to building chemistry ahead of their season opener against Georgia State. Additionally, the Ole Miss athletics department adds new players to enhance various sports programs.
Oxford, Mississippi – The Ole Miss Rebels football team has kicked off its fall camp ahead of the 2025 season in Oxford, marking a significant moment for the squad as it prepares for key changes. Following a quieter offseason compared to previous years, the Rebels look to rebound after narrowly missing the College Football Playoffs last season. Coach Lane Kiffin has acknowledged this shift in expectations, suggesting that not being ranked in the top 10 could ultimately benefit the team this year.
With a notable turnover in their roster, Ole Miss returns only four starters from the previous season. This includes a significant loss with the departure of quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, contributing to a record eight players drafted from the program this year. To fill gaps left by outgoing talent, Kiffin has actively utilized the transfer portal to inject new skill into the team, focusing on players who have previously excelled at their former programs.
Sage Ryan, a safety transferring from LSU, shared his eagerness about joining the Rebels, motivated by the success of previous players from the program. On the field, expectations are riding high for redshirt sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons, who steps into the leading role following Dart’s departure. His work ethic and talent have been praised by teammates, such as tight end Dae’Quan Wright, signaling a positive start to his new position.
In terms of offensive resources, the team appears to emphasize the importance of bonding and off-field connections to foster stronger performances during games. Harrison Wallace III, a wide receiver transferring from Penn State, highlighted this aspect as crucial for team success. With their season opener scheduled at home against Georgia State on August 30, building team chemistry will be essential as the Rebels make critical preparations.
The initial practice of fall camp was conducted on July 29 and was the first of 11 sessions open to media. This first practice served as an opportunity for players to showcase their skills without contact. Caleb Odom, a transfer from Alabama, has started working in both tight end and wide receiver positions to add versatility to the offense. As the Rebels look to finalize their depth chart, they are testing multiple quarterbacks and new offensive line members to ensure a solid foundation before the season begins.
Significant offseason acquisitions are highlighting the changes within the team’s structure. Trinidad Chambliss, a senior transfer from Ferris State, comes with valuable Division II experience that could lend depth to the quarterback position. Other notable transfers include UAB’s Delano Townsend and Charlotte’s PJ Wilkins, who participated in first-team reps as guards during the first practice. Arkansas transfer Patrick Kutas is also making strides to secure a starting position along the offensive line, despite currently recovering from an injury.
As Kiffin seeks to rebuild the Rebels’ rushing game, inconsistent performance throughout the previous season remains a point of focus. The team’s preparation and restructured roster aim to create a more cohesive and competitive unit that will work towards improving the outcome from last year’s disappointing playoff miss.
In addition to football developments, news from the Ole Miss athletics department also includes the signing of Vlado Jankanj, a player from Belgrade, Serbia, who has achieved an ATP career-high singles ranking of No. 1074. His signing is expected to make a noteworthy impact on the Rebels’ men’s tennis program, showcasing the school’s commitment to enhancing performance across various athletic disciplines.
As the 2025 season approaches, both the football and tennis programs at Ole Miss are poised for developments that could redefine their success on and off the field.
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Additional Resources
- Rebel Grove Offer
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels
- Ole Miss Recruiting Updates
- Google Search: Ole Miss Football
- Clarion Ledger on Ole Miss Football
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss Athletics
- Diego Pounds Watch List Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
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