News Summary
The Ole Miss Rebels are optimistic as they prepare for the upcoming football season, being ranked No. 15 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. Under head coach Lane Kiffin, who is entering his sixth season, the team aims for its sixth-consecutive bowl game appearance after finishing last season with a record of 10-3. Despite losing eight players to the 2025 NFL Draft, Ole Miss will kick off the season against Georgia State, with expectations riding on sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons and a strong wide receiver group.
Oxford, MS – The Ole Miss Rebels have been ranked No. 15 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, which was released on August 4, 2025. The announcement marks an optimistic beginning for the Rebels as they gear up for the upcoming football season under the guidance of head coach Lane Kiffin, who is entering his sixth season with the team.
After finishing the previous season with a successful record of 10-3, Ole Miss is striving for its sixth-consecutive bowl game appearance. The Rebels are set to kick off the season against Georgia State on August 30, 2025, at 6:45 PM CT, live on the SEC Network.
This season, the Rebels face the challenge of replacing eight players who were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. This includes star quarterback Jaxson Dart, who joined the New York Giants after setting multiple records during his time at Ole Miss. In his absence, Austin Simmons, a sophomore quarterback, is anticipated to lead the offense, benefiting from a wealth of talent acquired through the transfer portal.
Simmons has demonstrated his running capabilities during practice sessions; however, Kiffin has suggested that Simmons may not run as frequently as his predecessor Dart did. In an effort to diversify the offensive strategy, backup quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who has a dual-threat capability from his previous time at Ferris State, may be employed in specific running plays.
The Rebels’ wide receiver group is seen as a significant strength this season. Notably, senior Izaiah Hartrup is eager to regain his form after a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries. Additionally, standout linebackers Suntarine Perkins and TJ Dottery have garnered attention for their performances during fall camp, which will be critical for the team’s defensive strategies.
On the defensive end, Tahj Chambers has also emerged as a key player. Having added weight since arriving at Oxford, Chambers is expected to play a significant role this year following a strong season in which he led Missouri State with 88 tackles in 2024.
In the Coaches Poll, Ole Miss is among nine teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The rankings include Texas at No. 1, followed by Georgia at No. 4, Alabama at No. 8, and LSU at No. 9. Other SEC teams ranked include South Carolina at No. 13, Florida at No. 17, Tennessee at No. 18, and Texas A&M at No. 21. The first AP Poll is expected to be released on August 11, 2025, which will further detail the teams’ standings ahead of the season.
In addition to the on-field preparations, Ole Miss Athletics has finalized its tailgating plans for the 2025 season, introducing new measures aimed at enhancing convenience and safety in The Grove. The schedule for personal tent setups will now begin at 6 PM on Fridays, one hour earlier than in previous years. For registered vendors, tailgating setup times have been optimized, along with a new fee structure—$150 for single-game setups and $100 per game for season setups. The intent behind these changes is to maintain the traditional gameday experience while addressing contemporary challenges faced by athletic departments.
As the Rebels prepare for the upcoming season, fans are anticipating an exciting year filled with challenging matchups and the hope of continued success on the football field.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Rankings in Coaches Poll
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Tailgating Options
- 247 Sports: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for Ole Miss
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
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