Lexington, KY, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face the No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels in their Southeastern Conference opener at Kroger Field. After a disappointing first game, starting quarterback Zach Calzada aims to improve against a strong Ole Miss team that showcased their offensive capabilities in a prior victory. This matchup promises to be a closely watched contest as both teams display potential threats on offense and defense.
LEXINGTON, KY – The Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for their Southeastern Conference (SEC) opener against the No. 20 ranked Ole Miss Rebels this Saturday, September 6, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Kroger Field. The Wildcats come into the game after a challenging week one, with their new starting quarterback, Zach Calzada, struggling in his debut, which could determine Kentucky’s chances against their formidable opponents.
Calzada completed only 10 of 23 passes for 85 yards and one interception but did manage to score a touchdown on a QB sneak. Head Coach Mark Stoops indicated that Calzada’s performance was marked by pressure, stating that improvement is crucial if Kentucky hopes to upset Ole Miss, who enjoyed a strong opening week.
The Rebels showcased their offensive power in a dominant 63-7 victory over Georgia State, led by quarterback Austin Simmons. Simmons had a standout performance, completing 20 of 31 passes for 341 yards and tossing three touchdown passes while also recording two interceptions. Kentucky’s defense will need to prepare for Simmons, who has already proven to be a significant threat.
On the ground, Kentucky’s Dante Dowdell, a junior transfer from Nebraska, displayed promising potential by rushing for 129 yards on 14 carries, which included a notable 79-yard touchdown run. Another former transfer, Seth McGowan from New Mexico State, supplemented the rushing effort with 78 yards on 18 carries and scored a 6-yard touchdown. Conversely, Ole Miss’s Kewan Lacy was equally impressive against Georgia State, running for 108 yards and three touchdowns.
The passing game saw some uneven performances, particularly from Kentucky’s wide receivers. Only three players recorded catches against Toledo, with leading receiver Hardley Gilmore IV managing minus-5 yards on two receptions. In contrast, Ole Miss’s Harrison Wallace III established a career-high with five catches for 130 yards and a touchdown in his opening match. Kentucky’s tight end Josh Kattus had a solid day against Toledo, leading his team in receiving with three catches for 47 yards, while Ole Miss’s Dae’Quan Wright recorded four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Stoops praised Kentucky’s offensive line for allowing no sacks and demonstrating sturdy pass protection throughout the game. Mississippi’s right tackle Jayden Williams was recognized for his impressive pass-blocking, which could play a critical role in the upcoming matchup.
On the defensive side, Kentucky shined against Toledo. Linebacker Alex Afari stood out with 13 tackles and a sack. The Wildcats’ defensive line also saw David Gusta contributing with a tackle for loss. Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery led his team with nine tackles in their opener against Georgia State, while cornerback Jaylon Braxton missed the game due to injury. Coach Lane Kiffin is hopeful that Braxton will return for the Kentucky game, which could bolster the Rebels’ defense significantly.
Both teams have shown promising special teams play. Kentucky’s punter Aidan Laros averaged 43.8 yards over five punts, while Ole Miss freshman punter Oscar Bird had an average of 44.5 yards over two kicks. Heading into the matchup, Ole Miss comes in as a 10-point favorite, suggesting a closely watched contest between these SEC rivals.
Key Matchup Statistics
| Player | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Zach Calzada | Kentucky | 10/23, 85 Yards, 1 INT, 1 TD |
| Austin Simmons | Ole Miss | 20/31, 341 Yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs |
| Dante Dowdell | Kentucky | 129 Yards, 14 Carries, 1 TD |
| Kewan Lacy | Ole Miss | 108 Yards, 3 TDs |
| Alex Afari | Kentucky | 13 Tackles, 1 Sack |
| TJ Dottery | Ole Miss | 9 Tackles |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the game between Kentucky and Ole Miss?
The game will take place on Saturday, September 6, at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Where will the game be held?
The game will be held at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
Who is favored to win?
Ole Miss is favored by 10 points heading into the matchup.
What were the key player performances in Kentucky’s opener?
Key performances included quarterback Zach Calzada’s struggles and running back Dante Dowdell’s impressive rushing game.
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Additional Resources
- On3: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Ole Miss Football Initial 2025 SEC Availability Report
- CBS Sports: Ole Miss vs. Kentucky Prediction, Pick, Odds, Spread, Where to Watch Live
- College Football News: Ole Miss vs. Kentucky Prediction Game Preview 2025
- Kentucky.com: Insights and Analysis on Kentucky Wildcats
- 247Sports: Kentucky Football Releases Initial Injury Report for Ole Miss
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Football
- Google Search: Kentucky vs Ole Miss Football
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Wildcats Ole Miss Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
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