News Summary
As Lane Kiffin enters his sixth year as head coach of Ole Miss, he emphasizes growth and stability for the team as they gear up for the challenging 2025 college football season. With a strong coaching staff intact and a focus on player development amidst transfer portal dynamics, Kiffin shares his commitment to building a cohesive program. The Rebels aim for a successful response after a disappointing previous season, highlighted by key players garnering preseason All-SEC selections and an ambitious schedule featuring tough opponents.
Atlanta, Georgia – Lane Kiffin is gearing up for his sixth year as head coach of Ole Miss, emphasizing growth and stability as the team approaches the competitive 2025 college football season. During the 2025 SEC Football Media Days held in Atlanta, Kiffin articulated that his program is not merely rebuilding but is poised to contend in the upcoming season.
Significant to the team’s strategy is the retention of Kiffin’s coaching staff, including returning offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and defensive coordinator Pete Golding. Kiffin highlighted the uncommon aspect of maintaining the entire coaching team in an era characterized by frequent coaching turnover across college football. The commitment of his staff to remain with the program, even in the face of other opportunities, underscores their shared vision for Ole Miss and their affection for the Oxford community.
In a personal reflection, Kiffin acknowledged the support he has received from his family during a challenging year marked by the loss of both parents. With ten family members currently residing in Oxford, the ties to the community are evidently strong.
Under Kiffin’s leadership, Ole Miss has seen notable progress over the past few seasons, achieving top 12 finishes in three of the last four years—a striking contrast to the team’s performance over the prior 51 seasons. This successful trajectory reinforces Kiffin’s focus on establishing a stable and cohesive program.
As the Rebels prepare for 2025, Kiffin confronted the difficulties brought on by the transfer portal, likening roster management to starting anew each year. While he acknowledged the transfer portal’s advantages in building a competitive team, he underscored that fostering internal cohesion and the development of players is paramount for achieving long-term success.
Key players for the upcoming season have been recognized in the preseason All-SEC selections, including:
- Lucas Carneiro (K) – Named as a second-team kicker, known for his consistent range.
- Suntarine Perkins (LB) – A second-team linebacker with a crucial role as a pass rusher.
- Zxavian Harris (DL) – Recognized as a third-team defensive lineman, expected to be a cornerstone of the defense.
- Princewill Umanmielen (LB) – A transfer from Nebraska, also secured a position as a third-team counterpart.
In preseason predictions, the Rebels are projected to finish seventh in the SEC media poll. With a defense orchestrated by Golding, the team will lean on experienced players like Harris, Perkins, and Umanmielen. Their combined experience, along with a thoroughly implemented system by Golding, is anticipated to bolster the defensive line significantly.
Kiffin praised fellow coaches Kirby Smart and Steve Sarkisian for adeptly navigating the complexities of name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements and player transfers, highlighting the ongoing evolution of college football dynamics.
The overall atmosphere surrounding Ole Miss football is currently characterized by a focus on continuity and maturity, steering clear of excessive hype. Looking ahead, the Rebels face a demanding schedule featuring games against formidable opponents such as Georgia, LSU, Florida, and South Carolina in 2025. Notably, most of these matchups, excluding the one against Georgia, will be held at home in Oxford.
After experiencing a disappointing 2024 season, where expectations were not met, the team is determined to deliver a standout performance this year. The emphasis on stability and growth, paired with an experienced coaching staff and returning players, paints a promising picture for Ole Miss as they embark on the 2025 season.
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Additional Resources
- AtoZ Sports
- The Rebel Walk
- On3
- The New York Times
- 247Sports
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels
- Google Search: Ole Miss Rebels football
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss Rebels
- Google News: Ole Miss football 2025
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