News Summary
Following a dominant 63-7 victory over Georgia State, Ole Miss Football has moved up to No. 14 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons led the offense with 341 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Rebels now prepare to face the Kentucky Wildcats in a highly anticipated rematch. The team aims to build on their strong performance and avenge last season’s loss, with Kewan Lacy making an impactful debut.
OXFORD, Mississippi – Ole Miss Football has climbed to No. 14 in the US LBM Coaches Poll as of September 2, 2025, following a commanding performance in their season opener, where they defeated Georgia State 63-7. This marks an improvement from their previous rank of No. 15.
In the decisive victory, redshirt sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons showcased his skills, completing 341 passing yards and securing three touchdowns. Despite facing adversity early on with two interceptions, Simmons settled into the game, effectively establishing his role as the team’s starting quarterback.
As it stands, Ole Miss is currently 1-0 and will enter Southeastern Conference (SEC) play against the Kentucky Wildcats in Week 2. This matchup is particularly significant for the Rebels as they seek to avenge their loss to Kentucky from the previous season, which occurred at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The anticipated game against Kentucky is scheduled for September 6 at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ABC. Kentucky comes into this match with a record of 1-0 after securing a victory over Toledo, 24-16.
In addition to Simmons, the Rebels’ offense was bolstered by the presence of Missouri transfer running back Kewan Lacy, who made a notable impact in his Ole Miss debut. Lacy rushed for 108 yards on 16 carries, including three touchdowns. His performance underscored his versatility, as he mentioned his ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver.
Lacy’s first touchdown reflected his determination, coming after a challenging collision with two defenders. His skills were further exhibited with a swift 42-yard gain, clocking in at 20.5 mph, marking one of the fastest speeds recorded in Week 1 of college football. Lacy boasts an impressive track background, holding a personal best of 10.49 seconds in the 100 meters, highlighting his athletic capabilities.
Head coach Lane Kiffin recognized the importance of a strong rushing game, affirming Lacy’s performance as pivotal to the team’s strategy moving forward. Lacy expressed satisfaction with his efforts in the season opener while conveying a commitment to continuous improvement.
Looking ahead, the Rebels are focused on refining their gameplay in preparation for the rematch against Kentucky. The team aims to enhance their performance and rebuild confidence following last year’s setback against the Wildcats. The Ole Miss roster features several transfers, indicating a renewed depth and energy for the season ahead.
Overall, Ole Miss Football has set a strong foundation with its opening game, and the team hopes to carry this momentum into their upcoming challenge against Kentucky.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Kewan Lacy and Ole Miss Football
- Ole Miss Sports: Practice Report Before Kentucky Game
- Fox13 Memphis: Shooting Incident After Ole Miss Game
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss vs. Kentucky Game Preview
- Red Cup Rebellion: Ole Miss vs. Georgia State Watch Options
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Football
- Google Search: Ole Miss Football
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss Rebels
- Google News: Ole Miss Football
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