News Summary
The Ole Miss football team is preparing for their season opener against Georgia State. As the Rebels complete their first week of fall camp, improvements in physicality and standout performances have emerged. With losses on defense, new players like cornerback Ricky Fletcher and linebacker TJ Dottery are stepping up. Offensively, the arrival of quarterback Austin Simmons and strong performances from key transfers promise a competitive season ahead. Head coach Lane Kiffin emphasizes leveraging the new talent to aim for a bowl appearance.
Oxford, Mississippi — The Ole Miss football team is gearing up for its season opener in just 29 days, with their first game scheduled for August 30 against Georgia State. As the Rebels complete their first week of fall camp, noticeable changes and standout performances have emerged, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season.
This season brings a renewed focus on physicality, which has improved significantly compared to last year, thanks in part to a new roster and a decrease in injuries. The team had to navigate some hefty losses on defense, with five players drafted and four others signed as undrafted rookies in the 2025 NFL draft. This challenging situation necessitates that new players step up to fill these crucial roles.
Among the standout performers on defense is cornerback Ricky Fletcher, a transfer from the University of South Alabama, known for his impressive size at 6-foot-3 and his strong man-to-man coverage skills. Linebackers TJ Dottery and Tyler Banks are establishing themselves as integrals of a deep linebacker unit. Defensive linemen Princewill Umanmielen and Kam Franklin are also catching attention with their speed and hand movements during drills, earning praise from defensive line coach Randall Joyner alongside redshirt freshman Jeffrey Rush. In the secondary, Jaylon Braxton, Sage Ryan, and Kapena Guskihen are proving their worth and vying for starting positions based on their exemplary performances throughout the first week.
On the offensive side, the Rebels are adapting to the presence of a new starting quarterback, Austin Simmons. Simmons has a thorough understanding of the playbook and has developed solid chemistry with the wide receivers. Transfer Izaiah Hartrup from Southern Illinois has quickly made a name for himself with impressive end zone catches. In the tight end position, Caleb Odom has stepped up significantly, particularly in the absence of early-season injury to fellow transfer Luke Hasz, demonstrating effectiveness in both motion and open-field scenarios. Traylon Ray, a transfer from West Virginia, is also showing promise, particularly as a potential kickoff returner.
The offensive line presents a mix of experience and youth, with veterans Diego Pounds and Brycen Sanders providing guidance. The starting lineup includes senior left tackle Diego Pounds, sophomore left guard Delano Townsend, sophomore center Brycen Sanders, sophomore right guard P.J. Wilkins, and senior right tackle Jayden Williams. Communications and performance in blitz pickups have notably improved among this group.
Depth at running back has increased this season, now featuring Kewan Lacy, Logan Diggs, Domonique Thomas, Damien Taylor, and Shekai Mills-Knight. Notably, Logan Diggs has shown he has fully recovered from last year’s knee injury. Additionally, redshirt junior Mac Owen has impressed during one-on-one drills, making significant catches against freshman safety Kegan Sherwood.
As head coach Lane Kiffin enters his sixth season, the Rebels are looking to build on last year’s successful 10-3 record, aiming for a sixth consecutive bowl appearance. With a major roster makeover due to draft decisions, coaches are leveraging the expanded depth from newly acquired transfers to enhance the team’s competitiveness.
The first practice sessions of fall camp took place in comfortable conditions at the Manning Center before transitioning outdoors. With defensive standout Suntarine Perkins, an All-SEC third-team selection, and Dottery drawing attention among linebackers, the Rebels are primed to reclaim lost ground against SEC rivals. A particular focus remains on a revenge match against Kentucky following last season’s defeat.
As Ole Miss progresses through fall camp, the coaching staff is optimistic about the depth and talent on the roster, which could lead to a promising season ahead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ole Miss Football Prepares for Promising Season
Reward Offered in Shooting Death of Ole Miss Freshman
Ole Miss Rebels Football Team Launches Fall Camp
Ole Miss Football Kicks Off Preseason Training
University of Mississippi Extends Athletic Director Contract
Zxavian Harris Steps Up as Leader for Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss Rebels Prepare for Upcoming Football Season
Ole Miss Rebels Begin Fall Camp for College Football Season
Oxford, Mississippi: A Growing Hub of Education and Culture
Mississippi Preseason High School Football Rankings Unveiled
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Football Practice Highlights Austin Simmons
- Sports Illustrated: No. 1 Linebacker in America – Ole Miss Football Commit Suffers Brutal Knee Injury
- The Rebel Walk: Previewing Ole Miss Football’s 2025 SEC Schedule
- Google Search: Ole Miss Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
