News Summary
The Ole Miss Rebels kicked off their Southeastern Conference season with a thrilling comeback win against the Kentucky Wildcats, overcoming a 10-point deficit to secure a 30-23 victory. Led by a strong ground game and resilient performances from key players, Ole Miss outgained Kentucky and solidified their standing in the conference. Head coach Lane Kiffin praised the team’s effort, especially after a challenging start. This win sets the stage for their upcoming matchup against Arkansas as they aim to continue their winning streak.
Oxford, Mississippi – The Ole Miss Rebels started their Southeastern Conference (SEC) season on a high note, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 30-23. The game took place on September 7, 2025, and marked the Rebels’ first SEC matchup of the season, and they currently sit atop the conference standings.
After trailing 10-0 in the first half, Ole Miss came back strong in the second half, scoring 30 points while holding Kentucky to just 13. Ole Miss faced adversity early, with quarterback Austin Simmons throwing two interceptions that ended drives and allowed Kentucky to establish an early lead. However, the game changed course when the Rebels found success with their ground game, enabling Simmons to make more impactful passing plays.
Noteworthy performances contributed to the victory, including a 138-yard rushing effort and a touchdown from running back Kewan Lacy. In addition, wide receiver Harrison Wallace had an impressive game, catching four passes for a total of 117 yards. Although Ole Miss had a challenging game regarding turnovers—finishing with a -2 turnover margin—they still managed to dominate the offensive statistics, outgaining Kentucky 457 yards to 359.
Ole Miss’s head coach, Lane Kiffin, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, particularly given the Rebels’ previous loss to Kentucky the year prior. He acknowledged the challenge of playing on the road in the SEC, especially with a young quarterback like Simmons at the helm. Coach Kiffin emphasized the importance of a solid defensive effort and a productive run game, which became crucial in the second half, despite the Rebels’ struggles on third down, converting only 3 of 13 attempts.
Simmons bounced back from his rough start, making critical plays that proved vital for Ole Miss’s success. He was able to return to the game after sustaining an injury that required taping, demonstrating resilience throughout. Furthermore, Delano Townsend made a successful return from injury, logging 59 snaps in the game, and his performance was positively noted by Kiffin as the team looks for ongoing improvement.
With this victory, Ole Miss improved their season record to 2-0, while Kentucky fell to 1-1. The Rebels now turn their attention to their next opponent, the Arkansas Razorbacks, whom they will face at home on Saturday at 6 PM CT. As Ole Miss seeks to extend their winning streak to 2-0 in the conference, they hope to solidify their position and enhance their standing in the rankings.
As of September 7, 2025, Ole Miss is ranked No. 13 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, showcasing their successful start to the season. The win against Kentucky signals a promising trajectory for the Rebels, who have demonstrated resilience and capability in their opening SEC contest.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Rankings
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels football
- Ole Miss Sports: First Look at Arkansas
- Google Search: Arkansas football vs Ole Miss
- Red Cup Rebellion: Ole Miss Gets Revenge on Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss football
- SI.com: Early Betting Lines for Ole Miss vs Arkansas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
- Whole Hog Sports: Arkansas vs Ole Miss Kickoff Time
- Google News: Ole Miss Kentucky football
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