It's Now Or Never For Ole Miss To Make The CFP
In his fourth season as the head coach of Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin faces high expectations following an 11-2 season and a Peach Bowl victory over Penn State. The Rebels are now in a prime position to compete for the SEC Title. The question remains: What will it take for the Rebels to make their first appearance in the SEC title game since its formation in 1992?
The Transfer Class Lives Up To The Hype
Lane Kiffin has implemented a roster management approach that differs from most programs. Instead of primarily relying on high school recruitment, he has heavily emphasized using the transfer portal. Over the past three transfer portal cycles, he has consistently brought in a top-three-ranked class, with the 2024 cycle being the most successful. In this cycle, he secured the No. 1 class, featuring defensive lineman Walter Nolen and wide receiver Juice Wells. The success of this transfer class will be crucial if the Rebels aim to contend in the SEC.
Ole Miss's Returning Production
We have already discussed the elite transfer portal class, and the team is set to welcome back key players from the 11-win team. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, the starter for the past two seasons, is returning after throwing for 3,364 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions. The team's leading receiver, Tre Harris, tight end Caden Prieskorn (Peach Bowl MVP), and three starters on the offensive line - guard Jeremy James, tackle Micah Pettus, and center Caleb Warren - who have a combined 111 career starts together are also set to return. On the defensive side, edge rusher Jared Ivey, who led the team with 5.5 sacks, and leading tackler safety Trey Washington are both set to return. If Ole Miss competes for an SEC Title, these returning players will be a significant factor.
Rebels Schedule
The 2024 SEC football schedule for the Rebels looks good. Although they have away games against LSU and Florida, their toughest match is against the championship favorite Georgia, which they will play at home, making it somewhat easier to beat the Bulldogs. They won't be playing against teams like Texas and Alabama, who are among the top five contenders to win the SEC Championship, as per FanDuel. If Ole Miss can secure wins apart from the game against Georgia, they will be in a solid position to make it to the SEC Championship and possibly the College Football Playoff.
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