Ole habits die hard. The Ole Miss Rebels’ traversal in the Lane Kiffin era has become a bit of a modern tradition in the negative sense. Walk through this cyclic process and you’ll realize a version of it has happened year in, year out. At the outset of the season, they’ll blow out relatively weak programs. Then, go on a run, generating national buzz. Maybe even earn plaudits as a legitimate Natty contender. But then falter against a good team. Then, pick it up again and perhaps even upset a blueblood. All this before falling short towards the end anticlimactically. What Ole Miss fans and Kiffin would’ve given to halt this carousel of incessant doom. Unfortunately, it could be more of the same next season.
The Rebels were left stranded on the periphery of the CFP last season. Owing to this, Kiffin and the Ole Miss brass got down to business. They hit the transfer portal extensively as a means to spark a change and retool. The program’s attempts to escape the (Mississippi) mud saw them conjure the No.2 transfer portal class in the country for 2025. That has certainly gone a long way to quell concerns after an exodus in this off-season. However, it’s not done enough to give Lane Kiffin the confidence his team is destined for a great season. Kiffin has himself proclaimed that at least one position group stands to be worse in 2025 than it was in 2024.
Instinctively, you’d think Kiffin is alluding to the quarterback position. Ole Miss has lost the services of their veteran talisman in Jaxson Dart. Statistically, Dart was the most successful quarterback in program history. He threw for more yards than any Rebel ever, taking over the record from Eli Manning last season. Sans the experience, Austin Simmons is a more than capable successor, though. Perhaps why Lane Kiffin pointed to another unit on the field as a potential weak link. Ironically, that unit is the mortal enemy of the quarterback- the defensive line. Kiffin was confronted upon whether his D-line stands to be as solid as it was last season. His reply was sincere, but the truth often stings.
“That would be hard to do,” said Kiffin. That’s more than rational, given Ole Miss’ 2024 D-line was one of the very best in the country. They’ve lost the trifecta of Princely Umanmielen, Jared Ivey, and JJ Pegues. All 3 have ascended to the NFL ranks. For context, that’s 21 sacks worth of production out of Oxford. The entirety of the football world saw just how game-breaking a potent pass rush can be in the Super Bowl. As much as the players poised to fill in do, the pass rush probably won’t be an identity for the team and a modus operandi for the defense. Lane Kiffin followed his comment with, “It is a really good room that has a lot of potential.” But does “potential” help him get the monkey off his back, shatter the glass ceiling looming over the program and make the playoffs?
“That would be hard to do…but it is a really good room that has a lot of potential.” – Kiffin on the DLine group being as talented as last year’s group
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 18, 2025
Being in the SEC is a bit of a poisoned chalice. You’re playing the best teams in front of the biggest audiences. However, the strong competition to break out of the pack and make the CFP neutralizes that element. Lane Kiffin’s Rebels are consistently hovering in and around that double-digit win mark. But can’t seem to propel themselves into the postseason. Perhaps their latest hire, a Natty-winning staffer with NFL experience, helps push them over the line.
Lane Kiffin onboards help straight out of the NFL
As referred to earlier, the recently concluded Super Bowl really did drive home that one football cliche. The game is won and lost in the trenches. The Eagles’ D-line, featuring a bunch of ex-Georgia Bulldogs, gave Patrick Mahomes no time to breathe. However, the converse was just as glaring. Without a good shield, even the best QB in the world was rendered futile. The offensive line is just as important a cog to the operation. The offensive whiz that he is, Lane Kiffin probably recognizes this more than most. With an inexperienced QB, strong O-line play could make or break Ole Miss’ season. Owing to this, they’ve just brought over some help.
James Cregg has just touched down in Oxford as an analyst. He served as the O-line coach for the Raiders last year, and also has served in that capacity for LSU. He had his fingerprints on the success of that legendary 2019 LSU team, which continues to create history. “We kind of have a big family up there with our staff, it’s a really cool feeling…with Chris Kiffin and Joe Judge the year before. To add guys with NFL experience is great,” said Lane Kiffin when addressing the Cregg hire.
Kiffin and Ole Miss continue to work towards their big breakthrough. Both in the southeast and nationally. They’ve ruffled feathers, caused upsets, risen, crashed, and burned. They’re approaching a juncture when something’s got to give. It’s not for a lack of trying, and the school has put up the funds to back Kiffin’s program, too. He now needs to reciprocate that by taking them to the postseason. The depleted defensive line, as much of a handicap as it could be, cannot be an excuse.
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