The Ole Miss Rebels are one of the hottest stories in college football this season as the program navigates a College Football Playoff run, major coaching changes, roster developments, and off-field incidents that have captured attention across the sport.
Rebels’ Historic 2025 Season and CFP Run
The 2025 Ole Miss football team has enjoyed one of its most successful seasons ever, finishing the regular year with a stellar record and earning a berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Rebels, under interim leadership after a coaching transition, entered the postseason with a strong 12-1 mark, showcasing powerful offense and tough defense that have made them a formidable SEC contender.
In their playoff debut, Ole Miss dominated Tulane in the first round, cruising to a convincing win and setting up a high-stakes rematch with the Georgia Bulldogs at the Sugar Bowl — a CFP quarterfinal game that has become one of the most anticipated matchups of the New Year’s slate.
Coaching Shake-Up: Kiffin Departs, Golding Takes Helm
One of the biggest headlines surrounding Rebels football has been the departure of Lane Kiffin, who exited Oxford after the regular season to accept a lucrative head coaching position at LSU. Kiffin’s decision came shortly after Ole Miss turned in an impressive 11-win campaign, but the Rebels’ athletic department denied his request to stay through the postseason.
With Kiffin gone, Pete Golding was promoted to head coach for the Rebels’ postseason run, and he has been tasked with leading the team through the challenging CFP landscape. Golding’s leadership in the Sugar Bowl matchup has been widely discussed, with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and several assistants — some joining from LSU — helping stabilize the coaching staff through the transition.
The coaching dynamics have sparked controversy and conversation across the sport, including debates about staff movement between programs and how the Rebels adjusted to life after Kiffin.
Sugar Bowl Showdown vs. Georgia
Ole Miss’s quarterfinal contest against Georgia at the Sugar Bowl has been front-page news within college football circles. The matchup is a rematch of an earlier regular-season contest, where Georgia emerged victorious, making this second meeting a chance for Ole Miss to assert itself on the national stage.
Leaders on the Rebels — including playmakers like running back Kewan Lacy and top receivers — have been key parts of the offensive game plan as Ole Miss aims to pull off the upset and advance to the CFP semifinals.
Player News: Eligibility and Off-Field Incidents
Trinidad Chambliss Waiver Update
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, one of the team’s standout playmakers, has been pursuing a waiver that could extend his eligibility into the 2026 season, potentially giving the Rebels a major boost next year.
Freshman Arrest Rocks Team
Just days before the Sugar Bowl, freshman defensive back Dante Jovon Core was arrested on an alleged drug possession charge during a traffic stop. The incident added a layer of distraction and concern just as the team prepared for its CFP quarterfinal, despite Core being quickly released.
These off-field developments have added complexity to an already intense season, testing the team’s resilience and focus as it pursues postseason success.
Keys to Victory and Fan Hype
Heading into big games, analysts and fans alike have highlighted strategic keys for Ole Miss to pull off major wins — from exploiting matchups to minimizing turnovers — especially in high-pressure playoff environments. The Rebels’ preparation and execution will be critical as they look to make history by advancing deeper into the CFP.
Support from Rebels fans has been strong, with passionate followings rallying around the team in Oxford and beyond as the postseason unfolds.
What’s Next for Ole Miss Football
With the Sugar Bowl result shaping the next chapter, Ole Miss’s football season remains at a pivotal moment. If the Rebels advance past Georgia, they will face another CFP semifinal challenge against elite competition. Regardless of the outcome, the season has already cemented itself as one of the most memorable in program history.
Looking further ahead, recruiting, transfers, and roster decisions — including waiver outcomes and staff continuity — will be key focus areas as Ole Miss positions itself for continued success in the SEC and national picture.
Summary:
Ole Miss football is trending nationally thanks to its breakthrough 2025 season, dramatic playoff push, coaching shifts, and both on- and off-field storylines. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Rebels aim to make deep College Football Playoff progress and build momentum for future seasons.
