It’s hard for Ole Miss to remain under the radar in 2024….
Since the conclusion of Ole Miss’ 2023 season, Lane Kiffin’s Rebels have consistently been among the top ranked teams entering the next season. There haven’t been many ‘way-too-early’ polls that have the 2024 Rebels outside of the top seven, let alone the top ten.
With his present momentum and roster, Kiffin has set high expectations. Ole Miss is attempting to build off of their first 11-win season in program history, potentially snowballing into their first CFP appearance.
However, some expectations differ from the others.
With spring football over and the second transfer portal window closed, USA Today has re-ranked its top 134 heading into the summer. The Rebels did make the top 15, but they were unable to get into the top ten for the first time this offseason.
USA Today CFB 2024 Re-Rank (Top 15)
1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Texas
4. Oregon
5. Notre Dame
6. LSU
7. Alabama
8. Florida State
9. Clemson
10. Penn State
11. Ole Miss (No. 6 – 247Sports)
12. Oklahoma
13. Tennessee
14. Michigan
15. Utah
It may be way too early for bulletin board fodder, but one thing is certain: Kiffin has advised his players to avoid the ‘rat poison’ at all costs. This is an unusual early rating for the 2024 Rebels, but they still qualify for the College Football Playoffs.
Ole Miss responded admirably last season, despite numerous doubts about their ability to compete with the nation’s third-best schedule. No one expected them to lose to only Alabama and Georgia on the road. Even when Ole Miss made it to the New Year’s Six Bowl, they were not favored, but they easily defeated a top-10 Penn State team in Atlanta.
With virtually all of the expectations in the world, here’s how Ole Miss’ schedule looks in 2024…
Ole Miss 2024 Schedule
8/31 – Furman
9/7 – Middle Tennessee
9/14 – @ Wake Forest
9/21 – Georgia Southern
9/28 – Kentucky
10/5 – @ South Carolina
10/12 – @ LSU
10/26 – Oklahoma
11/2 – @ Arkansas
11/9 – Georgia
11/23 – @ Florida
11/30 – Mississippi State*
