It’s hard to believe that we’re headed into year four of the Lane Kiffin era, but here we are. Kiffin led Ole Miss to three straight bowl games, including a Sugar Bowl in 2021, and he has the Rebels poised to go to a fourth in 2023. At least that’s what the preseason polls indicate.
Ole Miss ranked 22nd in ESPN Power Rankings
Few FBS teams had as much turnover as the Rebels, who underwent dramatic roster and coaching staff changes after they dropped their final four games in 2022. Coach Lane Kiffin brought in six new assistant coaches, including former Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who will try to improve a unit that allowed 34.5 points per game during the late-season swoon. Quarterback Jaxson Dart probably remains the starter heading into the summer, after battling transfers Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and Walker Howard (LSU) in the spring. Linebacker Monty Montgomery (Louisville), cornerback Zamari Walton (Georgia Tech) and safety John Saunders Jr. (Miami, Ohio) look like key additions on defense.
Rebs land at 24th in 247 rankings
Lane Kiffin hasn’t decided on his starting quarterback coming out of spring, but we’re going to assume Jaxson Dart holds off Oklahoma State’s Spencer Sanders and LSU’s Walker Howard for the first-team job. Regardless, this team’s offensive firepower is centered around returning superstar Quinshon Judkins in the backfield.
Mason Brooks gets bonus from Commanders
The former Ole Miss offensive lineman was signed as an unrestricted free agent, but he is clearly valued by the Washington Commanders. According to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, the Commanders gave Brooks a $35K bonus, second only to the Vikings’ bonus for Army Edge rusher Andre Carter.
Ole Miss at Mizzou (6pm, SECN)
Ole Miss is at Mizzou this weekend in a pivotal series for both teams trying to make the SEC Tournament cut. Only the top 12 teams make it. The Rebs and Tigers have matching 5-16 conference records, thus, the winner of this series will definitely have the upper hand. Missouri is on a 6-game SEC losing streak, and has lost 10 of its last 12 conference games.
Hunter Elliott undergoes Tommy John surgery
Chase Parham of Rebel Grove is reporting that Hunter Elliott, who led Ole Miss to the College World Series Championship a year ago, underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday.
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