This is the exact question I asked: Predict the 2025 football season for the Ole Miss rebels and show me predicted game stats as well. Make sure to use the current roster.
ANSWER:
The Ole Miss Rebels are poised for a strong 2025 football season, with high expectations from both analysts and oddsmakers. Lane Kiffin's program has established consistency, and despite losing some key players to the NFL Draft, a talented roster and strategic use of the transfer portal position them for another competitive year.
Key Roster Notes for 2025:
* Quarterback: The biggest change will be at quarterback, with Jaxson Dart heading to the NFL. Redshirt sophomore Austin Simmons is expected to step into the starting role. He's shown flashes of talent and leadership in limited opportunities and will be critical to the Rebels' success.
* Offense: While the offensive line is undergoing a makeover with four new starters, the receiving corps remains a strength. Look for former Penn State receiver Harrison Wallace III, Oklahoma State transfer De'Zhaun Stribling, and veteran Cayden Lee to be major playmakers. The running back room will feature Logan Diggs and Missouri transfer Kewan Lacy.
* Defense: The Rebels had a dominant defense in 2024, leading the nation in tackles for loss and setting a school record for sacks. While several key defensive linemen have moved on (Walter Nolen, JJ Pegues, Princely Umanmielen, Jared Ivey), the cupboard isn't bare. Suntarine Perkins (LB) returns as a key piece, and transfers like Princewill Umanmielen (DE, Nebraska) and Da'Shawn Womack (DE, LSU) will look to make an immediate impact.
* Special Teams: Former Western Kentucky kicker Lucas Carneiro is a significant addition, having been a Lou Groza Award semifinalist.
2025 Season Prediction: 10-2 (7-1 SEC) - Contending for a Playoff Spot
Ole Miss has a manageable schedule by SEC standards, which should allow them to navigate the season with a strong record. Their success will largely depend on Austin Simmons' development and how quickly the new pieces on the offensive and defensive lines gel.
Here's a game-by-game prediction with anticipated stats:
Week 1: vs. Georgia State (August 30)
* Prediction: Win (45-14)
* Summary: A dominant home opener. Austin Simmons shakes off any rust with a strong performance, and the defense stifles Georgia State's offense.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 280 passing yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
* Rushing Offense: 200+ yards, 2 TDs
* Defense: 2 sacks, 2 turnovers
Week 2: at Kentucky (September 6)
* Prediction: Win (27-20)
* Summary: A tough early road test, but Ole Miss's talent prevails. Expect a tighter game, with the Rebels making key plays in the fourth quarter.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 250 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
* Logan Diggs (RB): 90 rushing yards, 1 TD
* Defense: 3 sacks, 1 INT
Week 3: vs. Arkansas (September 13)
* Prediction: Win (38-17)
* Summary: Ole Miss maintains its recent dominance over the Razorbacks at home. A balanced offensive attack keeps Arkansas on its heels.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 300 passing yards, 3 TDs
* Total Offense: 450+ yards
* Defense: Holds Arkansas under 250 total yards
Week 4: vs. Tulane (September 20)
* Prediction: Win (35-13)
* Summary: Tulane provides a challenge, but the Rebels' depth and talent are too much. Look for big plays from the Ole Miss receiving corps.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 270 passing yards, 3 TDs
* Harrison Wallace III (WR): 100+ receiving yards, 1 TD
* Defense: Limited big plays for Tulane, strong red-zone defense
Week 5: vs. LSU (September 27)
* Prediction: Win (31-28)
* Summary: A thrilling SEC West showdown at home. Ole Miss makes a crucial defensive stop or scores late to secure a narrow victory in a back-and-forth affair.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 320 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
* Princewill Umanmielen (DE): 1.5 sacks, multiple pressures
* Total Yards: Ole Miss 480, LSU 450
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: vs. Washington State (October 11)
* Prediction: Win (42-10)
* Summary: A comfortable home victory against a non-conference opponent. Ole Miss's offense is firing on all cylinders.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 4 TDs, efficient passing
* Running Backs (collective): 2 TDs
* Defense: Dominant performance, limiting Washington State's offense significantly
Week 8: at Georgia (October 18)
* Prediction: Loss (17-31)
* Summary: A tough road test against one of the perennial national title contenders. Georgia's run game and stout defense prove too much in Athens.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 280 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
* Ole Miss Rushing: Under 100 yards
* Defense: Struggles to contain Georgia's ground attack
Week 9: at Oklahoma (October 25)
* Prediction: Win (27-24)
* Summary: Another challenging road game against a new SEC rival. Ole Miss grinds out a hard-fought victory, relying on their defensive strength in key moments.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 240 passing yards, 2 TDs
* Suntarine Perkins (LB): 10+ tackles, 1 TFL
* Close Game: Decided by a late field goal or defensive stop
Week 10: vs. South Carolina (November 1)
* Prediction: Win (35-21)
* Summary: A strong rebound performance at home after the Georgia game. Balanced offense and strong defensive pressure lead to a comfortable victory.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 3 TDs
* Defense: Multiple sacks and turnovers
Week 11: vs. The Citadel (November 8)
* Prediction: Win (55-7)
* Summary: A decisive non-conference win where many backups get significant playing time.
* Predicted Stats:
* Team Total Offense: 500+ yards
* Multiple Players with TDs
* Defense: Shutout for the starters
Week 12: vs. Florida (November 15)
* Prediction: Win (31-24)
* Summary: A competitive SEC matchup at home. Ole Miss's offensive firepower and timely defensive plays secure the win.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 290 passing yards, 2 TDs
* Kewan Lacy (RB): 80+ rushing yards, 1 TD
* Defense: Bend-but-don't-break, with a crucial takeaway
Week 13: at Mississippi State (November 28)
* Prediction: Win (38-17)
* Summary: The Egg Bowl rivalry goes Ole Miss's way. The Rebels control the game from the start, showcasing their overall talent advantage.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 3 TDs, efficient game
* Total Offense: 400+ yards
* Defense: Limited rushing yards for Mississippi State
Overall Season Record: 11-1 (7-1 SEC)
Postseason Projection:
Given an 11-1 record with only one SEC loss (to Georgia, a likely playoff team), Ole Miss would be in strong contention for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. They would likely be a high seed, possibly hosting a first-round game or receiving a bye.
Projected Outcome: Ole Miss makes the College Football Playoff, possibly as a #7 or #8 seed. They could realistically win their first-round game (e.g., a rematch against LSU, or a Big 12/ACC champion) before facing a top-tier opponent in the quarterfinals (like Michigan or Texas). A deep playoff run is certainly within reach for this talented Ole Miss squad.
ANSWER:
The Ole Miss Rebels are poised for a strong 2025 football season, with high expectations from both analysts and oddsmakers. Lane Kiffin's program has established consistency, and despite losing some key players to the NFL Draft, a talented roster and strategic use of the transfer portal position them for another competitive year.
Key Roster Notes for 2025:
* Quarterback: The biggest change will be at quarterback, with Jaxson Dart heading to the NFL. Redshirt sophomore Austin Simmons is expected to step into the starting role. He's shown flashes of talent and leadership in limited opportunities and will be critical to the Rebels' success.
* Offense: While the offensive line is undergoing a makeover with four new starters, the receiving corps remains a strength. Look for former Penn State receiver Harrison Wallace III, Oklahoma State transfer De'Zhaun Stribling, and veteran Cayden Lee to be major playmakers. The running back room will feature Logan Diggs and Missouri transfer Kewan Lacy.
* Defense: The Rebels had a dominant defense in 2024, leading the nation in tackles for loss and setting a school record for sacks. While several key defensive linemen have moved on (Walter Nolen, JJ Pegues, Princely Umanmielen, Jared Ivey), the cupboard isn't bare. Suntarine Perkins (LB) returns as a key piece, and transfers like Princewill Umanmielen (DE, Nebraska) and Da'Shawn Womack (DE, LSU) will look to make an immediate impact.
* Special Teams: Former Western Kentucky kicker Lucas Carneiro is a significant addition, having been a Lou Groza Award semifinalist.
2025 Season Prediction: 10-2 (7-1 SEC) - Contending for a Playoff Spot
Ole Miss has a manageable schedule by SEC standards, which should allow them to navigate the season with a strong record. Their success will largely depend on Austin Simmons' development and how quickly the new pieces on the offensive and defensive lines gel.
Here's a game-by-game prediction with anticipated stats:
Week 1: vs. Georgia State (August 30)
* Prediction: Win (45-14)
* Summary: A dominant home opener. Austin Simmons shakes off any rust with a strong performance, and the defense stifles Georgia State's offense.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 280 passing yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
* Rushing Offense: 200+ yards, 2 TDs
* Defense: 2 sacks, 2 turnovers
Week 2: at Kentucky (September 6)
* Prediction: Win (27-20)
* Summary: A tough early road test, but Ole Miss's talent prevails. Expect a tighter game, with the Rebels making key plays in the fourth quarter.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 250 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
* Logan Diggs (RB): 90 rushing yards, 1 TD
* Defense: 3 sacks, 1 INT
Week 3: vs. Arkansas (September 13)
* Prediction: Win (38-17)
* Summary: Ole Miss maintains its recent dominance over the Razorbacks at home. A balanced offensive attack keeps Arkansas on its heels.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 300 passing yards, 3 TDs
* Total Offense: 450+ yards
* Defense: Holds Arkansas under 250 total yards
Week 4: vs. Tulane (September 20)
* Prediction: Win (35-13)
* Summary: Tulane provides a challenge, but the Rebels' depth and talent are too much. Look for big plays from the Ole Miss receiving corps.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 270 passing yards, 3 TDs
* Harrison Wallace III (WR): 100+ receiving yards, 1 TD
* Defense: Limited big plays for Tulane, strong red-zone defense
Week 5: vs. LSU (September 27)
* Prediction: Win (31-28)
* Summary: A thrilling SEC West showdown at home. Ole Miss makes a crucial defensive stop or scores late to secure a narrow victory in a back-and-forth affair.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 320 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
* Princewill Umanmielen (DE): 1.5 sacks, multiple pressures
* Total Yards: Ole Miss 480, LSU 450
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: vs. Washington State (October 11)
* Prediction: Win (42-10)
* Summary: A comfortable home victory against a non-conference opponent. Ole Miss's offense is firing on all cylinders.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 4 TDs, efficient passing
* Running Backs (collective): 2 TDs
* Defense: Dominant performance, limiting Washington State's offense significantly
Week 8: at Georgia (October 18)
* Prediction: Loss (17-31)
* Summary: A tough road test against one of the perennial national title contenders. Georgia's run game and stout defense prove too much in Athens.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 280 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
* Ole Miss Rushing: Under 100 yards
* Defense: Struggles to contain Georgia's ground attack
Week 9: at Oklahoma (October 25)
* Prediction: Win (27-24)
* Summary: Another challenging road game against a new SEC rival. Ole Miss grinds out a hard-fought victory, relying on their defensive strength in key moments.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 240 passing yards, 2 TDs
* Suntarine Perkins (LB): 10+ tackles, 1 TFL
* Close Game: Decided by a late field goal or defensive stop
Week 10: vs. South Carolina (November 1)
* Prediction: Win (35-21)
* Summary: A strong rebound performance at home after the Georgia game. Balanced offense and strong defensive pressure lead to a comfortable victory.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 3 TDs
* Defense: Multiple sacks and turnovers
Week 11: vs. The Citadel (November 8)
* Prediction: Win (55-7)
* Summary: A decisive non-conference win where many backups get significant playing time.
* Predicted Stats:
* Team Total Offense: 500+ yards
* Multiple Players with TDs
* Defense: Shutout for the starters
Week 12: vs. Florida (November 15)
* Prediction: Win (31-24)
* Summary: A competitive SEC matchup at home. Ole Miss's offensive firepower and timely defensive plays secure the win.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 290 passing yards, 2 TDs
* Kewan Lacy (RB): 80+ rushing yards, 1 TD
* Defense: Bend-but-don't-break, with a crucial takeaway
Week 13: at Mississippi State (November 28)
* Prediction: Win (38-17)
* Summary: The Egg Bowl rivalry goes Ole Miss's way. The Rebels control the game from the start, showcasing their overall talent advantage.
* Predicted Stats:
* Austin Simmons (QB): 3 TDs, efficient game
* Total Offense: 400+ yards
* Defense: Limited rushing yards for Mississippi State
Overall Season Record: 11-1 (7-1 SEC)
Postseason Projection:
Given an 11-1 record with only one SEC loss (to Georgia, a likely playoff team), Ole Miss would be in strong contention for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. They would likely be a high seed, possibly hosting a first-round game or receiving a bye.
Projected Outcome: Ole Miss makes the College Football Playoff, possibly as a #7 or #8 seed. They could realistically win their first-round game (e.g., a rematch against LSU, or a Big 12/ACC champion) before facing a top-tier opponent in the quarterfinals (like Michigan or Texas). A deep playoff run is certainly within reach for this talented Ole Miss squad.
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