Lane Kiffin and his Ole Miss Rebels entered the 2024 college football season with sky-high expectations. Boasting an explosive offense led by quarterback Jaxson Dart and a roster filled with seasoned playmakers, the Rebels appeared poised to challenge the SEC’s traditional powerhouses, Alabama and Georgia, for a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot. Yet as the season has unfolded, it’s become evident that this Ole Miss team wasn’t built to withstand the grind required for a deep playoff run.
After a promising start, Ole Miss faltered in critical moments, most notably in a crushing loss to Alabama. That defeat exposed the structural weaknesses of Kiffin’s team and highlighted why they fell short of becoming serious playoff contenders this season.
One of the most exciting aspects of Ole Miss football under Lane Kiffin has been its high-octane offense. The Rebels consistently rank among the top teams nationally in scoring and total yards, thanks to Kiffin’s creative play-calling and the talent of players like Dart, Quinshon Judkins, and a deep receiving corps.
However, the flip side of this offensive prowess is a defense that often struggles to match up against elite competition. The Rebels have faced challenges stopping the run and containing physical offenses, a weakness that Alabama and Georgia exploited during their matchups.
Defensive inconsistency has been a hallmark of Kiffin’s tenure at Ole Miss. Despite improvements under defensive coordinator Pete Golding, the Rebels remain susceptible to big plays and can struggle to get off the field on third downs. Against teams with championship-caliber talent, such deficiencies can prove fatal, as they did against Alabama in a game that effectively ended Ole Miss’ playoff hopes.
Another glaring issue for Ole Miss is a lack of depth compared to programs like Georgia and Alabama. While Kiffin has done an excellent job recruiting and utilizing the transfer portal, the Rebels are still a step behind the SEC’s elite in terms of overall roster talent.
Depth becomes critical during the long haul of an SEC season. Injuries are inevitable, and teams that lack quality backups often find themselves unable to maintain a high level of play. Ole Miss felt this impact as the season progressed, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, where their lack of size and strength was exposed against physical opponents.
In the SEC, where playoff aspirations hinge on navigating a brutal schedule, a lack of depth can derail even the most talented teams. For Ole Miss, this was a key factor in their inability to make a serious playoff push.
One of the most frustrating aspects of Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss tenure has been the team’s inability to win big games consistently. While Kiffin has engineered memorable victories during his time in Oxford, the Rebels have often come up short in marquee matchups, particularly against Alabama.
The loss to Alabama this season was a prime example. Despite a strong start, Ole Miss faltered in the second half, with questionable play-calling and execution issues undermining their chances. This trend of falling short in critical moments has been a recurring theme under Kiffin, and it’s a hurdle the program must overcome to reach the next level.
Despite falling short of playoff contention this season, the future remains bright for Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin. The program has made significant strides since Kiffin took over, consistently competing at a high level in the SEC and positioning itself as a destination for top recruits and transfers.
To build a team capable of making a deep playoff run, however, Kiffin must address the Rebels’ defensive shortcomings and continue to develop depth across the roster. The transfer portal will likely remain a key tool for Ole Miss, but long-term success will require sustained success in recruiting high school talent as well.
Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss team wasn’t built for the playoff long haul this season, but that doesn’t mean the program is without promise. The Rebels have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone in the country, but their defensive issues, lack of depth, and struggles in big games remain obstacles to true championship contention.
If Kiffin can address these weaknesses and build a more balanced team, Ole Miss could soon find itself in the CFP conversation. For now, however, the Rebels will have to settle for being a strong SEC contender rather than a true playoff threat.