OFFENSE DEFENSE

Lane Kiffin can coach offense, and he also knows how to use the transfer portal. The Ole Miss offense generated close to 500 yards a game last season and returns intact except the receiving corps, which Kiffin simply restocked with experienced playmakers. Jaxson Dart returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,974 yards and running for 614. Former All-Big 12 QB Spencer Sanders is also in the quarterback room. The Rebels have the best running back in the SEC in Quinshon Judkins. The offensive line returns as well, so there is cohesion in the trenches. After losing two big-time receivers to the NFL, Kiffin found a couple of gems. One is Zakhari Franklin from UTSA who had 175 catches for 2,163 yards over the past two seasons. He should blossom in Kiffin’s system. The other stud is Tre Harris from Louisiana Tech who caught 65 passes for 935 yards and 10 TDs.

The Ole Miss defense wasn’t horrible. The Rebels gave up 25.5 points a game, 5.3 yards per play, opponents converted just 38.8 percent on third down and they sacked the quarterback 35 times and recovered 12 fumbles. Not bad, but in order to compete for SEC titles, the defense must be better. The pressure should be good this season, coming from a variety of places, but most notably Cedric Johnson on the end and from the linebackers. Tackle Joshua Harris from NC State is a big addition in the middle. Monty Montgomery joins the squad from Louisville, which upgrades the linebacker position. The portal helped rebuild the secondary that produced just two picks over the second half of the season. Zamari Walton (Georgia Tech) will start at one corner, and John Saunders Jr. (Miami, O.) will play safety alongside Isheem Young, who can really play.

Special Teams

Special Teams

2023 Schedule Newcomers

Suntarine Perkins, LB — Ranked No. 3 at linebacker and No. 23 overall in this recruiting cycle, Perkins is ready to play in the SEC. With new depth at linebacker through the portal, the true freshman may be eased into action more slowly than he would like.

Monty Montgomery, LB— The veteran Linebacker from Louisville made 11 tackles for loss, two picks and forced four fumbles for the Cardinals last season.

Zamari Walton, CB — Walton has 42 games of experience at Georgia Tech and three picks in his career.

TEXAS A&M College Station, TX

HEAD COACH: Jimbo Fisher

OC: Bobby Petrino

DC: DJ Durkin

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1871

STADIUM: Kyle (102,733)