Lane Kiffin: Preseason hype around Ole Miss 'means nothing'

Ole Miss has reached new heights under Lane Kiffin in recent years.

The Rebels are coming off a record-setting 11-2 season in 2023 that was capped with a Peach Bowl victory. It was the second time in two seasons that Kiffin led the Rebels to a 10-win season. Similar win totals are expected in 2024.

Following the conclusion of Ole Miss’ first fall camp practice, the Rebels head coach revealed how he expects his team to be able to handle itself when the lights are on bright

“I spent a lot of time talking to them in the first meeting about outside expectations, hype, accolades, and those things and how little those mean,” Kiffin said. “This team hasn’t won any games — they haven’t played together. And even the players that have had previous success here or in other places, that doesn’t mean that either. Making sure that they understand whether it’s preseason rankings, whether it’s as a team, position, group, or individuals — (outside noise) means nothing.

“And those (expectations) can always be the exact opposite a lot of times from what can happen by the end of the year, so we have a lot of work to do.”

Ole Miss’ expectations were set after Kiffin continued his success in the transfer portal this offseason. He brought in the likes of SEC-experienced veterans such as EDGE Princely Umanmielen, defensive tackle Walter Nolan and wide receiver Antwane ‘Juice’ Wells Jr. into the program.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart is back for another season and looks to lead the Rebels into becoming one of the top offenses in the SEC, and the nation.

Losing talented tailback Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State was a massive blow for Ole Miss out of the backfield, but Henry Parrish Jr. is back with the program after playing for Miami for the last two seasons. Kiffin also added the likes of Jacory Croskey-Merritt from New Mexico. He rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

“At the same time, it’s exciting to have a lot of pieces to work with and to try to gel them together,” Kiffin said. “So good first day. We’re still watching the film right now, but there’s a lot of exciting stuff.”

The Rebels will open their season on Aug. 31 against Furman, and won’t begin SEC play until Sept. 28 in a Week 5 matchup at home against the Kentucky Wildcats. They’ll also play LSU, Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida down the stretch this fall.