The college football season is upon us, bringing with it high expectations for the Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebels were ranked sixth in the most recent preseason AP Top 25 list, their highest ranking since a fifth-place finish in 1970.
With returning players like Jaxson Dart, Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, and head coach Lane Kiffin working his portal magic again in the offseason, the hype surrounding this team is understandable. After a loss to Georgia last season, new additions like Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen and Juice Wells have bolstered the Rebels in size, speed and talent.
The season opener against Furman will give fans and the Rebels their first look at this team and all of its components. Although the Paladins are a non-conference opponent, this will be an important first step against a team that made the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs the year before.
Furman won the Southern Conference last year when they finished 7-1 in the conference and 10-3 overall. In 2023, the Paladins totaled 2,462 passing yards, 386 fewer than their opponents. They shined on the ground, totaling 2,046 rushing yards, 786 more than their opponents.
Ole Miss last played Furman on November 15, 1924, meaning it has been nearly a century since the two teams last met. The Rebels, led by Chester S. Barnard, who was head coach for only one season, lost 7-2 in a low-scoring game.
Bookmakers and analysts will and should predict that the Rebels will start the season 1-0. The Rebels open as a 40.5-point favorite against Furman, with the over/under odds at 60.5. Ole Miss’ offense is considered one of the most explosive and powerful in the league, hence the wide point spread.
The opening game is scheduled for August 31 at 6 p.m. and will be available on ESPN+ or SEC Network+.
