NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ole Miss Rebels Preview | Expert Predictions & Best Bets for 2024

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Ole Miss Rebels Preview | Expert Predictions & Best Bets for 2024

Ole Miss Rebels Preview, Predictions & Season Win Total Pick

Last year was the first time in program history that the Ole Miss Rebels won 11 games in a season. What will Lane Kiffin and company have in store for an encore in 2024? The Rebels loaded up in the transfer portal this offseason, and most of their offense returned for a chance to compete for a national championship. The Rebels have the type of roster that can damage the SEC and win the entire College Football Playoff.

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Ole Miss Rebels Preview

2023 Record: 11-2 (6-2); SEC Finish: 2nd SEC West
AP Poll: No. 6 | Coaches Poll: N0. 6 | PFF: No. 14
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin 34-15 (12-4) | Fifth Season | Overall: 95-49
C0-Defensive Coordinator: Bryan Brown/Pete Golding | Co-Offensive Coordinator: Joe Cox/Charlie Weis Jr.

Ole Miss Rebels Futures Odds (FanDuel)

National Championship Odds: +1400 | CFB Playoff Odds: -165
SEC Championship Odds: +750
Regular Season Wins: OVER 9.5 -122 | UNDER 9.5 +100

Ole Miss Preview: Why You Should Be Bullish

The Rebels dominated headlines inside the transfer portal this offseason and were arguably the biggest winners of the bunch. Not only did the Rebels add Princely Umanmielen and Walter Nolen to elevate their defense, but they also kept a large chunk of their offense, which was already strong in 2023. With Jaxson Dart and Tre Harris set to terrorize the nation, the Rebels are a team on the rise again in 2024.

Ole Miss Preview: Why You Should Be Bearish

We know the Rebels have many talented offensive pieces that can lead to big-time production. The biggest question about the offense revolves around whether or not this offensive line can win battles and stay healthy. The Rebels struggled for a large portion of last year in this department, and their additions via the transfer portal don’t inspire confidence that things will change in that regard.

Ole Miss Breakout Player: WR Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr.

As we’ve consistently mentioned, the Rebels were active in the transfer portal. Even if the spotlight in that notion goes toward the defense, don’t shy away from what South Carolina wideout transfer Antwane Wells Jr. can bring to the table. The experience is limited, but Wells Jr. provides another potential explosive piece for an offense that is becoming increasingly difficult to game plan against.

Ole Miss X-Factor: DE Princely Umanmielen

With the Rebels’ additions on defense, it’s not hard to be most excited about what Princely Umanmielen adds. Umanmielen was highly coveted in the transfer portal, and the Rebels were able to flex their muscles and add him to the mix. Umanmielen is a high-end talent off the edge and has a chance to solidify his place in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. If he can play at a high level again, the Rebels should see much more production from their defense.

Ole Miss Rebels Schedule Analysis

The Ole Miss Rebels avoided some big powerhouse teams on their schedule in 2024, but they still have some challenging heavy hitters to collide with. The biggest game on the Rebels schedule will undoubtedly come on Nov. 9, when Ole Miss hosts the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Besides taking on Georgia, the Rebels will face off with No. 13 LSU on the road and No. 16 Oklahoma at home. Considering the talent in the SEC, it’s pretty easy to suggest the Rebels have the softest schedule of the top contenders.

Ole Miss Prediction: OVER/UNDER 9.5 Wins

When looking at the Rebels schedule in 2024, it’s pretty easy to pick out nine contests where they should be sizable to large favorites. If you think they win those matchups and avoid a slip-up, that’s nine wins in the bank with an over/under set at 9.5. If the Rebels can take down one of Georgia, LSU, and Oklahoma, it’s hard to look away from them going over the number in 2024.

Ole Miss Rebels Preseason Pick

OVER 9.5 (-122) (FanDuel Sportsbook)

Ole Miss Rebels Best Bets

If the Rebels can get consistent protection from their questionable offensive line, there’s some unique value in backing star quarterback Jaxson Dart to win the Heisman Trophy at +1400.