The Post-Kiffin Era: 5 Reasons Why Ole Miss Football Is A Dark Horse National Contender In 2025

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) football program is currently navigating one of the most dramatic shifts in its modern history. As of December 15, 2025, the Rebels have officially ushered in the "Post-Kiffin Era" after former head coach Lane Kiffin departed for the LSU Tigers in a high-profile move that sent shockwaves through the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The immediate response from the Ole Miss administration was swift and decisive, promoting defensive coordinator Pete Golding to the role of head coach, signaling a commitment to continuity while injecting a fresh, defensive-minded philosophy into the program's DNA. This pivotal coaching change, combined with an unprecedented influx of talent from the NCAA Transfer Portal, sets the stage for a 2025 season that is arguably the most anticipated in Oxford, Mississippi, in decades.

The transition is not one of rebuilding, but of reloading, powered by the new dynamics of college football. The Rebels’ ability to leverage the transfer market has positioned them as a legitimate dark horse contender for the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP). The focus now shifts from the "Portal King" Lane Kiffin to the new leader, Pete Golding, and the exceptional roster he inherits, which is built to compete in the newly structured SEC immediately.

The New Regime: Key Figures Defining the 2025 Ole Miss Rebels

The immediate aftermath of Lane Kiffin's departure saw the quick promotion of a familiar face, ensuring the program maintained momentum. This section provides a profile of the new head coach and two of the most significant transfer additions who are expected to be immediate impact players for the Rebels.

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• Pete Golding: Head Coach (40th in Ole Miss History)
• Born: February 8, 1984 (Louisiana)
• Coaching History: Began as a graduate assistant at Delta State in 2006. He served as defensive coordinator at various levels, including a notable stint at Alabama before joining Ole Miss.
• Ole Miss Tenure: Joined the Rebels as Defensive Coordinator in 2023 under Lane Kiffin.
• New Role: Officially named Head Coach on November 30, 2025, to replace Kiffin. He is tasked with maintaining the program’s elite recruiting and transfer success while bringing a defensive edge.
• De'Zhaun Stribling: Wide Receiver (Transfer)
• Position: Wide Receiver (WR)
• Previous School: Oklahoma State Cowboys (previously Washington State Cougars).
• 2025 Status: Redshirt Senior.
• Impact: A major receiving threat, Stribling was named to the Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list and the Senior Bowl Top-300, indicating his high expectations for the 2025 season. He is expected to be a primary target in the Ole Miss offense.
• Caleb Odom: Tight End/Wide Receiver (Transfer)
• Position: Tight End (TE) / Wide Receiver (WR)
• Previous School: Alabama Crimson Tide.
• 2025 Status: Sophomore.
• Impact: Odom is a highly-touted prospect, having been ranked as a top-100 recruit nationally in high school and a top tight end. He has three years of eligibility remaining and is a versatile, large-framed pass-catcher who participated in spring drills after arriving in January.

The Unprecedented Transfer Portal Haul: Reloading for the SEC Gauntlet

Ole Miss has consistently dominated the NCAA Transfer Portal, a strategy that has kept them competitive at the highest level, and the 2025 cycle is no different. The Rebels have brought in an estimated 30 or more incoming transfers, effectively building a roster designed to withstand the brutal SEC schedule.

This massive infusion of talent is the primary reason for the high expectations in Oxford. The strategy focuses on immediately filling roster holes with proven Power Four talent, minimizing the learning curve for the new coaching staff. Key additions include not only Stribling and Odom but also defensive backs Trinidad Chambliss and Tavoy Feagin, and offensive linemen to bolster the trenches.

The success of the transfer strategy is directly tied to the Rebels' goal of making the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. By securing experienced players from programs like Oklahoma State and Alabama, Ole Miss has mitigated the risk associated with a coaching change and ensured their depth chart is one of the deepest in the SEC. This approach has allowed the program to bypass the traditional four-year rebuild cycle, positioning them for immediate success under Pete Golding.

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2025 Schedule Analysis: The Path to the College Football Playoff

The 2025 Ole Miss Rebels schedule is a challenging gauntlet typical of the SEC, with the added intrigue of a showdown against their former head coach. The season kicks off on August 30 against Georgia State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, a crucial opportunity to start the season strong.

The non-conference slate is manageable, but the SEC schedule is where the Rebels will make their mark. Key conference matchups that will define the season include:

• September 6: at Kentucky - An early road test against a solid SEC opponent.
• September 13: vs. Arkansas - A home rivalry game that is always a physical battle.
• September 27: vs. LSU Tigers (The Kiffin Bowl) - This game is the most anticipated matchup of the season. Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford as the LSU head coach adds an unparalleled layer of drama and intensity, making it a must-watch national event.
• October/November SEC Play: The rest of the schedule includes matchups with other SEC powerhouses, where the depth from the transfer portal will be severely tested.

For Ole Miss to secure one of the coveted CFP spots, they will need to navigate this schedule with minimal losses, demonstrating that the transition to Pete Golding has not impacted their on-field performance. The game against LSU will be a pivotal moment, determining not only conference standing but also the emotional trajectory of the Golding era.

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The Future is Now: Recruiting and Program Trajectory Under Golding

While the transfer portal provides immediate fixes, the long-term health of the program relies on high school recruiting. The 2026 Ole Miss recruiting class, while still early, shows promise and stability despite the coaching change. The class currently ranks around 23rd nationally and 10th within the SEC, featuring high-potential signees.

Defensive recruits like defensive end Landon Barnes and linebacker Damarius Yates are foundational pieces for the future. The ability of Pete Golding, a former defensive coordinator, to maintain and elevate the recruiting efforts will be critical. His defensive focus is expected to attract high-caliber talent on that side of the ball, balancing the offensive firepower that defined the previous regime.

The overall program trajectory is overwhelmingly positive. The support from Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter in quickly elevating Golding shows a commitment to stability and competitive excellence. The combination of an elite transfer class, a new, motivated head coach, and a challenging but navigable 2025 schedule positions the Ole Miss Rebels as a team capable of exceeding all pre-season expectations and making a serious run at the College Football Playoff. Hotty Toddy!