Ole Miss finishes No. 9 in AP Top 25 rankings; Rebels have huge buzz for 2024 in way-too-early rankings
OXFORD, Miss. — The 2023 college football season has officially concluded following the national championship game, where Michigan defeated Washington 34-13. After the game was finished, the final AP Poll was released, and to no one’s surprise, Ole Miss jumped ahead of Penn State and Ohio State to finish No. 9 behind No. 8 Missouri.
Here are the complete final AP rankings:
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan |
| 2 | Washington |
| 3 | Texas |
| 4 | Georgia |
| 5 | Alabama |
| 6 (Tie) | Oregon |
| 6 (Tie) | Florida State |
| 8 | Missouri |
| 9 | Ole Miss |
| 10 | Ohio State |
| 11 | Arizona |
| 12 | LSU |
| 13 | Penn State |
| 14 | Notre Dame |
| 15 | Oklahoma |
| 16 | Oklahoma St. |
| 17 | Tennessee |
| 18 | Kansas State |
| 19 | Louisville |
| 20 | Clemson |
| 21 | NC State |
| 22 | SMU |
| 23 | Kansas |
| 24 | Iowa |
| 25 | Liberty |
There is just no denying the buzz surrounding Ole Miss football for 2024.
Build the Culture 🏆@Lane_Kiffin | #ComeToTheSip pic.twitter.com/8TE5U2tX3r
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) January 8, 2024
Message from QB @JaxsonDart
“We Comin’ For It All” #ComeToTheSip pic.twitter.com/fxGE1wOLQ9
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) January 6, 2024
Mood all 2024 🎯#ComeToTheSip pic.twitter.com/vYsXz05Cla
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) January 1, 2024
Way-Too-Early Top 25 Rankings for 2024
While finishing 2023 in the top 10 is an incredible accomplishment, there is no doubt that the Rebs will be ranked even higher heading into 2024 with a loaded team returning, one of the best portal classes in the country and a top-20 high school class on the way.
Let’s take a look at some of the “Way Too-Early Top-25” rankings today from around the country.
Ole Miss No. 7 in ESPN rankings for 2024 preseason
ESPN ranks Ole Miss as the No. 7 team in the nation behind Georgia, Texas, Oregon, Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan. Click here for the complete rankings from ESPN.
Here is what ESPN writers said about Ole Miss in 2024:
“Kiffin, the self-proclaimed “Portal King,” has added a dozen transfers (and counting). (Princely) Umanmielen had seven sacks at Florida in 2023; (Walter) Nolen was the No. 1 prospect in the 2022 ESPN 300 when he signed with Texas A&M. The Rebels will play their two toughest opponents, Oklahoma and Georgia, at home in 2024.”
ESPN on Ole Miss
Rebels in at No. 5 in CBS rankings for preseason 2024
Ole Miss takes the No. 5 spot for CBS, following Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Oregon. Click here for the complete rankings.
In CBS’ description for the Rebels for 2024, the writer solely highlighted the decision of running back Quinshon Judkins, who transferred to Ohio State last night.
“What was Quinshon Judkins thinking by entering the portal? The warm embrace of Oxford, Mississippi, and the Lane Train would have made him a Heisman Trophy contender. Now? Well, good luck with NIL riches, kid. Kiffin has plenty of running back depth, even after making Judkins a star.”
CBS on Ole Miss
Ole Miss at No. 5 in USA Today poll for 2024
For USA Today, Ole Miss comes in at the No. 5 slot behind Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Texas. Similarly to ESPN, the writers for USA Today recognize just how meaningful Coach Kiffin’s portal work has been up to this point. Click here for the complete top 25 rankings from USA Today.
“Kiffin again hit the transfer portal hard to shore up key spots that should have Ole Miss well-positioned to make a run at the playoff.”
USA-Today on Ole Miss
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has Ole Miss at No. 5 for 2024
Again, the Rebels are ranked No. 5 in the nation behind Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Michigan. Click here for the complete rankings from PFF.
PFF writes:
“Head coach Lane Kiffin also completely rebuilt his defense by attacking the transfer portal better than anyone else. The Rebels brought in nine defenders who all saw significant playing time for their respective Power Five schools this past season, headlined by Florida edge defender Princely Umanmielen and Texas A&M interior defensive lineman Walter Nolen. Don’t be surprised if Ole Miss starts the year in the top five for the first time since 1970.”
PFF on Ole Miss
Final thoughts
Between these four sites, all of them have Ole Miss ranked No. 5, besides ESPN, which has them in the No. 7 slot.
For me, there is no question the Rebs should be in the top five considering how they finished their season and what they have returning for 2024. All you have to do is imagine by how much Ole Miss would’ve beaten Penn State if their transfers were allowed to play… they might have won by 30 or more.
While we have a long way to go before kickoff in August, be sure to keep up with The Rebel Walk for transfer portal updates, February signing day updates, preseason ranks, and all your Ole Miss sports news. Hotty Toddy!
