Where do the Rebels Stand in ESPN’s ‘Way-Too-Early Top 25’ Rankings?

OXFORD, Miss. — ESPN has released another edition of its 2024 “Way-Too-Early Top-25” a little over a month after Michigan claimed the national championship over Washington. The Rebels come in at No. 6 on the list. 

In their updated version, here is who ESPN sees as the nation’s best:

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Oregon
4. Texas
5. Notre Dame
6. Ole Miss
7. Missouri
8. Penn State
9. Alabama
10. Utah
11. Arizona
12. LSU
13. Michigan
14. Oklahoma
15. Florida State
16. Tennessee
17. Oklahoma State
18. North Carolina State
19. Clemson
20. Kansas State
21. Louisville
22. Kansas
23. Kentucky
24. Miami
25. Texas A&M

In this poll, Ole Miss has moved up one spot from ESPN’s January rankings. 

What they’re saying about the Rebels

Here’s what ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has to say of the Rebels after all the portal actions were complete for the winter window.

Winter update: “After guiding the Rebels to the first 11-win campaign in the 118-year history of the program, coach Lane Kiffin is gearing up for what could be an even bigger season in 2024. Unexpectedly losing Judkins to Ohio State hurt, but Kiffin grabbed plenty of talent out of the transfer portal, especially on defense. Defensive tackle Walter Nolen (Texas A&M), defensive end Princely Umanmielen (Florida) and linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (Arkansas) should help right away. Adding former Washington starters Julius Buelow and Nate Kalepo should improve the offensive line. The Rebels will play their two toughest opponents, Oklahoma and Georgia, at home.”

2024 College Football Playoffs

To make things fun, let’s see where the Rebels would be in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoffs if this were the final ranking of 2024.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Rebels would host No. 11 Arizona in Oxford. If they were victorious in that game, head coach Lane Kiffin’s team would play No. 3 Oregon next, followed by a game against No. 2 Ohio State, or No. 7 Missouri, or No. 10 Utah, and then finally, the national championship game.

For those unaware of how the 12-team playoff format works, seeds 1-4 all have a bye week in round one, while seeds 5-12 will face off on the campus of the higher seed.

Be sure to stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for projections, recruiting content, and more Ole Miss sports coverage. Hotty Toddy!

Zach Moreth

Zach is a freshman at Ole Miss and is studying Sports Administration. Outside of watching and playing sports, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones and being active. I’m excited to help cover our amazing Ole Miss sports teams!