Three Rebels to Watch as Ole Miss Opens 2025 Season vs. Georgia State

OXFORD, Miss. — It’s game week in Oxford as Ole Miss prepares to welcome Sun Belt Conference opponent Georgia State to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels have some familiar faces on their roster, but also many new ones donning the gameday uniform for the first time.

Ole Miss is a heavy favorite to take the win, but the Rebels are facing a team that can cause an upset if Lane Kiffin’s group is not on top of it. With it being the first game of the season, several players will be watched closely by fans to see how they perform.

Here are three I can’t wait to see on the field.

Austin Simmons, Quarterback

Quarterback Austin Simmons is an obvious answer here, heading into the season as the starter after being with the program for two years. The redshirt sophomore backed up Jaxson Dart in 2024, after being third on the depth chart in his freshman season. Simmons notched some time on the field during blowout games. However, he made his infamous touchdown drive against Georgia, stepping in for the injured Dart, and that could not have been a more challenging situation. His performance under that pressure got fans excited about the future.

That future is now, and we will see how Simmons handles a different type of pressure. Yes, he has a great head on his shoulders along with undeniable talent. However, this is his team now, and everybody will have something to say about his performances. Starting well is going to be important, but I’m excited about Simmons as QB1, and I’m looking forward to watching the first drive.

Kewan Lacy, Running Back

The running back position was an issue for Lane Kiffin’s team last season, despite some excitement surrounding it before the first game of the season. There is similar excitement around the ground game this year, with a couple of transfers in Kewan Lacy (Missouri) and Damien Taylor (Troy), and a top freshman, Shekai Mills-Knight, joining two players from the previous season in LSU transfer Logan Diggs, who is healthy now, and Domonique Thomas, who actually transferred to Ole Miss from Georgia State before the 2024 season.

Reports suggest that Lacy looks to be the leader to see more carries in week 1, and he is another player I’m excited to see. Lacy was a 2024 recruit who ultimately committed to Missouri but was heavily recruited by the Rebels. The Texas native is tough to bring down if the defense can get near him due to his agility and speed once he gets going. He could be one of the best transfer pick-ups in the SEC if he hits his ceiling.

Will Echoles, Defensive Lineman

The Rebels brought in some extra bodies along the defensive line after several key players left for the NFL. But one player who is returning is defensive tackle Will Echoles, one of Mississippi’s own, a 2024 commit who saw action in eight games in his freshman season last year. I feel it could be a breakout year for the defensive lineman, and as the season goes on, he could become a consistent starter.

Defensive coordinator Pete Golding has several first and second-year players who could see significant time, but Echoles is one I’m closely watching. He showed 2024 that he is a reliable player and has now had another preseason under the DC. I predict he is a player with a bright future, and I anticipate he will record several sacks this season.

Next Up

Ole Miss hosts Georgia State this Saturday in Vaught-Hemingway. Kickoff is set for 6:45 pm CT, and the game will be broadcast on SEC Network.