‘Smart and Savvy:’ Lane Kiffin Aware of the Dangers of Kentucky Quarterback Zach Calzada
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss football moves into week two, and things start to get much tougher as SEC play begins earlier than usual compared to the past several seasons. The Rebels head to Lexington for a challenging road game against Kentucky, a team that accounted for one of Ole Miss’ three losses in 2024.
This weekend, the Rebel defense will come up against experienced SEC quarterback Zach Calzada. Heading into his seventh year of college football, he is a familiar face for Lane Kiffin.
Ole Miss has faced Calzada before
When Zach Calzada stepped onto the field in week 1 of the 2025 season for Kentucky, it was his fourth college team he had played for. Way back in 2021, Calzada took the field for Texas A&M against Ole Miss, with the Rebels coming out on top.
When asked about what he could take from facing him in the past, Kiffin did not see any benefit for the team, given the numerous changes that have occurred since 2021.
“I don’t know, I think people change within systems, for the good and the bad, especially at that position. I don’t take a whole lot from years ago, how somebody played. You see that all the time, somebody going into a different system and plays differently.”
Lane Kiffin on facing Zach Calzada before
However, Kiffin is fully aware of what Calzada can do when he is at his best and believes a top defensive performance will be needed to get the road win.
“He is very talented, seems to be really smart and savvy, and he’s won big games. We are going to have to play really well, we are going to have to rush the passer, stop the run, and try to go on the road and get a win.“
Lane Kiffin on Zach Calzada
The Rebels have won on their last two visits to Lexington and will hope to make it three this coming Saturday.
Jordan Merritt
Jordan is a freelance writer who covers sports, games, and more. A United Kingdom native, he covers everything Ole Miss for The Rebel Walk. He has written for several publications, including Athlon Sports, On SI, Fansided, and others. Away from writing, he loves spending time with his family and watching films and TV series.
