Three Rebels to Watch as Ole Miss Faces Arkansas in Week Three

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss football kept its 100% record in the 2025 season, beating Kentucky on the road last Saturday, 30-23, to move to 2-0. It also resulted in the Rebels sitting at the top of the SEC standings thanks to their conference victory. Yes, it’s only early, but in week 3 here comes another SEC foe in Arkansas. A win over the Razorbacks would put Ole Miss in a great spot after three games.

Sam Pitman’s team is also 2-0, but has played two lesser teams in Alabama A&M and Arkansas State. Ole Miss understands their week 3 opponents could be their toughest test, as they’ve got some top-level players on both sides of the ball. The Rebels will need to be on their game in order to win, and here are three players I’ll be watching closely for Lane Kiffin’s team.

TJ Dottery, Linebacker

The leading tackler on the Ole Miss roster, TJ Dottery, could be in for a huge game. Sitting on 15 tackles already, the “green dot guy,” who wears the headset that communicates in-game with defensive coordinator Pete Golding, could surpass the century mark this year in tackles. Expect plenty in this game, as the Rebels come up against a string of rushing attacks which includes the Hogs’ quarterback, Taylen Green.

The Razorbacks have put up 515 rushing yards in their first two games. Quarterback Green and running back Mike Washington Jr. each have over 190 rushing yards from 18 carries, with one rushing touchdown each. Dottery will be busy against Arkansas, tracking both players and getting down to the line to plug those gaps.

Deuce Alexander, Wide Receiver

All the talk has been around Harrison Wallace III at the wide receiver position. However, Deuce Alexander has made some very productive plays in the air and on the ground. The Arkansas backfield will have eyes on Wallace after his two 100-yard receiving games, but the Rebels have plenty of firepower at that position.

Alexander is an exciting prospect who flew under the radar at Wake Forest, with limited touches in a below-par offense. At Ole Miss and in the SEC, he has the opportunity to put his name in the spotlight, and he has started well. His ability to be a weapon in numerous ways makes him a fun player to watch.

Kam Franklin, Defensive End

Ole Miss has continued to pluck up some of the best defensive linemen when it comes to recruiting, and that conveyor belt of talent looks to continue. William Echoles has stepped up, and so has Kam Franklin, both Mississippi natives.

Early in the season, Franklin is seeing more time on the field and is taking his opportunity for more snaps in Pete Golding’s system. This week, he faces a strong offensive line and a mobile quarterback. It will be a massive test for him and one I’m looking forward to watching.

Next up

Ole Miss and Arkansas kick off at 6:00 p.m. CT at Vaught-Hemingway, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.