Three Ole Miss Players to Watch Against Florida

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss football takes on Florida at the Vaught Saturday night, and this game is a must-win to keep the Rebels’ playoff and SEC Championship game aspirations alive. The Gators are a dangerous team, despite their 3-6 record, and head coach Lane Kiffin knows firsthand how they can halt playoff dreams.

Ole Miss will need to be focused for 60 minutes, and the fans will be there to give them the extra push.

Here are three players to watch for the Rebels who could be vital in helping the team get the W.

Kewan Lacy, Running Back

Running back Kewan Lacy needs no introduction as he is one of the most productive Ole Miss offensive players this season. The Missouri transfer has been on a tear, carving out that bell cow role and not letting it slip. Against The Citadel, Lacy reached 200 carries on the season and sits at 912 rushing yards. Lacy also leads the nation in touchdowns with 16.

Ole Miss comes up against a Florida team that has held its own against rushing attacks for most of the season. However, they could not handle Kentucky last Saturday as the Wildcats tallied 233 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Lacy, who has recorded four 100-yard  games, could be in for another, taking him past the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

TJ Dottery, Linebacker

It’s been reported that quarterback DJ Lagway will continue as the starter for the Gators against Ole Miss. This is despite him being pulled out of the game in favor of freshman Tramell Jones Jr against Kentucky. Lagway threw three interceptions against the Wildcats in that game, making it 12 on the season. As he showed in the 2024 game against Ole Miss, Lagway can extend plays, and he could lean on his legs to get him going, giving him some confidence.

Linebacker TJ Dottery is the man to make sure he does not do that. The experienced defensive player has done well against mobile QBs this season and will need to do that again up against Lagway. Dottery leads the team with 63 total tackles on the season, 31 of which were solo.

Wydett Williams Jr., Safety

Wydett Williams Jr. has had two interceptions this season, both coming in key home games against LSU and South Carolina. He also leads the team with seven pass breakups. Those opportunities could be around for more against Florida, coming up against a quarterback who likes to sling it deep.

The Rebels have struggled for turnovers this season, landing near the bottom of the nation with just eight. Williams has recorded three of those. This is the time of the season where if the Rebels can better their turnover margin, it’s going to help win the close games.