Ole Miss Rebels Thrive Under Lane Kiffin as Recruiting Momentum Grows

Ole Miss Rebels Continue to Shine Under Kiffin’s Leadership

Oxford, MS – The rivalry between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs has always been intense, but under the guidance of head coach Lane Kiffin, it seems to have tipped decidedly in favor of the Rebels. Since Kiffin took the helm back in 2020, the Rebels have showcased a remarkable performance, boasting a record of 4-1 against their in-state foes. As if that weren’t enough to brag about, Ole Miss has consistently racked up double-digit wins, positioning themselves as a formidable force in the recruiting landscape. Exciting times are certainly ahead for Rebel fans!

This past week, the excitement on the recruiting trail reached a fever pitch. Even though Ole Miss experienced a bit of a hiccup when linebacker Tyler Lockhart flipped his commitment to another school, it has been a banner year when it comes to attracting top-tier talent in the 2025 class. Among those notable signings is none other than the top-ranked player in Mississippi according to 247Sports, wide receiver Caleb Cunningham.

Kiffin Celebrates State Best

“For the third year in a row, we signed the No. 1 player in the state, which is huge,” Kiffin proudly remarked. His assessment of the Rebels’ success in recruiting isn’t just about the wins on the field, but rather how the programs have diverged since his arrival. “I think there are a number of factors there,” he noted—like that undefeated feeling in the Egg Bowl. He also candidly added, “The wins and losses since we’ve been here have been dramatically different, moving in very different directions.”

Since Kiffin’s first season, the Rebels have compiled an impressive overall record of 43-18. This success has earned them the title of the third-winningest program in the SEC during that time. In stark contrast, the Bulldogs have struggled with a less-than-stellar record of 27-34, including a challenging season that saw them win only two games amidst a difficult campaign.

“I think they see that, so that knocks out State in that for the kids. I think more kids now stay here where before they were leaving because they felt, ‘Okay, I’ve got to go to LSU, Alabama, Auburn because I want a chance to win more.’ Now, they’ve seen that you can do that here,” Kiffin reiterated.

Bulldogs Make Their Mark

However, let’s not completely overlook the Bulldogs! Mississippi State has also managed to snag a few wins in this recruiting cycle. They secured three of the top 12 Mississippi prospects according to 247Sports. Meanwhile, the Rebels landed five of those top prospects, while other schools like Auburn, LSU, and Florida State picked up one each.

“I think the staff has done a good job,” Kiffin mentioned. It seems Ole Miss has a winning formula, thanks in no small part to their recruiter-in-chief, Kelvin Bolden. Kiffin emphasized that Bolden has been instrumental in building connections with in-state players, inviting them to campus, and forming lasting relationships.

The Future is Bright for Ole Miss

As Ole Miss continues to gather talent and build upon their recent successes, one can’t help but feel that the program is on the brink of something special. While the Egg Bowl rivalry will always be fierce, the current trajectory points toward exciting times for Ole Miss fans. With the magic of Kiffin at the helm, it’s time to believe that the Rebels are ready to take their place among the SEC elite. Stay tuned, because the next chapter in this ongoing saga is sure to be thrilling!