As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, fans of the Ole Miss Rebels have a lot to be proud of. From big wins to key developments, the season marked another significant step forward for head coach Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss football program. With high expectations, the Rebels faced a challenging schedule, but they met those challenges head-on, showcasing both growth and resilience. As the dust settles on the 2024 season, let’s take a closer look at what Ole Miss accomplished this year and where the program stands moving forward.
Lane Kiffin: Continued Leadership and Success
Lane Kiffin’s tenure at Ole Miss has been defined by steady improvement and a commitment to building a high-powered, exciting program. The 2024 season continued to showcase Kiffin’s ability to develop both players and strategy, as the Rebels built upon the foundation he had been establishing since 2020. Kiffin’s offensive prowess remained at the forefront of Ole Miss football, with the team being consistently competitive in the high-flying Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Under Kiffin’s leadership, the Rebels remained a dangerous offensive unit, capable of putting up points against even the toughest teams. As he continues to establish himself as one of the top coaches in college football, Kiffin’s influence on both the offense and overall team culture has been crucial to Ole Miss’ continued relevance in the SEC.
In 2024, Kiffin helped the Rebels navigate a challenging schedule that included both conference and non-conference matchups. His ability to keep the team focused and resilient in the face of adversity continued to stand out as a key trait of his leadership.
Jaxson Dart: Quarterback Development and Playmaking
One of the biggest stories of 2024 was the continued development of quarterback Jaxson Dart. As a dual-threat quarterback, Dart was a critical component of Ole Miss’ offensive success. With his arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability, Dart took his game to another level in 2024, improving his decision-making and showcasing an even more refined skill set.
Dart’s leadership on the field was evident, as he led Ole Miss to numerous victories throughout the season. He was more consistent in his accuracy and showed increased confidence in navigating difficult defenses. His growth as both a passer and a runner made him an even more dangerous weapon in Kiffin’s offense, and he solidified his reputation as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the SEC.
In terms of statistics, Dart delivered an impressive performance in 2024, ranking among the league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns. He also showed a more refined ability to move the chains with his legs, adding another dimension to the Rebels’ offense. This development was crucial in helping Ole Miss remain competitive in a stacked SEC, and it will pay dividends for the program moving forward.
Quinshon Judkins: A Star Running Back
Another key contributor to Ole Miss’ offensive success in 2024 was running back Quinshon Judkins. After a standout 2023 season, Judkins entered 2024 with high expectations, and he did not disappoint. The powerful and elusive back played a crucial role in Ole Miss’ rushing attack, consistently finding ways to make big plays and keep defenses on their heels.
Judkins was a workhorse for the Rebels, showing impressive vision, speed, and strength. His ability to break tackles and churn out tough yards between the tackles was a constant asset for Ole Miss, and he played a critical role in helping balance the offense. His success on the ground also made life easier for Dart, as the threat of the run opened up more opportunities for the passing game to flourish.
Judkins finished the 2024 season with a high number of rushing yards and touchdowns, ranking among the best backs in the SEC. His ability to dominate on the ground made him one of the focal points of Ole Miss’ offense, and his performances were a key reason why the Rebels were able to remain competitive against some of the SEC’s toughest teams.
Defensive Improvements: Growth on the Other Side of the Ball
While Ole Miss’ offense continued to shine in 2024, one of the most notable improvements came on the defensive side of the ball. The Rebels had struggled in previous seasons to establish themselves as a dominant defensive unit, but in 2024, there were clear signs of progress.
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s influence was felt as the defense took steps forward in both discipline and playmaking ability. The Rebels were more aggressive, more organized, and better able to shut down opposing offenses when it mattered most. While the defense was still not on the level of some of the elite SEC defenses, there was a noticeable improvement in their ability to get stops and create turnovers.
Key players like linebacker Ashanti Cistrunk, defensive back John Saunders, and pass rusher Tavius Robinson emerged as leaders of the defense. These players were pivotal in Ole Miss’ ability to create pressure and disrupt opposing offenses. While the Rebels still had their share of struggles, particularly against some of the league’s top offenses, the overall growth of the defense was encouraging.
The defense’s progress was especially important in close games, where they were able to get critical stops and give the offense a chance to finish strong. The 2024 season was a step in the right direction for Ole Miss on the defensive side of the ball, and the improvements made this year will set the stage for even greater success in the future.
Big Wins and Key Moments in 2024
The 2024 season was filled with notable victories and key moments for Ole Miss. The Rebels had a number of marquee wins that helped solidify their standing in the SEC and nationally. Some of the highlights included thrilling victories over ranked opponents, including key divisional games that helped keep Ole Miss in contention for a spot in a prestigious bowl game.
In particular, victories over teams like LSU, Arkansas, and Auburn stood out as significant achievements, showcasing the Rebels’ ability to compete with some of the best teams in the conference. These wins were a testament to the progress that the program has made under Kiffin’s leadership and were crucial in positioning Ole Miss for another successful postseason appearance.
While there were a few setbacks along the way, Ole Miss continued to show resilience, with the team bouncing back from tough losses and maintaining their focus throughout the season. The Rebels’ ability to handle adversity and play in high-pressure situations was a defining characteristic of their 2024 campaign.
Postseason Dreams: The Rebels Reach a Major Bowl Game
At the end of the regular season, Ole Miss earned a spot in one of the top-tier bowl games, marking another milestone for Kiffin and the Rebels. This postseason berth is not just a reward for the hard work put in by the team but also a clear indicator that Ole Miss is a program on the rise. For a program that has faced its fair share of challenges, securing a spot in a major bowl game is a sign of how far they have come.
The Rebels now have an opportunity to close out their 2024 season with a win that could propel them into the 2025 campaign with even more momentum. With a solid recruiting class on the horizon and key players returning, Ole Miss’ future looks bright. A victory in the postseason would only help solidify their place as one of the top programs in the SEC.
Looking Ahead: Ole Miss in 2025 and Beyond
As the Rebels look ahead to 2025, there is a sense of excitement surrounding the program. With Lane Kiffin continuing to lead the charge, the Rebels will look to build on their success and take their game to the next level. Jaxson Dart and Quinshon Judkins are expected to return, and the defense will continue to improve under Pete Golding.
There is little doubt that the future of Ole Miss football is bright. With Kiffin at the helm and a talented roster, the Rebels will be looking to compete at the highest level in the SEC and beyond for years to come. The 2024 season was a significant step forward, and Ole Miss fans can be optimistic about what the future holds for the program.
Conclusion: A Successful Year for Ole Miss
The 2024 season was a year of growth, progress, and success for Ole Miss football. Under Lane Kiffin’s leadership, the Rebels took significant steps forward, with standout performances on both sides of the ball and key victories over tough SEC opponents. With a strong finish to the season and a bright future ahead, Ole Miss football is in a great position to continue its rise as one of the top programs in college football. The 2024 season may be over, but the journey for Ole Miss is just beginning.