Ole Miss Rebels - 2022 College Football Season Preview & Wins Total Prediction

The Ole Miss Rebels finished last season 10-3 overall and 6-2 in the SEC. Odds makers have given Ole Miss a wins total projection of 7.5. Last season Ole Miss led the SEC in total offense averaging 34 points per game. Although several new faces will be on the offensive side of the ball, expect the same up-tempo, high-octane offense from head coach Lane Kiffin. Matt Corral returns as the starting quarterback but Jaxson Dart transferred from USC and is expected to see action under center as well.

Ole Miss will have new running backs this season who joined the Rebels via the transfer portal. Zach Evans arrives from TCU and Ulysses Bentley arrives from SMU. These two combined for more than 3,000 yards of total offense with 27 touchdowns at their previous schools. The wide receivers are also new with the exception of Jonathan Mingo and Dennis Jackson. However, the new faces, including Malik Heath from Mississippi State and Jordan Watkins from Louisville will stretch the defense as will deep-threat Jaylon Robinson from UCF.

Ole Miss has improved its defense that was 97th overall last season and had a hard time stopping opponents on the ground. The pass rush was strong last season and Cedric Johnson, who was second in quarterback sacks with 6.5, returns as the top edge rusher. Khari Coleman, who transferred from TCU, and Jared Ivey from Georgia Tech give Ole Miss plenty of talent in the front six. 

Ole Miss plays a 4-2-5 and the two starting linebackers will be Ashanti Sistrunk and Troy Brown, who is the top overall player for Ole Miss on defense. The Old Miss secondary will have as many of six players on the field in certain situations and is led by Otis Reese, who at safety, led the Rebels last season in tackles with 91. AJ Finley returns after last season making 90 tackles and three interceptions. Miles Battle is the top cornerback but depth could be a factor at that position.