Ole Miss, Oregon, and Notre Dame: Will These Powerhouses Shock Us and Secure Playoff Spots? Discover the Unthinkable!

No. 6 Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1 SEC) is poised to finish the 2025 regular season on a high note as they face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Friday. With a strong season under their belts, the Rebels have placed themselves firmly in the College Football Playoff race, controlling their own destiny as they head into this crucial matchup.

Much of the buzz surrounding this game centers on head coach Lane Kiffin, whose future with the program is currently in question. Kiffin has led a transformative era at Ole Miss, and as discussions about his potential opportunities in the NFL heat up, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this could influence the team's performance against their arch-rivals.

Central to Ole Miss’s success this season is first-year running back Kewan Lacy. Lacy has made headlines with a remarkable campaign, racking up 1,136 rushing yards and an astonishing 19 touchdowns. His touchdown tally not only makes him the second-leading rusher in the Southeastern Conference, trailing only Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy, but it also sets a new single-season record for Ole Miss, surpassing Quinshon Judkins’ previous mark of 16 touchdowns.

Reflecting on his success, Lacy attributed much of his progress to the unwavering support of his coaches. “It comes with having a support system like my coaches just trusting and believing in me,” Lacy said. He emphasized the importance of preparation, noting the long hours spent watching film and going through walkthroughs. “It’s just a great feeling coming out here and showing what I can do with the ability provided by my O-line and the receivers,” he continued, focusing on the team’s mantra of going "1-0 each week."

With Lacy's contributions, Ole Miss remains in contention for the College Football Playoff, with projections being unveiled soon. The excitement surrounding the upcoming games is palpable, especially as analysts speculate on potential matchups. As it stands, ESPN’s College Football Playoff Projections show Ole Miss positioned against No. 11 Miami, with the potential to advance further in the tournament depending on the outcomes of other games.

This season’s playoff structure introduces more teams, providing opportunities for programs like Ole Miss to achieve postseason success. The 12-team bracket format allows for greater representation and adds an exhilarating layer to the playoff dynamic, making every game pivotal for teams looking to make a statement.

As Ole Miss prepares to take on Mississippi State, the stakes could not be higher for Kiffin, Lacy, and the entire Rebels squad. Not only do they aim to cement their spot in the playoff, but they also look to maintain momentum heading into what could be a transformative offseason. The outcome of this rivalry game might play a significant role in shaping the future of both the program and its key figures.

Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the developments, as the implications of this game stretch far beyond the final score. With Kewan Lacy leading the charge and Lane Kiffin's future hanging in the balance, the excitement is sure to resonate throughout the college football landscape.