Lane Kiffin makes major admission about one of Austin Simmons’ key weapons ahead of next Rebels season

With the new college football season just around the corner, many programs are entering the most intense phase of their preseason preparations — and Ole Miss is no exception. Lane Kiffin is confident in what Austin Simmons can bring to the team as the quarterback set to replace Jaxson Dart. The QB will be surrounded by a talented group of running backs ready to support him in his first full campaign under center.

One of the standouts in that department is the explosive Kewan Lacy, a player Kiffin believes can fully showcase his skill set and play a key role in driving big results for this storied program’s offense.

During a recent conversation with the media, the veteran head coach spoke about the performance the former Missouri Tigers player has been showing during this phase, and how a competitive group of running backs has been steadily developing around him.

“Kewan coming in has been electric,” Kiffin said after the team’s recent scrimmage. “Done some really good things. I think it’s a very competitive group. A group that can run and catch and pass protect. Logan Diggs has done a good job and the newcomers filtering in there has made it really competitive and a lot to look at.”

Kewan Lacy #11 of the Missouri Tigers is tackled by Stone Blanton #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Starkville, Mississippi.

The return of a key piece

Rebels edge rusher Suntarine Perkins, a highly talented prospect, faced multiple physical setbacks that kept him from showcasing his full potential. Now fully recovered, head coach Lane Kiffin is confident in what Perkins can bring to the team moving forward.

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“He’s had a great camp coming back from injury,” the HC said. “Love the way that he practices, prepares. Great for our young players to see. Actually had a pick-six for a touchdown, interception return for a touchdown to start a two-minute drill Saturday, and he’s just really a great piece to be able to work with because he’s so unique.”

Suntarine Perkins #4 of the Mississippi Rebels reacts during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Oxford, Mississippi.

Making noise in the SEC

The Ole Miss Rebels are entering the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, a sentiment fueled by head coach Lane Kiffin’s masterclass in the transfer portal. After a record-setting 2024 campaign that saw the team achieve back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since the 1960s, the Rebels are poised for a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff.

The key to their success will be the continued development of new starting quarterback Austin Simmons, who takes over for the departed Jaxson Dart. While replacing a significant number of starters presents a challenge, Simmons is surrounded by a wealth of new talent, including a highly-touted group of transfers.

With a favorable schedule and a roster built to compete, all eyes will be on Ole Miss to see if they can translate their offseason momentum into a breakthrough season in the brutal SEC.