Greg McElroy: Ole Miss could be darkhorse national title contender

When comparing odds to win the national championship and the preseason AP poll, Greg McElroy sides with those in Las Vegas when it comes to Ole Miss. The ESPN analyst believes the Rebels could wind up being a dark horse national championship contender. Possibly a weird thought considering where last year’s roster got them.

As usual with a Lane Kiffin-led program, the discussion starts on the offensive end. Austin Simmons takes over at quarterback for Jaxson Dart. Simmons did not receive much playing time in 2024 but certainly impressed when out there. McElroy has confidence in Simmons, partially due to who surrounds him.

“Austin Simmons, the quarterback, not a question,” McElroy said via Always College Football. “I think that guy is going to be the real deal. I absolutely love their weapons on the perimeter. Their wide receiver corps, nobody is talking about them. Nobody is talking about the explosiveness of this offense, potentially. Their weapons have a chance to be as good as any in the SEC by season’s end.”

Cayden Lee is the biggest name back for Ole Miss. Last season, Lee caught 57 passes for 874 yards, good enough for third on the team. However, neither Tre Harris nor Jordan Watkins is still with the program. Lee has a chance to become a full-time No. 1 WR.

Of course, there are still some concerns for McElroy when it comes to the Rebels. A lot of the talent lost comes from the defensive side of the ball. While DC Pete Golding is confident there will be no drop off, McElroy cannot say the same.

He highlights the offensive line as well. But there is a great equalizer to it all — the schedule. When looking at the 12-game slate, McElroy believes Ole Miss can work with what the SEC gave them.

“I’m a little concerned about their defense and all the great players they had to replace,” McElroy said. “I am concerned about their offensive line. But the schedule is, for the most part, manageable. Most of their toughest games are at home. They get eight games at home this year.”

Of the five preseason top 25 teams on Ole Miss’ schedule, three of them are at home. Georgia and Oklahoma will welcome the Rebels in October, potentially massive games for a College Football Playoff resume. Getting Florida, LSU, and South Carolina inside Vaught Hemingway Stadium is a massive advantage, though.