ESPN released its spring edition of its “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 for college football on Thursday. The Ole Miss Rebels, coming off their best season in the modern era, was ranked No. 9.
All told, there were eight SEC teams that occupied spots in the poll. It started with No. 3 Georgia, No. 5 Texas, No. 9 Ole Miss, No. 10 Texas A&M, No. 11 LSU, No. 13 Oklahoma, No. 16 Alabama and No. 25 Tennessee.
Of the Rebels, ESPN said: Pete Golding took over for Lane Kiffin and directed the Rebels to the CFP semifinals last season. Then he helped them re-sign many of their best players, including All-SEC tailback Kewan Lacy and defensive tackle Will Echoles. The Rebels won a long court battle against the NCAA to get star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss another season of eligibility. The offense might operate at an even faster pace under new coordinator John David Baker. Young receivers will have to step up, and the Rebels will have to identify two new offensive tackles. Losing Umanmielen’s production on the edge hurts, and the Rebels added Blake Purchase (Oregon) and Jordan Renaud (Alabama) to help.
365 SAYS…
It is hard to argue with a No. 9 preseason ranking for the Rebels, considering they now have a first-year head coach in Pete Golding at the helm. Golding performed well after taking the helm from Lane Kiffin, leading the team to a blowout win over Tulane in a first-round College Football Playoff game and avenging a regular season loss to Georgia in the quarterfinal round at the Sugar Bowl. Ole Miss battled Miami to the end in the semifinal Fiesta Bowl, just missing a shot at Indiana in the national championship game.
THE ESPN WAY-TOO-EARLY TOP 25
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Texas
- Indiana
- Miami
- Texas Tech
- Ole Miss
- Texas A&M
- LSU
- BYU
- Oklahoma
- Michigan
- Penn State
- Alabama
- Washington
- Utah
- Iowa
- USC
- Louisville
- SMU
- TCU
- Houston
- Tennessee