Lane Kiffin has a reputation for being a "portal king" and a bit of a quote machine. But honestly? If you look at the Ole Miss football stats from this past 2025 season, the narrative shifts from "fun experiment" to "legitimate powerhouse."
The Rebels just wrapped up a 13-2 season. That is the first time in program history they’ve hit the 13-win mark. Think about that for a second. Even in the legendary 1960s, they weren't stacking wins like this.
You’ve probably heard people say the Rebels are all flash and no substance. The numbers tell a different story. They didn't just win; they bullied people in the SEC. They finished the year ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll after a run that took them all the way to the Fiesta Bowl—a College Football Playoff semifinal. Sure, they lost 31-27 to Miami, but getting there wasn't a fluke. It was the result of a statistical profile that led the SEC in total yardage.
Why Ole Miss football stats reflect a brand new reality in Oxford
Most people focus on the points, but the efficiency is what’s actually wild. The Rebels offense put up 7,345 total yards in 2025. That’s an average of 489.7 yards per game. To put that in perspective, they were basically moving the ball five football fields every single Saturday.
The Trinidad Chambliss Factor
When Jaxson Dart left, everyone thought the offense would take a massive step back. It didn't. Trinidad Chambliss stepped in and threw for 3,937 yards. He also added 22 touchdowns through the air.
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He wasn't just a pocket passer, though.
Chambliss tucked it and ran for 527 yards and 8 scores.
Basically, he was a nightmare to gameplan for because he didn't turn the ball over.
Only 3 interceptions on 445 attempts? That's almost impossible in Lane Kiffin’s high-speed system.
Ground and Pound (Wait, Really?)
We usually think of Kiffin as a pass-first guy. But Kewan Lacy was the heartbeat of the 2025 squad. He carried the rock 306 times for 1,567 yards. He also found the end zone 24 times on the ground.
When you have a back averaging over 100 yards a game, the play-action pass becomes a cheat code. Ole Miss averaged 176.3 rushing yards per game as a team. They weren't just finesse; they were physical. This balance is why they were able to beat Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl. You don't beat Kirby Smart by just throwing 50 times; you have to run the ball, and Ole Miss finally did.
Breaking down the defensive shift under Pete Golding
If you only look at the offensive side of the Ole Miss football stats, you're missing half the picture. The defense actually held opponents to 21.1 points per game. In the modern SEC, that’s elite.
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It wasn't always pretty.
They gave up 43 to Georgia in October.
But they also shut out The Citadel and held a high-powered Tulane team to 10 points—twice.
- Third Down Defense: They held opponents to a 37.2% conversion rate.
- Red Zone: They were "bend but don't break," which is sort of Golding's trademark.
- The Pass Rush: Princewill Umanmielen led the way with 9 sacks.
The Rebels' defense allowed only 198.9 passing yards per game. That ranked near the top of the conference. People still talk about the "Landsharks" from years ago, but this 4-2-5 multiple look is statistically more effective in space. They forced 9 interceptions and recovered 6 fumbles, finishing with a positive turnover margin that kept them in games when the offense stalled.
The Historic Context: Where this ranks all-time
To understand why these Ole Miss football stats matter, you have to look at the record book. Jaxson Dart still holds the career passing yardage record with 10,617 yards (surpassing Eli Manning’s 10,119). But the 2025 team as a unit was more productive than any of the Dart-led years.
Total Offense Records:
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- 2025: 7,345 yards (1st all-time)
- 2024: 6,100+ yards
- 2023: 5,600+ yards
The trend is clearly upward. Lane Kiffin has managed to increase the floor of the program every single year. They went from a team that hoped for 8 wins to a team that expects 11. They are now a perennial CFP contender, and the stats back that up. They aren't just a "transfer portal team" anymore; they are a development machine.
Misconceptions about the Kiffin "System"
A lot of analysts claim Ole Miss can't win the "big one" because they play too fast and tire out their own defense. Honestly, the Time of Possession (TOP) stats show they only had the ball for about 28 minutes a game. Usually, that’s a recipe for disaster. But when you're scoring on 85.7% of your Red Zone trips, TOP doesn't matter as much. They were efficient, not just fast.
Actionable Insights for Rebels Fans
If you're tracking the team heading into the 2026 season, keep your eyes on these specific metrics. These are the "canary in the coal mine" stats for Kiffin's success.
- Check the 4th Down Conversion Rate: In 2025, they converted a massive 67.7% of their 4th downs (21 of 31). Kiffin is aggressive. If that number drops below 50%, the offense loses its edge.
- Watch the Sack Percentage: One reason Chambliss was so successful was the protection. The QB was sacked on only 3.05% of dropbacks. If the offensive line stays this sturdy, the new QB will thrive.
- Follow the Explosive Play Rate: Ole Miss led the FBS in 30+ yard completions during the 2024 season and stayed in the top 10 in 2025. This vertical threat is what opens up the lanes for runners like Kewan Lacy.
The most important thing to remember is that the "Ole Miss Way" has changed. It’s no longer just about the Grove and the parties. It’s about a statistical juggernaut that has finally figured out how to balance a high-flying pass game with a brutal rushing attack and a disciplined defense.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the transfer portal entries this spring. Kiffin usually targets defensive depth to maintain those PPG averages. If they can land another interior pass rusher to complement Umanmielen, the 2026 defense might actually be better than the 2025 version.
Keep a close eye on the yards per play metric in the first three games of next season. If they are hovering around 6.7 yards per play again, expect another trip to the College Football Playoff. The blueprint is there. The stats prove it. Now it's just about sustaining the standard.