The Magnolia Bowl is one of those rivalries that honestly just hits different. You’ve got two fanbases that genuinely don't like each other, two coaches with massive personalities, and a history of games that usually end up being absolute chaos. If you're looking for who won the Ole Miss LSU game, the answer actually depends on which specific meeting you’re talking about from the last few seasons, as both teams have traded some heavy blows recently.
In their most recent clash on September 27, 2025, the Ole Miss Rebels won 24-19 in Oxford. It was a gritty, defensive-heavy game that served as a major statement for Lane Kiffin’s squad. But if you’re thinking of the high-stakes, heart-stopping overtime thriller from 2024, that went the other way.
The 2025 Defensive Masterclass in Oxford
When LSU traveled to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in September 2025, the Tigers were ranked No. 4 in the country. People expected a shootout. Instead, they got a defensive slugfest. Ole Miss basically built a wall.
Trinidad Chambliss, the Rebels' quarterback, was the star on the offensive side, throwing for 314 yards. But honestly, the real story was the Ole Miss defense. They held a potent LSU offense to just 254 total yards. That is almost unheard of for a Brian Kelly-led team. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier struggled to find rhythm, and the Rebels' defensive front lived in the backfield all afternoon.
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- Final Score: Ole Miss 24, LSU 19
- Key Stat: LSU went just 2-of-11 on third-down conversions.
- The Decider: Logan Diggs (a former LSU Tiger, ironically) scored the clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the Rebels up by two scores.
It was a massive win for Lane Kiffin. It moved the Rebels to 5-0 and proved they could win games with their defense, not just by scoring 50 points a night.
What Really Happened with the 2024 Overtime Thriller?
While 2025 was about defense, the 2024 game in Baton Rouge was pure, unadulterated madness. This was the night Death Valley celebrated its 100th anniversary, and the atmosphere was electric. Seriously, 102,212 people screaming is a lot to handle.
LSU won the 2024 game 29-26 in overtime. What’s wild is that Ole Miss actually led for almost the entire game. They were up 10-0 early, then 17-7 at halftime. Jaxson Dart and the Rebels looked like the better team for three and a half quarters. But you can never count out LSU at night in Tiger Stadium.
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With 27 seconds left in regulation, Nussmeier threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Anderson to tie it up and force overtime. In the extra period, Ole Miss kicker Caden Davis nailed a stadium-record 57-yard field goal to give the Rebels a 26-23 lead. It looked like it might be enough.
Then, on LSU's very first play of overtime, Nussmeier launched a 25-yard strike to Kyren Lacy in the end zone. Game over. Field stormed. Absolute pandemonium.
The Magnolia Bowl: A History of Upsets
To understand who won the Ole Miss LSU game and why it matters so much, you have to look at the "Magnolia Bowl" trophy itself. LSU still leads the all-time series (64–43–4), but the last decade has been incredibly competitive.
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In 2023, we saw a record-breaking offensive explosion where Ole Miss won 55-49. In 2022, LSU dominated 45-20. The home-field advantage has been massive in this series lately. Both teams seem to feed off their home crowds, which is exactly why the 2025 Rebels win in Oxford felt like such a significant shift in momentum for the rivalry.
Why LSU Struggled in the Most Recent Meeting
So, how did a No. 4 ranked LSU team lose to No. 13 Ole Miss in 2025? It came down to three things:
- Poor Third Down Execution: You can't win in the SEC going 2-for-11 on the money down.
- Lack of a Run Game: LSU only managed 57 rushing yards. If you can't run, the defense just pins its ears back and hunts the quarterback.
- The "Former Player" Factor: Seeing Logan Diggs score the dagger touchdown for the rival Rebels was a tough pill for Tiger fans to swallow.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following this rivalry heading into the next season, here are a few things to keep in mind for your tailgate or watch party:
- Watch the Home/Away Split: Since 2019, the home team has won almost every single matchup. Always look at where the game is being played before placing a bet or making a prediction.
- Quarterback Play is King: Whether it's Nussmeier or Chambliss, this game almost always turns on a late-game throw. Both schools are currently "QB Universities" in the SEC.
- Check the Rankings: This game has evolved from a regional rivalry into a College Football Playoff (CFP) eliminator. The loser of this game often finds themselves on the outside looking in come December.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2026. Given the way the last two years have gone—an overtime walk-off for LSU and a defensive masterclass by Ole Miss—expect another high-drama Saturday.
Keep an eye on the transfer portal this offseason. As we saw with Logan Diggs, the player movement between these two specific schools has become a major storyline that adds even more spice to an already heated rivalry.