The Ole Miss Rebels are navigating a significant transition as the 2025 football season approaches, following the departure of quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has entered this year’s NFL Draft pool. Dart’s exit marks the end of an era for the Rebels, but head coach Lane Kiffin is already laying the groundwork for the program’s next chapter.
Last season, two-sport athlete Austin Simmons served as Dart’s backup, splitting his time between football and baseball. Now, Simmons is shifting his focus entirely to football, positioning himself as the frontrunner to take over as the starting quarterback for Ole Miss in the upcoming season.
However, Kiffin, known for his forward-thinking approach, is not content to rest on the present. Just as he had to replace Dart this year, he’s already planning for life after Simmons.
This weekend, Ole Miss rolled out the red carpet for five-star quarterback recruit Ryder Lyons, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound standout from Folsom, California.
Lyons, one of the nation’s top prospects regardless of position, visited Oxford and shared his thoughts with 247 Sports. “It was great, I really like Ole Miss,” said Lyons, hinting at a positive impression of the program.
Lyons is a hot commodity in the recruiting world, boasting 33 total offers, including eight from SEC schools. With his pick of nearly any program in the country, the competition to secure his commitment is fierce. Southern California, Oregon, BYU, and Michigan are among the frontrunners, but Ole Miss appears to be firmly in the mix.
According to On3 Sports, Lyons’ NIL valuation stands at an impressive $863,000—a figure that reflects his elite status and potential impact.
For the Rebels, landing Lyons could be a game-changer. If Dart solidifies his stock as an early NFL Draft pick later this month, it could bolster Ole Miss’ reputation as a quarterback-friendly program under Kiffin’s tutelage.
That success, paired with the right pitch, might just tip the scales in favor of Oxford. While USC currently holds the edge in the recruiting race, Lyons’ enjoyment of his visit suggests Ole Miss has a real shot at winning him over.
Kiffin’s track record of developing quarterbacks and his aggressive recruiting strategy have kept the Rebels competitive, and Lyons represents the next big prize. As Simmons prepares to lead the team in 2025, the pursuit of Lyons underscores Ole Miss’ ambition to build a pipeline of elite talent under center.
Whether it’s a hefty NIL deal or the allure of Kiffin’s offensive system, the Rebels are pulling out all the stops to ensure their future remains bright.
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