The countdown to the 2025 college football season is underway, and Ole Miss football has officially released its full roster for preseason practice. With a mix of returning starters, talented freshmen, and several new faces from the transfer portal, the Rebels are preparing for what they hope will be a breakout season under head coach Lane Kiffin.
Fans and analysts are closely watching how the updated roster will affect the Rebels’ depth chart, especially in critical positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. This year’s roster is packed with speed, size, and experience, showing that Ole Miss is not just reloading they’re aiming to compete at the highest level in the SEC.
Here’s a detailed look at the Rebels’ 2025 preseason roster and what to expect from the new additions.
The quarterback position remains one of the most important storylines heading into preseason practice. Returning starter Walker Howard, who took over the reins late last season, is expected to be the favorite to lead the offense. The former LSU transfer showed flashes of brilliance and is now more comfortable in Kiffin’s system.
Backing him up will be true freshman Michael Gaines, a highly-rated dual-threat quarterback from Texas. While he’s unlikely to start right away, Gaines is already impressing coaches with his mobility and football IQ.
The Rebels also added depth with the transfer of Noah Blake from Boise State. Blake brings game experience and could serve as a reliable option in case of injury.
Despite the loss of last year’s leading rusher, the running back room looks loaded for 2025. Ulysses Bentley IV returns for his final year and is expected to play a major role. Known for his burst and vision, Bentley will likely share carries with true sophomore Tyrone Fisher, who had a breakout spring.
One of the biggest transfer portal wins for Ole Miss came in the form of Jaden Holloway from Kansas State. The junior back rushed for over 800 yards last season and brings a downhill running style that could complement Bentley’s shiftiness.
Ole Miss has developed a reputation for explosive passing attacks, and this year should be no different. The Rebels return Jordan Watkins, who led the team in receiving yards in 2024, along with Dayton Wade and Ayden Williams.
However, it’s the transfer additions that have really caught fans’ attention. Trey Marshall, a big-bodied receiver from Arizona State, and Jaheim Brown, a speedy deep threat from Virginia Tech, are expected to make an immediate impact.
At tight end, Caden Prieskorn returns as a reliable target, but keep an eye on Jeremiah Slade, a 6’6″ transfer from SMU who could stretch the field vertically.
Consistency on the offensive line is key for any team, and Ole Miss will benefit from returning four starters from last year. Micah Pettus and Jeremy James anchor the tackle spots, while Caleb Warren holds down the center position.
The Rebels added Logan Stroud, a graduate transfer from Oregon, who brings SEC-level size and strength. The coaching staff believes the increased competition will help the unit take a step forward in both run-blocking and pass protection.
The defensive front is where Ole Miss made some of its most important portal additions. Returning starters Jared Ivey and J.J. Pegues offer leadership and production, but the new faces bring added depth and versatility.
Tyran Lewis, a defensive tackle from Illinois, and Ezekiel Green, a defensive end from Pitt, are expected to rotate early and often. With the SEC stacked with strong offensive lines, the Rebels need a rotation that can stay fresh and apply pressure throughout the game.
This year’s linebacker unit could be one of the strongest under Lane Kiffin. Ashanti Cistrunk and Monty Montgomery are both back and bring experience and leadership.
The Rebels also secured Isaac Collins, a transfer from Oklahoma, who is known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and aggressive tackling style. Freshman Zion Brooks is another name to watch. While young, he has the athleticism to earn playing time right away.
The secondary might be the most improved unit on the 2025 roster. Ole Miss returns Tysheem Johnson and Tavion Gadson, both of whom had strong 2024 campaigns.
But it’s the transfers that have raised eyebrows. DeMarcus Lee, a cornerback from Miami, and Evan Daniels, a hard-hitting safety from Michigan State, have already brought intensity and discipline to the back end of the defense.
With the SEC packed with high-powered passing offenses, the improved secondary could be the difference-maker in close games.
Kicker Caden Davis returns for his senior season, bringing consistency on field goals and extra points. The Rebels also welcome Tommy Randall, a punter from Australia who transferred from the University of Hawaii and specializes in directional kicking.
In the return game, look for Ayden Williams and Jalen Knox to provide spark. Special teams is often overlooked, but the Rebels know it can swing momentum in tight SEC matchups.
Head coach Lane Kiffin enters his sixth season with the Rebels and has assembled one of the most experienced staffs in the SEC. With Charlie Weis Jr. as offensive coordinator and Pete Golding handling the defense, Ole Miss has the leadership and strategy to make a run in 2025.
Kiffin’s use of the transfer portal has once again turned heads across the country. Known for identifying overlooked talent and maximizing potential, Kiffin continues to evolve his roster with purpose.
The Ole Miss football 2025 preseason roster is one of the most balanced and experienced groups the program has had in years. With key transfer additions, strong returning starters, and a schedule that includes high-stakes SEC showdowns, the Rebels are positioned for a big year.
Fans will get their first look at the new squad during preseason practice, which starts in early August. From there, the battle for starting roles begins and with so much talent across the board, competition will be fierce.
Whether Ole Miss can challenge for the SEC title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a roster built to win.
Read more – USA TODAY Sports Analyst’s ‘Crazy’ Prediction for 2025 SEC Title Shakes Up College Football Talk
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