Ole Miss Rebels Focus On Defensive Improvements In 2024 Recruiting Class

Lane Kiffin wanted to make sure what happened against Georgia in 2023 won't happen against anyone in 2024.

As Kamarion Franklin officially signed his National Letter of Intent Wednesday afternoon, a calmness rolled through Oxford. Ole Miss not only secured the top player in the state of Mississippi, but also a difference-maker defensively. 

That's the way Lane Kiffin planned it. It's how he intends to do things moving forward. 

The Rebels secured eight defensive recruits Wednesday during the Early Signing Period, not to mention the handful of proven prospects added via the transfer portal. There's a sense of urgency to upend the defense after promising but still mixed results in 2023 en route to a 10-2 finish and Peach Bowl bid. 

But Ole Miss is chasing a spot in the 12-team playoff. Kiffin said that attention was on defense through the recruiting cycle after a woeful performance against Georgia in Athens last month. 

"I think you guys sensed my disappointment in that game, the way I coached..and some other things,” Kiffin said. “(I said) We are going to do everything in our power to change the way we look....we're going to look a lot better in our uniforms...that's nothing against our players and how they play. A lot of it was just size. We're not a very big team....I love our players and how hard they play, but length matters at times." 

Ole Miss kept things close early, tying the game at 14 following a Quinshon Judkins 4-yard touchdown run at the start of the second quarter. After that, it was all Georiga. 

The Bulldogs scored 31 unanswered points before Caden Davis' 29-yard field made it 45-17. Georgia totaled 611 yards of offense compared to Ole Miss' 352 en route to a 52-17 victory. 

Kiffin was adamant about securing better defensive talent in his postgame presser. So far, he's done that with the additions of four-star defensive lineman Jeffery Rush, three-star defensive back Travaris Banks, and three-star linebacker Raymond Collins. 

The trio should blossom into contributors in time, but the transfer portal provided plug-and-play starters for next season. Ole Miss added proven commodities like edge rusher Tyler Baron (Tennessee), linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (Arkansas) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (Mississippi State). 

The Rebels are also a favorite to land top defensive transfer and former No. 1 defensive prospect Walter Nolen from Texas A&M. 

"We have improved overall with significant players....and a lot more players who compete at a high level and give you a chance to be an elite defense in the SEC," said Kiffin. 

There also must be a sense of pride in securing talent to stay in the Magnolia State. Five of the top 10 players from Mississippi are headed to Oxford. Meanwhile, in-state rival Misssippi State only landed two recruits in the top 15. 

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Kiffin doesn't need to convince every recruit in Mississippi to stick around, but the more, the merrier. Anything to give the Rebels a competitive advantage in the long run is a bonus. 

"This was a really good year, in state, for players," Kiffin said.