On3 Sports Puts Rebels In Top Five Of SEC Power Rankings

Ole Miss is projected to be one of the better teams in the SEC for 2023.

With only 103 days remaining before Ole Miss kicks off its new season against Mercer, everyone is wondering what the outcome will be in 2023. According to On3 Sports, it's somewhat promising and disappointing at the same time. 

On3 recently listed its power rankings for the SEC entering 2023. While Georgia led the way at No. 1, the Rebels snuck their way into the top five, garnering the No. 5 spot. LSU, Alabama, and Tennessee ranked No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4, respectively. 

In a sense, this feels right on pace for Ole Miss entering Year 4 of the Lane Kiffin era. The Rebels are primed for another breakout season with Quishon Judkins in the fold. At quarterback, Kiffin has options past Jaxson Dart, including former five-star LSU recruit Walker Howard and former Oklahoma State starter Spencer Sanders. 

One of the biggest offseason upgrades doesn't come in the form of a player but rather a coach. After four seasons in Tuscaloosa, Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding is slated to replace Chris Partridge at the same position. Last season, the Rebels finished ninth among SEC programs in scoring (25.5 points per game.)

The pieces are there for a promising outlook under Golding. Headlined by a four-man pass rush, the combination of Jared Ivey, Cedric Johnson, and JJ Pegues should fortify the trenches in both the run and pass game. Secondary play should see an uptick with the return of Ishem Young and Deantre Prince. 

Kiffin's top need remaining is likely at receiver. Former Texas A&M standout Chris Marshall was dismissed from the program after violating team rules during spring practice, leaving a hole at the No. 1 spot. Ole Miss targeted both Michigan State's Keon Coleman (Florida State) and Jackson State's Shane Hooks (Auburn), but both pass-catchers chose different after visiting Oxford. 

Some consider the Rebels a dark horse to win the SEC in 2023, thanks to a relaxed schedule. Ole Miss travels to Alabama and Georgia but has home games against LSU, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, and Arkansas. The Rebels close the season out at Davis Wade Stadium against Mississippi State. 

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rebels? Click Here.

Follow The Grove Report On Facebook and Twitter.

Want even more Ole Miss Rebels News? Check out the SI.com team page here