Ole Miss in Top Tier of SEC Power Rankings With Defensive Improvement a 'Priority'

The Ole Miss Rebels appear to be just one step away from being a College Football Playoff contender in 2024.

Spring practice is either underway or soon to be underway across the Southeastern Conference, with the Ole Miss Rebels falling into the latter category.

Although Ole Miss has yet to begin this offseason stretch of practice, Athlon Sports recently released its list of spring football power rankings, and the Rebels came in at No. 4 on the list of 16 teams.

Each team was given "what to watch on offense" and "what to watch on defense" analysis, but one side of the ball outweighs the other for Ole Miss prior to the annual Grove Bowl. You can read an excerpt from the piece below.

What to Watch on Defense: Improving this unit is the No. 1 priority if Ole Miss wants to make the CFB Playoff in '24. Will the second year under coordinator Pete Golding and a handful of impact transfers make a difference right away this spring?

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding / © Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive analysis discussed replacing Quinshon Judkins at the running back position, but as is usually the case for a Lane Kiffin-led unit, there isn't much concern, especially with Jaxson Dart returning at quarterback.

So, that leaves the defense. It's not that Pete Golding's side of the ball was bad in 2023, but it wasn't elite, either. Ole Miss finished the year ranked No. 68 in total defense among FBS schools, so improving from that middle-of-the-road standing would go a long way toward helping this team reach the College Football Playoff in 2024.

Keith Carter Reveals Rebels' Mindset With NIL, New-Look College Sports Landscape

That was likely the focus each time Golding tweeted a shark emoji this offseason signifying a coming commitment out of the transfer portal. Ole Miss hauled in one of the best portal classes in the country this offseason, highlighted by defensive talent like Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen from fellow SEC rosters.

Coming off an 11-win campaign is cause for unbridled optimism in Oxford, but can the questions on defense be answered before kickoff in August? Spring football will prove useful to that end.