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Football is a staple at Ole Miss, and the Rebels football team is a vital part of the university's identity. The Ole Miss Rebels are six-time Southeastern Conference champions and one-time divisional champs. The program has borne the nickname since 1936 and has proven to be a hit among collegiate circles.
Hence, it's only right that we take a trip down memory lane to see how Ole Miss earned the Rebels moniker.
How did Ole Miss become the Rebels?
In 1936, Rebels was adopted as Ole Miss' official athletics nickname. The nickname arose from a naming contest sponsored by The Mississippian, a student newspaper.
42 newscasters were contacted, and 21 responded. "Rebels" proved a popular choice as 18 newscasters went with it. Ole Miss officially became the Rebels after committee chairman William Hemingway said:
"If 18 sports writers wish to use 'Rebels,' I shall not rebel, so let it go 'Ole Miss Rebels.'"
How did Ole Miss perform in 2023?
The Ole Miss Rebels had an impressive season in 2023. The Rebels posted a 10-2 regular season record before winning their bowl game against PSU. Their only losses came against SEC powerhouses the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs.
However, both losses were significant. Alabama won 24-10, while Georgia blew the Rebels out 52-17. The losses were away from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, which turned out to be a fortress in the 2023 college football season.
What to expect from Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss Rebels in 2024?
In 2023, Ole Miss proved to be one of the best-coached programs in college football. The Rebels are expected to build on their impressive showing in the upcoming collegiate football season.
Lane Kiffin will call upon the vast majority of last year's offensive talent in 2024. Star quarterback Jaxson Dart and pass catchers Tre Harris and Caden Prieskorn are among the top 10 players in their respective positions. Again, they'll serve as the offensive building blocks in the upcoming season.
Furthermore, the Rebels were active in the transfer portal, getting defensive reinforcements from edge defender Princely Umanmielen and interior defensive lineman Walter Nolen. These additions could be pivotal in the Rebels making a deep run in the revamped college football playoff format.
