Lane Kiffin Focused on Ole Miss Success Amid Rumors, Praises Star RB Kewan Lacy

Ole Miss football is enjoying a standout season under head coach Lane Kiffin, sitting at 10-1 overall and 6-1 in SEC play. The Rebels have received significant contributions from running back Kewan Lacy, who has become a central figure in their offensive success.

On Tuesday, Kiffin and Lacy appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, where the discussion touched on Lacy potentially taking on kick return duties. Kiffin quickly dismissed the idea, citing Lacy’s heavy workload and need to focus on his primary role. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. He’s like carrying the ball 33 times, we don’t need like more,” Kiffin said, drawing laughs from the audience.

This season, Lacy has rushed for 1,136 yards and 19 touchdowns over 231 carries. A transfer from Missouri, Lacy has solidified his place as a key offensive weapon for the Rebels. When asked about his approach, Lacy said he is “just focused on getting better every day.”

Ole Miss is set to face Mississippi State in their final regular-season game on November 28, a matchup that could have significant implications for the SEC standings and College Football Playoff positioning.

1. Lacy’s Impact and Workload

Kewan Lacy has been an offensive cornerstone for Ole Miss in 2025, consistently producing at a high level despite a heavy workload. His 1,136 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns underscore his reliability in both short-yardage and explosive situations. Starting his career at Missouri, Lacy transferred to Ole Miss to further his development and has thrived in Kiffin’s system. His ability to handle a high volume of carries while maintaining efficiency has allowed the Rebels to stay competitive in the SEC. During the McAfee Show appearance, Kiffin made it clear that Lacy’s contributions are already substantial enough and that adding kick return duties could overextend the star running back. The coach emphasized team success over individual accolades, a sentiment echoed by Lacy’s focus on steady improvement. Lacy’s performance this season positions him as one of the SEC’s top running backs and a critical piece of Ole Miss’s pursuit of a conference championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

2. Kiffin’s Coaching Focus and Rumors

Lane Kiffin has been the target of coaching rumors, with Florida among the schools reportedly interested in his services. Despite the speculation, Kiffin has firmly rejected suggestions that he is entertaining other opportunities or facing ultimatums from Ole Miss. “Yeah, that’s absolutely not true,” Kiffin told McAfee. “There has been no ultimatum, anything like that at all. So I don’t know where that came from. Like I said, man, we’re having a blast. I love it here.” He has emphasized that his attention remains on team success and reaching the SEC championship. Kiffin has led Ole Miss to three consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins, a testament to his coaching acumen and ability to develop talent in a competitive conference. His prior experience at USC and Tennessee adds to his reputation as one of college football’s accomplished coaches. The coach’s focus is clear: guide Ole Miss to the SEC title game and position the team for a potential College Football Playoff appearance, rather than be distracted by external speculation.

3. Looking Ahead: SEC and Playoff Aspirations

Ole Miss enters the final stretch of the 2025 season with an opportunity to solidify its standing in the SEC. A win against Mississippi State could enhance their path to the conference championship and strengthen their College Football Playoff case. Kiffin’s approach emphasizes team cohesion and balanced offensive production, with Lacy at the center of the game plan. Protecting star players from overextension and maintaining their health will be key in high-stakes matchups. The Rebels’ success will also depend on depth, coaching strategy, and the ability to perform against other top SEC programs. With Kiffin at the helm, the team has demonstrated resilience and consistency throughout the season. Time will tell whether Ole Miss can translate its strong record into an SEC title game appearance, but with Kiffin and Lacy leading the way, the program’s trajectory is promising.