The doom and gloom many were eager to predict just a few weeks ago seem like ancient history as the NFL has continued to progress through its offseason of transactions and last weekend’s 2020 NFL Draft while college football programs continue to virtually recruit across the country.

While college campuses across the nation may be empty for the time being, there is growing hope that students will be able to return to campus in the fall and that the 2020 college football season can be played as scheduled.

Following Missouri’s lead, which has stated its plan is to welcome students back to campus in the fall, Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter shared his hope that his school will be able to do the same starting in the summer.

In an interview with Neal McCready of RebelGrove and the Oxford Exxon Podcast, Carter shared his optimism that students would be able to make a return to Oxford in July, which would enable the upcoming college football season to start on time — provided, of course, there aren’t any unforeseen setbacks due to the coronavirus.

“I just feel like there’s some momentum,” Carter said according to RebelGrove. “Will we be playing football Labor Day weekend? I can’t say that yet but that’s our hope and that’s what we’re going to continue to push for.”

According to Carter, while allowing students back on campus as soon as June isn’t off the table, a July return is the target date the school has set. If students are allowed back in July, the belief is that college football will start on time. If students are not allowed back in July, college football starting on time is less likely.

One of the biggest challenges to starting the season, according to Carter as he meets with his fellow SEC ADs three times a week, is the fact that 11 different states are represented in the league and conditions may differ by state. Carter also noted that all possibilities are still being considered, including starting the season in October, starting the season in November, and potentially starting the season in the spring.

When it comes to allowing fans into stadiums, while the goal is to allow fans into the stadium, there may be restrictions to start the season that can be eased as the season progresses.

You can check out Carter’s full interview over at RebelGrove or on the latest edition of the Oxford Exxon Podcast.