The Rebels will play their first game in a little more than a week against Tennessee-Martin in what will kick off a season that has Ole Miss fans hopeful.

The story lines for Ole Miss this offseason have included a quarterback competition, following the progression of star players as they rehab injuries, and the emergence of some of the Rebels young talent.

Here are five things we have learned about the Rebels since fall camp started:

1. The battle to be the Ole Miss starting quarterback.

Still no definitive answer here yet. Hugh Freeze and his coaching staff have been tight-lipped on the subject of their quarterback competition in fall camp but say they have been impressed with Chad Kelly, Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade.

When asked about the quarterback battle Aug. 25, Freeze said that the passer he initially thought would start the season opener is still the same guy. But Freeze added that he will see how the rest of the week goes and how the competition continues to play out.

If things remain consistent, a starter could be named early next week. However, Freeze said “starting quarterback” in Oxford could be a fluid label to start the season.

“It just means who will start the game,” Freeze said. “Ultimately, how they do during the game will be the biggest test. I still think all three will have their opportunity.”

2. The health of some key players.

The latest updates on several injured Rebels have been positive ones.

All-American left tackle Laremy Tunsil is said to be close to 100 percent and has reportedly looked good during fall camp. Fellow All-American Laquon Treadwell is also looking just as explosive as he did before his gruesome leg injury last season and is ready to lead the Rebels receiving corps once again.

Freeze said Aug. 25 that he expects to have defensive backs Tony Conner and Kalio Moore as well as tight ends Willie Hibbler and Jeremy Liggins back practicing soon. He added that sophomore offensive guard Rod Taylor is also progressing nicely and could be back in a couple of weeks after injury his shoulder during a non-football activity earlier this month.

3. Talented underclassmen ready to contribute.

Impressive freshmen and sophomores on both sides of the ball have stood out since spring and carried that momentum throughout fall camp.

Sophomore wide receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow was criticized for not doing enough during spring practices but took that to heart and showed up big time in August. Freeze has said he has all the physical tools to be as good as Treadwell and perhaps Ole Miss fans will get to see flashes of that this season.

Freshman receivers DeMarkus Lodge and Van Jefferson have also stood out at fall camp but Freeze said he hopes the depth at their position can allow them to redshirt and maintain four years of eligibility.

Taylor was impressing on the offensive line before his injury and could still be in line for a starting job once he eventually returns. But freshman blocker and elite recruit Javon Patterson has been continuously pointed out by the Rebels coaches for how quickly he has adapted to the college game. It appears Patterson has already beat out some older competition for a starting job.

4. Mike Hilton stepping up as the leader on defense.

Hilton played cornerback last season for the Rebels and did a great job doing so, finishing the season second on the team in interceptions (3) and pass break-ups (7). However, he unselfishly shifted to safety this offseason to create space on the outside for the Rebels other skilled cornerbacks — Tee Shepard and Tony Bridges.

Selflessness is one attribute of leadership and apparently that’s not the only way Hilton has stepped into a mentoring role. Asked Aug. 25 which teammate has served as a teacher on the field, Bridges quickly pointed to Hilton, according to OleMissSports.com.

“I’ve learned a lot from him. I listen to him all of the time because he’s a very positive guy,” Bridges said. “He’s always working with me on my technique. Without technique you can’t play this game.”

Courage is another trait that leaders share, so it is fitting that this offseason Hilton became the 25th player to receive the Chuck Mullins Courage Award and will have the honor of wearing Mullins’ No. 38 jersey in 2015.

5. Reshuffling the offensive line.

Even though Ole Miss returned all five starters from last year’s offensive line, the emergence of gifted young blockers has allowed the Rebels to do some shuffling along the offensive front.

As previously stated, Patterson was a touted recruit that appears to have emerged as one of the starting guards as a freshman, according the OleMissSports.com. That same report has senior Justin Bell beginning the season as the other starter at guard, but many believe Taylor will eventually take over that spot upon his return from injury.

Junior Robert Conyers has also been named the Rebels starting center over the incumbent senior Ben Still. However, Still could see snaps with the starting offense in games this season.