Lane Kiffin leaving would impact Ole Miss’ CFP seeding, per CFB insider
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The long-term future of the Ole Miss football program is in flux. And until Lane Kiffin either leaves — presumably for Florida or LSU — or signs an extension, it will remain in flux. Unfortunately for the Rebels, the timing of Kiffin’s decision could also impact the program in the very short term.
According to On3 Sports’ Chris Low, Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff seeding would likely take a hit if Kiffin departed Oxford prior to Selection Sunday.
Rebel fans would not be happy if this transpired, but there is precedent. In 2023, the Florida State Seminoles started 11-0 with quarterback Jordan Travis before he suffered a season-ending leg injury. The Seminoles overcame that setback and won the ACC Championship with a 13-0 record, but were passed in the CFP rankings by 12-1 Alabama, who captured the SEC Championship and had a healthy starting quarterback (Jalen Milroe).
Ole Miss’ situation is different from Florida State’s in that this CFP features 12 teams instead of 4. If the Rebels win the Egg Bowl and finish 11-1, they probably would not be left out of the CFP if Kiffin is gone. However, falling from their current No. 6 ranking — which would grant them a home playoff game — to No. 9 or lower — making them the road team in a first round playoff matchup — is a real possibility without Kiffin.
Last year, home teams went 4-0 in the first round of the CFP. Their average margin of victory was 19.3 points. So that drop, if it occurred, would potentially doom Ole Miss’ title chances. The Rebels face Mississippi State next Friday (11/28) at 12:00 p.m. E.T. on ABC).
