What Is 2022 Ole Miss Rebels football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi in the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 9-4 record under head coach Lane Kiffin. They played in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and won the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Duke with a 42-17 victory.

Key Facts

Finished the 2022 season with a 9-4 overall record
Defeated Duke 42-17 in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on January 2, 2023
Played in the SEC Western Division under head coach Lane Kiffin
Quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 2,329 yards and 19 touchdowns
Ranked as high as No. 13 in the AP Poll during the season

Overview

The 2022 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi during the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Lane Kiffin, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and achieved a 9-4 overall record, including a decisive victory in a major bowl game.

The Rebels showed significant offensive firepower throughout the season, ranking among the top programs nationally in total yards and points per game. Their performance in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Duke solidified a successful campaign, ending with a 42-17 win and strong individual performances from key players.

Record: The team finished the season with a 9-4 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in SEC conference play, demonstrating consistent performance against tough competition.
Bowl Game: They won the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on January 2, 2023, defeating the Duke Blue Devils 42-17 in Jacksonville, Florida, marking their first bowl win since 2017.
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin, in his third season, led the team with an aggressive offensive strategy, improving from a 10-3 record in 2021 to another winning season despite tougher scheduling.
Offensive Output: Ole Miss averaged 39.5 points per game, ranking 13th nationally, and accumulated over 450 yards per game, showcasing their high-tempo, pass-heavy attack.
Key Player: Quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 2,329 yards and 19 touchdowns with only six interceptions, earning Freshman All-American honors despite missing parts of the season due to injury.

Performance Breakdown

The 2022 season was marked by explosive offensive plays, defensive improvements, and pivotal moments that defined the Rebels' trajectory. Each game contributed to a broader understanding of the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Season Opener: The Rebels opened with a 26-22 win over Georgia Tech, overcoming a 16-point deficit, highlighting their resilience and late-game execution under pressure.
SEC Competition: They defeated ranked opponents including LSU (25-23) and Arkansas (35-27), proving their ability to compete in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
Quarterback Rotation: After Jaxson Dart’s injury, Luke Altmyer stepped in and performed well, throwing for 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in six starts.
Defensive Turnaround: The defense improved significantly after early struggles, allowing only 17 points per game in their final five contests, including the bowl victory.
Recruiting Impact: The season helped solidify Ole Miss as a rising program, contributing to a top-15 recruiting class for 2023, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Individual Honors: Several players earned All-SEC recognition, including wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who recorded 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2022 Ole Miss Rebels to recent seasons reveals trends in performance, scoring, and postseason outcomes.

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Points Per Game	Bowl Result
2022	9-4	5-3	39.5	Won Gator Bowl (42-17 vs. Duke)
2021	10-3	6-2	36.8	Lost Sugar Bowl (45-16 vs. Baylor)
2020	5-5	5-5	33.1	No bowl (COVID-affected season)
2019	4-8	2-6	27.3	No bowl
2018	8-5	4-4	31.5	Won Independence Bowl (26-20 vs. Oklahoma State)

The 2022 season maintained the upward trajectory established under Kiffin, balancing offensive dominance with improved defense. While not matching the win total of 2021, the team showed depth and development, particularly in player development and bowl preparation. The consistent scoring output and bowl victory signaled program stability and growth.

Why It Matters

The 2022 Ole Miss Rebels season was a pivotal chapter in the program’s modern resurgence, reinforcing its status as a competitive force in the SEC and nationally. Success on the field translated into recruiting momentum and fan engagement, setting the stage for future contention.

Program Growth: The season continued Ole Miss’s rise under Lane Kiffin, building on previous success and enhancing the team’s national profile.
Recruiting Boost: Strong performances attracted top-tier recruits, with the 2023 class ranking among the best in the SEC, per major recruiting services.
Bowl Relevance: Winning the Gator Bowl restored positive momentum after a lopsided Sugar Bowl loss in 2021, improving bowl record confidence.
Player Development: Jaxson Dart’s emergence signaled a bright future at quarterback, a critical position for long-term success.
Conference Standing: Competitive SEC results kept Ole Miss relevant in conference conversations, despite not reaching the SEC Championship.
Fan Engagement: Increased attendance and merchandise sales reflected growing support, vital for athletic department revenue and culture.

The 2022 season exemplified resilience, offensive innovation, and strategic coaching, laying groundwork for sustained competitiveness in the years to come.