The 2025 Ole Miss football schedule is taking on a slightly different look compared to the previous season. According to records obtained by the Clarion Ledger, the Rebels will pay a total of $2.75 million to secure their four nonconference matchups for the upcoming campaign. The lineup includes Georgia State, Tulane, Washington State, and The Citadel—all of whom will travel to Oxford to face Lane Kiffin’s squad at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Unlike the 2024 season, when Ole Miss opened with four straight nonconference games before diving into SEC play, the 2025 calendar spreads those matchups throughout the year. The Rebels will face their first non-league test right out of the gate in Week 1, then return to nonconference action in Weeks 4, 7, and 11. It’s a change that should add a bit of balance to their schedule, providing occasional breaks between what promises to be another grueling slate of SEC opponents.
The season will open on August 30 when Georgia State visits Oxford. The Panthers, a program from the Sun Belt Conference, have developed into a competitive mid-major opponent over the past decade. While Ole Miss will be the clear favorite, Georgia State has a history of playing up to bigger programs and will enter with nothing to lose. For Kiffin and his team, it’s a chance to shake off the offseason rust in front of a home crowd while testing out new rotations.
Week 4 brings a familiar opponent in Tulane, a regional rival that has steadily become one of the strongest Group of Five programs in the nation. The Green Wave have been consistent bowl contenders in recent years, fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a tough, disciplined defense. This matchup figures to be one of the more competitive nonconference games on Ole Miss’ schedule, and given the proximity of the schools, it should bring plenty of intrigue for fans on both sides.
In Week 7, the challenge ramps up with Washington State coming to Oxford. This matchup stands out as the headliner of the nonconference slate. While the Cougars are currently navigating conference realignment and future uncertainties, they remain a dangerous opponent with a reputation for explosive offense and fast-paced football. For the Rebels, this game will serve as a midseason test outside of the SEC, one that could provide a boost to their postseason resume if they secure a convincing win.
Finally, The Citadel comes to Oxford in Week 11. Traditionally known for its triple-option offense and disciplined style of play, the Bulldogs represent a different kind of challenge. While Ole Miss’ depth and athleticism should ultimately prove too much, the matchup allows the Rebels to reset late in the season before closing out SEC play. It also gives younger players valuable game reps in front of the home crowd.
All four nonconference matchups will be played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, ensuring that Oxford will be buzzing with activity throughout the fall. The $2.75 million payout reflects both the growing costs of scheduling competitive nonconference games and Ole Miss’ commitment to building a balanced but challenging slate.
For Lane Kiffin, the structure of this schedule provides strategic advantages. Instead of front-loading the season with non-league opponents, the spread-out approach gives the Rebels moments to regroup in between conference showdowns. With expectations high for another strong campaign, these games will serve as both tests and tune-ups for a program that continues to push for national relevance.