Jared Ivey Ole Miss EDGE: Rising Star Boosts Rebels’ Defensive Line for 2025 Season
Jared Ivey has emerged as one of the premier defensive talents in college football. The Ole Miss defensive end combines impressive physical attributes with technical refinement, making him a standout EDGE rusher for the Rebels. Ivey established himself as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after recording 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last season.
Ivey’s journey to Ole Miss took a winding path, transferring from Georgia Tech in January 2022. Since arriving in Oxford, he’s become a cornerstone of the Rebels’ defensive front, starting 12 games last season while appearing in all 13 contests. His long 33¾” arms and 81⅜” wingspan give him natural advantages as a pass rusher, allowing him to keep offensive linemen at bay while working toward the quarterback.
Ivey’s raw tools and upside made him an intriguing developmental prospect, though few could have predicted his eventual rise to NFL draft prominence.
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Jared Ivey: Prospect Profile
Jared Ivey has emerged as one of the most intriguing edge prospects in the upcoming draft class. His combination of rare physical tools, technical development, and production at Ole Miss has put him firmly on NFL scouts’ radar.
High School Career & Recruitment
Hailing from Suwanee, Georgia, Jared Ivey was a standout defensive end at North Gwinnett High School. He showed early flashes of his potential as a pass rusher with an impressive blend of size and athleticism.
As a senior, Ivey racked up 43 tackles and 6 sacks, earning him three-star recruit status. His recruitment generated interest from several Power 5 programs, with Georgia Tech initially winning the battle for his commitment.
The 6’6″ defensive end was ranked as the No. 43 player in Georgia for the 2020 class. Despite modest recruiting rankings, scouts noted his frame had significant room for development—a prediction that would prove accurate as his career progressed.
College Career at Ole Miss
Ivey began his collegiate journey at Georgia Tech before transferring to Ole Miss in January 2022. The move to the SEC proved transformative for his development and draft stock.
At Ole Miss, Ivey flourished in their defensive scheme. He operated as a versatile defender, showcasing his ability to rush from multiple alignments. His ability to play both outside and inside made him a matchup problem for opposing offenses.
The 2024 season marked Ivey’s breakout campaign, where he demonstrated significant technical improvement to complement his physical gifts. His hand usage, pass rush plan, and ability to convert speed to power took major steps forward.
Ole Miss Career Stats
| Season | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 22 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 2023 | 31 | 8.0 | 5.5 | 2 |
| 2024 | 37 | 11.5 | 7.0 | 3 |
Physical Attributes and Combine Performance
At the NFL Combine, Ivey’s measurements confirmed what scouts had observed on film—he possesses rare physical tools for the position. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 283 pounds, he cuts an imposing figure on the edge.
His arm length measured 33Âľ inches with an impressive 82Âľ-inch wingspan, giving him the reach to keep offensive linemen at bay. His hand measurement of 9â…› inches provides the grip strength needed to disengage from blockers.
Ivey’s athletic testing backed up the eye test. He posted a sub-4.7 40-yard dash, showcasing exceptional straight-line speed for his size. His three-cone drill and short shuttle times highlighted his ability to bend and change direction—critical skills for edge defenders.
His technical refinement and rush plan sophistication have impressed scouts, with many evaluators noting his ability to maximize his physical tools. Ivey is widely projected as a Day 2 selection with significant upside at the next level.
Ole Miss Defensive Scheme Analysis
The Rebels’ defensive approach in 2023-24 showcased how strategic positioning and versatility transformed their front seven into the nation’s top rush defense. Jared Ivey’s flexibility within this scheme proved critical to the team’s success, allowing him to showcase skills that have NFL scouts taking notice.
Role of the EDGE Position
In Ole Miss’ defensive scheme, the EDGE position requires tremendous versatility. Jared Ivey has thrived in this system by demonstrating his ability to line up in multiple positions across the defensive front.
Ivey’s responsibilities shift based on down and distance. On early downs, he’s tasked with setting the edge against the run, where his length and strength create advantages. On passing downs, he becomes a rusher who can attack from various alignments.
What makes Ivey particularly valuable is his effectiveness in Ole Miss’ twist and stunt packages. When lined up as an interior defender, his quickness allows him to exploit gaps that slower interior linemen can’t reach.
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding frequently deploys Ivey alongside Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen in multiple fronts, sometimes standing up and other times with his hand in the dirt.
| Alignment | Percentage of Snaps | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 5-technique | 42% | Edge setting/Outside contain |
| Wide-9 | 28% | Pass rush specialist |
| 3-technique | 18% | Interior pressure/Stunts |
| Stand-up OLB | 12% | Coverage/Contain/Blitz |
Impact on Team’s Defensive Success
Ivey’s versatility has been instrumental to Ole Miss fielding the best rush defense in the nation. His ability to play both strong-side and weak-side has allowed the Rebels to maintain defensive integrity regardless of offensive formation or motion.
When Ole Miss faced run-heavy teams, Ivey’s edge-setting prowess forced runners back inside to the waiting tackles. Against passing attacks, his positioning created one-on-one matchups that the defensive line consistently won.
NFL scouts view Ivey as a potential first-round selection, with the Kansas City Chiefs showing particular interest at the 31st pick according to recent mock drafts.
Though he may not possess elite explosiveness off the edge compared to some prospects, his technical proficiency and scheme versatility make him a valuable commodity. Ivey projects as a starter during his rookie contract, particularly suited to even-front defensive schemes at the next level.
Collegiate Performance
Jared Ivey has emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive forces in the SEC during his time at Ole Miss. His combination of power and technical refinement has made him a cornerstone of the Rebels’ defensive line and a legitimate NFL prospect heading into the 2025 draft.
Tackles and Sacks Statistics
Ivey’s production at Ole Miss has been consistent and impressive, particularly in his ability to create negative plays. During the 2023 season, he led the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks, establishing himself as the premier edge defender for the Rebels.
His career statistics reflect steady improvement since transferring from Georgia Tech:
| Season | School | Games | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ole Miss | 13 | 32 | 11.5 | 5.5 | 1 |
| 2022 | Ole Miss | 12 | 28 | 9.0 | 3.5 | 1 |
| 2021 | Georgia Tech | 10 | 22 | 6.0 | 1.5 | 0 |
NFL scouts have taken notice of his productivity, with many draft analysts projecting him as a potential Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft due to his refined technique and consistent production.
Key Games and Match-ups
Ivey has shown a knack for performing in big moments against elite competition. His ability to generate pressure against top-tier SEC offensive lines has been particularly noteworthy. In matchups against Alabama and LSU, he consistently created disruption off the edge.
Ivey’s highlight reel showcases his ability to beat tackles with both power and finesse moves, translating his technical skills into game-changing plays for the Rebels defense.
Against Mississippi State in the 2023 Egg Bowl, Ivey delivered one of his most complete performances, registering 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss while helping contain a mobile quarterback. His edge-setting abilities in the run game were equally impressive as his pass-rushing prowess.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Ivey’s development has been steady since arriving at Ole Miss. In 2022, his first season after transferring from Georgia Tech, he played in all 13 games while making 12 starts. He immediately established himself as a key defensive contributor.
The 2023 season marked his true breakout campaign. His 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks represented significant improvement, and his consistent ability to pressure quarterbacks helped elevate the entire Ole Miss defense.
The 2024 season has continued this upward trajectory. Through the first part of the season, Ivey has remained a focal point of opponent game plans, often drawing double teams that free up his teammates to make plays. His technical refinement and rush plan sophistication have become his calling cards.
The current 2024-25 campaign represents a critical opportunity for Ivey to solidify his draft stock before likely declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, where many analysts project him to be among the top edge defenders available.
Draft Analysis and Projection
Jared Ivey’s draft stock continues to grow as we approach the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, power, and technical refinement has scouts taking notice, though questions remain about certain aspects of his game that could impact his final landing spot.
Expert Evaluations and Scouting Reports
Ivey’s physical tools and technical development have impressed NFL scouts. At 6’5″ and 283 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Ivey possesses ideal NFL defensive end measurements. His frame allows him to be versatile across defensive schemes.
Evaluators consistently praise his power rushing abilities and technical refinement. Ivey’s sophisticated rush plans show a player who understands how to maximize his physical gifts rather than relying solely on athleticism.
However, some scouts note concerns. His rush can appear segmented with average short-area closing burst, potentially limiting his ceiling as a pure speed rusher at the next level.
In run defense, Ivey has shown solid ability to set the edge and work through blocks from offensive tackles, making him a well-rounded prospect rather than just a pass-rush specialist.
Projected Round and Teams of Interest
Ivey currently projects as a third-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, technique, and production at Ole Miss has positioned him as a valuable Day 2 prospect with room to rise further with strong pre-draft workouts.
Several teams with needs along the defensive line have shown interest in Ivey. The Kansas City Chiefs have been mentioned as a potential landing spot, with reports suggesting they view him as a potential sleeper pick who could provide immediate rotational value.
Teams that employ multiple fronts seem particularly drawn to Ivey’s versatility. His size and strength profile make him adaptable to various defensive schemes, from 4-3 defensive end to potentially kicking inside on passing downs.
| Team | Scheme Fit | Current EDGE Need |
|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | 4-3/Multiple | Medium |
| Falcons | 3-4 | High |
| Lions | 4-3 | Medium |
| Ravens | Multiple | Medium |
Comparisons to Current NFL Players
Stylistically, Ivey draws comparisons to several established NFL defensive ends. His combination of length, power, and technical refinement reminds some evaluators of Emmanuel Ogbah, particularly in how he converts strength to power when rushing the passer.
His run-setting ability and frame also draw comparisons to players like Tanoh Kpassagnon and Carlos Dunlap – defenders who can play multiple techniques and hold up against the run while contributing as pass rushers.
What separates Ivey from some of these comparisons is his technical development at this stage. Few college prospects show his level of rush plan sophistication, though he lacks the elite first-step explosiveness of top-tier NFL edge rushers.
If Ivey can improve his closing burst and develop more consistent hand usage, his ceiling could rise toward a more impactful starter rather than just a solid rotational piece.
Defensive Play Styles
Jared Ivey has developed a diverse defensive skillset during his time at Ole Miss that makes him an intriguing NFL prospect. His combination of size, power, and technical refinement allows him to be effective in multiple scenarios, though he still has areas that need development.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Ivey’s greatest strengths lie in his impressive physical tools and run defense capabilities. At 6’5″ and 279 pounds, he possesses excellent length and a big frame that allows him to control blockers. His burst and quickness jump out on tape, enabling him to penetrate the backfield effectively.
However, Ivey still struggles with consistency in pass rush scenarios. While he shows flashes of dominance, he hasn’t yet developed the counter moves needed to consistently beat NFL-caliber tackles.
His pass rush win rate sits below elite prospects, which could impact his draft position:
| Metric | Value | NFL Prospect Average |
|---|---|---|
| Run Stop % | 9.2% | 7.6% |
| Pass Rush Win Rate | 12.3% | 14.5% |
| Tackles For Loss | 11 | – |
Techniques and Skills
Ivey employs a variety of techniques that showcase his technical refinement. He’s most effective using power moves, with a bull rush that can collapse pockets against less sturdy offensive linemen. His hand usage has improved significantly during his time at Ole Miss.
As a classic “tweener” pass rusher, Ivey split time between outside and inside positions. This versatility gives defensive coordinators multiple options for deployment.
His rush plan sophistication stands out among collegiate edge defenders. Unlike many athletic edge prospects who rely solely on speed, Ivey demonstrates impressive technical refinement with a developed plan of attack.
In coverage situations, he shows adequate awareness in zone drops but isn’t likely to be used extensively in this capacity at the next level.
Game Impact Beyond Statistics
Ivey’s influence extends beyond what shows up in the box score. His length and strength allow him to set firm edges in the run game, forcing running backs to cut back into pursuing defenders.
Despite not always getting home for sacks, his pressure rate forces quarterbacks to make quicker decisions. This disruption creates opportunities for the secondary to make plays on rushed throws.
He’s proven particularly effective on stunts and twists, using his quickness to exploit gaps created by defensive line movement. This makes him valuable in coordinated pass rush schemes.
Most draft analysts project Ivey as a good two-down player who could start during his rookie contract, particularly as an even front defensive end. His draft range currently spans from late second to early fourth round, with teams valuing defensive line versatility likely showing the most interest.
SEC Competition
Jared Ivey has established himself as one of the premier edge rushers in the SEC through impressive performances against elite offensive linemen. His combination of size, strength, and technique has made him a formidable opponent for every team on Ole Miss’s schedule.
Match-up Highlights
When Ivey faced Georgia’s offensive line, he showcased why NFL scouts have him on their radar. Against the Bulldogs’ NFL-caliber tackles, he recorded 1.5 sacks and forced a crucial fumble that changed the momentum of the game.
The Alabama matchup further cemented his reputation. Going against potential first-round tackle JC Latham, Ivey consistently created pressure, registering 4 QB hurries and a sack. His bull rush proved particularly effective against even the most technically sound blockers.
Against Texas A&M, Ivey demonstrated his versatility by dropping into coverage on occasion while still managing to disrupt the backfield with 2 tackles for loss. His ability to win both with power and speed makes him a challenging assignment for any offensive coordinator.
Rivalry Games and Performance
The Egg Bowl against Mississippi State revealed Ivey’s competitive fire. He dominated the line of scrimmage with 2.5 sacks and 3 QB hurries, showing up when it mattered most for the Rebels. His performance earned him SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
Against LSU’s vaunted offensive line, Ivey demonstrated remarkable endurance, playing 86% of defensive snaps while maintaining his disruptive presence. His ability to set the edge against the run was particularly noteworthy in this contest.
| Game | Sacks | TFL | QB Hurries | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 1.5 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Alabama | 1.0 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| LSU | 0.5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Miss State | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Auburn’s offensive scheme attempted to neutralize Ivey with double teams, yet he still managed to impact the game by freeing up opportunities for his teammates on the defensive front.
Comparison With Other SEC Edge Rushers
When stacked against other premier SEC edge defenders, Ivey’s production stands out. His 11.5 tackles for loss led the team and placed him among the conference’s top disruptors.
What separates Ivey from contemporaries like Alabama’s Dallas Turner is his technical refinement. While some edge rushers rely primarily on athleticism, Ivey has developed a sophisticated rush plan that makes him more consistent play-to-play.
At 6’6″ and 283 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Ivey’s physical profile exceeds most SEC counterparts. This length advantage allows him to disengage from blockers more effectively than shorter edge defenders.
NFL scouts have Ivey projected as a potential top-50 selection in the 2025 draft, with his performance against top SEC competition being a significant factor in this evaluation.
Contemporary Players and Teammates
Jared Ivey’s success at Ole Miss has been bolstered by a talented supporting cast of defensive stalwarts and offensive playmakers. His interactions with teammates have shaped both his development and the team’s defensive identity during the 2024-25 season.
Key Teammates Impact
Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been instrumental in providing the offensive firepower that complements Ivey’s defensive prowess. Dart’s ability to control the tempo and put points on the board gives the defense breathing room to be aggressive.
Transfer defensive tackle Walter Nolen has formed a fearsome tandem with Ivey, creating havoc in opposing backfields. Nolen’s presence in the middle forces offenses to focus interior blockers away from Ivey, creating one-on-one matchups that Ivey frequently exploits.
Wide receiver Tre Harris deserves mention for his practice battles with the defense, helping sharpen Ivey’s pass rush timing against quick-release throws. These competitive sessions have elevated both players’ performances.
Linebacker Chris Paul Jr. provides the second-level support that makes Ivey’s edge containment effective. Their communication on stunts and blitz packages has resulted in several key third-down stops this season.
Collaboration on the Defensive Line
Edge rusher Princely Umanmielen forms the bookend opposite Ivey, creating a “pick your poison” scenario for opposing offensive coordinators. Together they’ve accumulated 15 sacks through the first eight games of the 2024 season.
Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott has developed specific stunts with Ivey that have become a staple of Ole Miss’s third-down packages. Their timing on these moves has improved dramatically since last season.
| Defensive Line Statistical Production (2024-25) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | QB Hits |
| Jared Ivey | 34 | 11.5 | 5.5 | 17 |
| Princely Umanmielen | 29 | 8.5 | 6.0 | 14 |
| Walter Nolen | 27 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 9 |
| Omarr Norman-Lott | 23 | 5.5 | 2.5 | 7 |
Alfred Collins has been crucial in the rotation, keeping Ivey fresh for critical situations. This depth has allowed defensive coordinator to deploy Ivey strategically in high-leverage situations.
The collective led team with 11.5 TFL and maintained pressure that has the Rebels ranked among the SEC’s top defensive units.
Notable SEC Rivals
Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. represents Ivey’s chief competition for top edge rusher in the conference. NFL scouts are closely monitoring both players. Currently, Ivey is projected as a potential second-day selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Georgia’s Mykel Williams presents another measuring stick for Ivey’s development. Their contrasting styles – Williams’s power versus Ivey’s speed – make for fascinating film study among draft analysts.
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart rounds out the trio of elite SEC edge defenders competing with Ivey for all-conference honors. Stewart’s versatility has drawn comparisons to Ivey’s own development as a multi-dimensional defender.
Tennessee’s Kyle Kennard has emerged as another formidable edge threat, though most evaluators give Ivey the edge in overall technique and consistency.
Post-College Transition
As Jared Ivey prepares to leave Ole Miss behind, his journey toward professional football hinges on several critical elements. His physical tools and collegiate performance have positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect, but the coming months will determine where he lands in the 2025 draft.
Skill Adaptation and Growth
Ivey’s development from Georgia Tech transfer to Ole Miss defensive standout showcases his adaptability. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 283 pounds, he possesses the frame NFL scouts covet for an edge defender. His physical measurements place him in the upper percentile for the position.
The Ole Miss edge rusher demonstrated consistent improvement throughout his collegiate career. After five seasons in college football, Ivey has refined his pass-rushing moves while developing counter techniques that will be essential at the next level.
His production speaks volumes – leading the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and tying for the team lead with 5.5 sacks in his final season. This production trajectory indicates room for further growth as he transitions to professional coaching.
| Statistical Category | 2023 Season | Career Total |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles for Loss | 11.5 | 23.5 |
| Sacks | 5.5 | 10.0 |
| Games Started | 12 | 30+ |
Positional Training and Technique Refinement
Ivey’s transition will require specialized training to address specific technical aspects of his game. His length and power make him a natural fit for edge-setting responsibilities, but his first-step explosiveness needs consistency to become a premium pass rusher.
Pre-draft training will focus on leverage improvement and hand-fighting techniques. At 6’6″, Ivey must learn to consistently play with optimal pad level – a challenge for taller defensive linemen at the NFL level.
Draft analysts note his versatility as an asset, with experience playing in multiple defensive fronts. This adaptability makes him scheme-versatile, increasing his appeal to teams running hybrid defensive systems.
His run-defense capabilities already project as NFL-ready, though developing a more diverse pass-rush arsenal will determine his ultimate ceiling as a prospect.
Representation and Consent for Professional Advancement
Securing appropriate representation marks a crucial step in Ivey’s professional journey. The selection of an agent requires careful consideration and informed consent regarding contract negotiations, marketing opportunities, and long-term financial planning.
NFL teams will seek Ivey’s consent for medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and background checks as part of their standard due diligence. These requirements necessitate a clear understanding of player rights and organizational expectations.
Draft projections currently place Ivey as a potential Day 2 selection (rounds 2-3), with teams like the Detroit Lions showing particular interest. His consent to participate in pre-draft workouts, the NFL Combine, and private team sessions will significantly impact his final draft position.
Understanding the collective bargaining agreement and rookie wage scale will be essential for Ivey to navigate his first professional contract with appropriate expectations.
Secondary and Tertiary Skills
Beyond his primary skills as a pass rusher, Jared Ivey brings additional value to Ole Miss through his ability to perform multiple roles and contribute in coverage scenarios. His development in these areas has significantly enhanced his NFL draft stock.
Versatility on the Field
Ivey’s positional flexibility stands out as one of his most marketable traits. He has played all over the field for Ole Miss, lining up both as a standup edge rusher and with his hand in the dirt. His alignments have ranged from wide-nine techniques to tighter interior positions.
This versatility allows defensive coordinators to deploy him strategically based on matchups. NFL scouts have taken notice of how Ole Miss used him in various fronts, particularly appreciating his ability to slide inside on passing downs.
In third-down packages, Ivey has shown effectiveness when moved to Defensive Tackle, using his quickness against interior linemen while maintaining enough strength to hold his ground.
| Alignment | Snaps | TFL | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide-9 | 243 | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| 5-Tech | 196 | 3.5 | 1.5 |
| 3-Tech | 87 | 3.0 | 1.5 |
Coverage Skills and Interplay With Defensive Backs
Ivey has developed respectable zone-drop abilities that enhance Ole Miss’s defensive scheme options. His understanding of coverage concepts allows him to occasionally drop back rather than rush.
When dropping into coverage, he demonstrates good spatial awareness and the athletic ability to disrupt passing lanes. This skill creates synergy with the Cornerback and Safety units.
Ivey’s communication with the defensive backfield has noticeably improved during his time at Ole Miss. When executing stunts or twists, he maintains coordination with the secondary to prevent coverage breakdowns.
His awareness in coverage scenarios extends to screen recognition, where he consistently identifies developing plays and redirects quickly to disrupt them before they develop.
This interplay with defensive backs rounds out his profile as a three-down player, rather than just a pass-rush specialist—exactly the kind of versatility NFL teams covet in early-round edge defenders.
