Ole Miss Triumphs Over Oklahoma, Boosts College Football Playoff Hopes
In a wild showdown that saw Ole Miss reclaim a double-digit lead in the second half, the Rebels pulled off a 34-26 win over No. 13 Oklahoma. This road win didn’t just boost Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes—it also delivered a tough blow to Oklahoma’s chances.
The victory, earned in less-than-ideal weather, really highlighted the grit and stubbornness of the No. 8 Rebels. With a manageable schedule ahead, their path to the CFP just got a whole lot clearer.
Contents
Ole Miss Triumphs in Norman: Key Highlights
Ole Miss came into the game with a 6-1 record, hoping to prove they belonged in the playoff conversation. The Rebels led 25-13 midway through the third quarter, but Oklahoma answered fast with a 65-yard touchdown from Xavier Robinson and then another drive to take the lead.
The Sooners were up 26-25 at the end of the third, but Ole Miss fired back with a 75-yard touchdown drive and a field goal. That was enough to lock in the win.
Trinidad Chambliss Shines
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a transfer from Division II Ferris State, outplayed Oklahoma’s John Mateer. Chambliss threw for 314 yards and added 53 on the ground, showing off that he’s a true dual-threat guy.
He kept his cool and made the big plays when it mattered. That composure under pressure really stood out and probably made the difference.
Oklahoma’s Struggles
Oklahoma’s QB, John Mateer, just hasn’t looked right since coming back from thumb surgery. He went 17 of 31 for 223 yards and a touchdown, but he missed some throws that could’ve kept the Sooners in it.
His running was a big part of his game before the injury, but it’s just not there right now. That’s left Oklahoma’s offense looking pretty flat at times.
Implications for the College Football Playoff
This win gives Ole Miss a much better shot at the playoff. At 7-1 and with no ranked teams left on their slate, the Rebels are in a pretty strong position.
The Athletic’s projections say their CFP chances jumped from 61 percent to 85 percent after this game.
Remaining Schedule
Ole Miss will be favored in each of their last four games. If they run the table and finish 11-1, they’ll have a real case for the playoff, even if they don’t make the SEC title game.
But nothing’s guaranteed. One bad Saturday and it all comes crashing down.
- Remaining Ole Miss schedule:
- vs. Arkansas
- at Mississippi State
- vs. Vanderbilt
- at Auburn
Coaching Dynamics: Lane Kiffin and Florida
Ole Miss’ run this season has stirred up the coaching rumor mill. Florida’s got their eye on Lane Kiffin, but a playoff run could make things complicated.
The first CFP round isn’t until Dec. 19, with the quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve and Day. That timing could delay any coaching shakeups.
Kiffin’s Decision
If Ole Miss gets into the playoff, maybe that convinces Kiffin he can win it all without leaving for Florida. The transfer portal and early signing period just add more wrinkles to any possible move.
Honestly, if Kiffin and Florida both want this to happen, they might just wait until after the playoff. It’s a bit of a chess match.
Oklahoma’s Diminished Playoff Hopes
Oklahoma’s second loss makes their playoff hopes look pretty bleak. The rest of their schedule isn’t doing them any favors either, with ranked teams like Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and LSU still to come.
After losing to Ole Miss, their playoff odds tanked from 24 percent to just 5 percent. That’s a rough drop.
John Mateer’s Performance
Mateer’s struggles post-injury have really hurt Oklahoma. His accuracy and choices have been all over the place, and he’s not running like he used to.
If Oklahoma wants any shot at a late-season miracle, Mateer’s got to find that spark he had earlier in the year. Otherwise, it’s probably not happening.
Conclusion
Ole Miss’ win over Oklahoma really shook up the 2025 college football season. The Rebels are sitting pretty for a CFP spot now.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, might be in trouble when it comes to the playoffs. Trinidad Chambliss had a standout game, and Lane Kiffin’s play-calling? Pretty sharp, honestly.
