Greg McElroy Urges People Not To Sleep On Surprising National Championship Contender

The Mississippi State Bulldogs made some changes this offseason. The program hired Former Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby as the head coach. Mississippi State fired Zach Arnett after a 4-6 start last season.

Much is the same for the other prominent SEC school in Mississippi under Lane Kiffin. The Ole Miss Rebels returned plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and used the transfer portal to their advantage this offseason.

On a recent edition of "Always College Football," Greg McElroy warned people not to count out Ole Miss as a national championship contender.

"...I look at the depth that they've added to go along with the starters that are back," McElroy said. "Very optimistic about what the defense is going to be, which is why Ole Miss, for many, people think you are a dark horse national championship contender."

The Rebels bring back quarterback Jaxson Dart, receiver Tre Harris, receiver Jordan Watkins, running back Ulysses Bentley IV, and tight end Caden Prieskorn.

Ole Miss added former Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen, former Florida Gators edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, and former South Carolina Gamecocks receiver Juice Wells from the portal.

Kiffin achieved a significant milestone for Ole Miss after winning 11 games for the first time in program history last season. Winning a national championship would be quite an accomplishment.

The Rebels kick off the 2024 season against the Furman Paladins on Aug. 31.

Related: Nick Saban Says This SEC Program Can 'Match Up With Anybody' In 2024