Lane Kiffin recently made waves by suggesting that Ole Miss deserves a spot in the College Football Playoff over Alabama, and his argument holds significant weight. Kiffin, who is the head coach of Ole Miss, pointed to the Rebels’ impressive performance this season, including a near-perfect record in conference play and a convincing head-to-head win over Alabama earlier in the year.
Ole Miss has been one of the top teams in the SEC, consistently outperforming expectations. Their offense, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart and a high-powered running game, has been one of the most explosive in the nation. Additionally, Ole Miss’ overall balance between offense and defense has allowed them to compete at the highest level, not just within the SEC but against top-ranked teams across the country.
Meanwhile, Alabama, though always a formidable opponent, has had a more inconsistent season with multiple losses. While the Crimson Tide remains a dominant force in college football, their struggles—particularly on offense—have left them vulnerable at times. The head-to-head result, in which Ole Miss defeated Alabama, adds further credence to Kiffin’s argument.
Kiffin’s comments reflect a larger discussion about playoff expansion and fairness in the current system. With the Playoff field expanding in future seasons, debates like this may become more common, as teams like Ole Miss push for their place among the nation’s elite. If the current system was truly fair, Kiffin argues, Ole Miss’ consistent play and Alabama’s losses would give the Rebels a rightful spot over the Tide in the Playoffs. Ultimately, Kiffin is advocating for a more transparent and merit-based selection process—one that rewards teams for their accomplishments, not just their reputation.