The LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels are both 4-0 to start the 2025 college football season despite things not exactly going according to plan.

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the entire LSU offense were supposed to be the Tigers’ strength, yet they’ve struggled to find their footing through the air and on the ground. The good news is their defense has suddenly turned elite.

Lane Kiffin and his Ole Miss Rebels were hoping this season would be the breakout campaign for new starting quarterback Austin Simmons, but with his mixed performances and health issues it’s shockingly been Trinidad Chambliss who has become the star passer.

This game could be where both teams finally get their complete act together and prove they’re real contenders. Or this could perhaps just muddy the waters in the SEC even further. Media members from A to Z Sports who cover both teams decided to weigh in to hopefully predict what looks to be the unpredictable in this LSU vs Ole Miss matchup. The picks are in. Enjoy!

LSU 31, Ole Miss 27

Garrett Nussmeier is supposed to be a potential first round caliber quarterback, but he and the LSU Tigers have not been playing like it just yet. Nussmeier ranks 94th among FBS quarterbacks in total adjusted net yards per attempt so far this season as he’s struggled to consistently get on the same page with some of his new wide receiver weapons. However, he finally got his act together last week against Southeastern Louisiana and all four of his lead targets are beginning to look more comfortable together. This could be the week LSU’s offense finally looks “right” against an tougher opponent for the entire game.

Ole Miss’ path to victory likely lies with their defense’s ability to continue LSU’s struggle, and then of course the quarterback position. Lane Kiffin’s scheme works for any quarterback usually, but Chambliss seems to be the hot hand. If he can find anywhere close to the success he’s found in the last couple weeks Ole Miss will keep this close. However, ultimately LSU’s defense likely does just enough to hold off the Rebels and the Tigers find more down to down efficiency with their aerial attack. – Travis May, A to Z Sports CFB & NFL Draft Managing Editor

LSU 34, Ole Miss 28

LSU & Ole Miss have recently given us some absolute bangers for games, and this one shouldn’t be much different. The Tigers defense is playing like one of the best in the country after some huge transfer portal upgrades this offseason. As for the Rebels, their offense with QB Trinidad Chambliss starting has been firing on all cylinders. His rushing ability has completely changed the outlook in facing Lane Kiffin’s unit. A win for LSU here could creep them even higher in the top 5, while an Ole Miss victory would certainly shoot them into the top 10. All in all, I’m gonna lean toward the veteran QB in Garrett Nussmeier and figure they’ll take advantage of a Rebels defense, who struggled with Arkansas–at least do enough to grab the win. Tough one to call here. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports LSU

LSU, 34, Ole Miss 24

LSU is getting healthy at the right time to deliver a win that will further drive the point home that this is Brian Kelly’s best team yet. The Tigers’ defense has been as impressive as any in the nation, and it’s hard to see Ole Miss’ advantages against it. Last year’s Rebels offense had a higher talent base and experience to rely on, but even they would’ve been pushed to its limits with this LSU secondary. Even if Kiffin cracks the code and the Rebels create rushing lanes, the difference in this matchup falls on a healthy Garrett Nussmeier and Caden Durham. Neither has been fully healthy for long this season, but it’s only a matter of time until this explosive unit puts it all together. I believe this is that moment. – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports LSU

Ole Miss 31, LSU 20

This one is fascinating for several reasons. At first glance, you’d expect LSU to handle business easily. Higher ranking, star power, Ole Miss’ starting quarterback is hurt, etc. But, LSU’s wins over Clemson and Florida all of a sudden aren’t so shiny after both the Tigers and Gators fell to 1-3 over the weekend.

Garrett Nussmeier still has star power but he may not even be the most popular quarterback in this game. It could be Trinidad Chambliss. After Austin Simmons went down with an ankle injury versus Kentucky, all the Division II transfer has done is put up 834 total yards and five touchdowns.

A lot will be learned Saturday as LSU brings a less than stellar run game (3.9 YPC) and an offensive line which has had to replace both tackles. Last weekend against SELA, the Tigers gave up two sacks and five tackles for loss. Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator Pete Golding will have some exotic stuff dialed up to try and confuse the LSU front to get in Nussmeier’s face.

Lane Kiffin keeps hinting at Austin Simmons potentially being available but I personally expect Chambliss to be the guy. If he is, I look for Kiffin’s attack to be utilizing Chambliss’ legs, keeping LSU off-balance with designed quarterback runs to suck up the safeties, and then taking deep shots to try and win one-on-one matchups with a deep and talented Ole Miss wide receiver room. If the fast and athletic LSU defense keeps its eyes in the Ole Miss backfield too long, it could spell trouble for Blake Baker’s group.

With Nussmeier still not being 100 percent due to knee tendinitis and Caden Durham questionable, I think Ole Miss gets it done at home. Kiffin is 18-3 in SEC play in Oxford since 2021 and 2-0 versus LSU. Chambliss gives LSU’s defense fits with his dual-threat ability and the Ole Miss defense gets a couple turnovers to seal another conference win and first place in the SEC. – Zach Berry, A to Z Sports Texas

Ole Miss Rebels News

‘I’m over that’ – Lane Kiffin is already upset at SEC ahead of upcoming LSU and Georgia kick off times

Following Ole Miss’ dominant 45-10 win over Tulane on Saturday, head coach Lane Kiffin didn’t hold back when asked about next week’s kickoff time against No. 3 LSU. The game is slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET start, and Kiffin made it clear he’s not thrilled about it. While expressing disappointment that the matchup won’t […]

Ian Valentino

Final Score Predictions for LSU vs. Ole Miss

The A to Z Sports staff could see this going either way, but overall believes LSU puts the whole puzzle together and wins a close one. On average, our team members picked this game to finish 30-27 in favor of Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. Holding Ole Miss to their lowest point total of the season won’t be easy, but the Tigers’ defense has proven they’re one of the best in the country already.

We’ll be back with more LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!