By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberOle Miss closes the regular season as one of college football’s surprise powerhouses — a 10-1 record this year and a top-10 ranking that has the Rebels squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Those results come on the heels of multiple double-digit win seasons under Lane Kiffin, who has rebuilt Ole Miss into a consistent winner in the SEC.
However, after weeks of speculation that Kiffin could land in Gainesville, multiple outlets report Florida has begun lining up other candidates and isn’t operating under the assumption it will land Kiffin.
Sources simultaneously are saying LSU is prepared to make an all-in push — including reported, mega-value offers — to secure him.
That shift in Florida’s posture, combined with national media leaning toward LSU, is the clearest signal yet that Baton Rouge may have the upper hand in the race.
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Recent reports say LSU is preparing a long-term, high-value package (widely reported figures range around $90M-$98M over several years, plus roster/operational investment) to bring Kiffin to Baton Rouge.
Booster activity, housing visits, and family trips to the region have been widely reported over the past few weeks.
With Florida "kickstarting" contingency plans and interviewing alternatives, this appears to be the clearest sign that Florida no longer expects to have Kiffin as its primary target.
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Ole Miss AD Keith Carter publicly said an announcement about Kiffin’s future would be made the day after the Egg Bowl — placing the decision window for Saturday.
If Florida is indeed pulling back, this is not merely an item on a rumor list — it changes the competitive landscape of a marquee SEC hiring cycle.
Taken together, the coverage points to LSU as the current favorite, but nothing posted today constitutes a finalized hire.
For Ole Miss, a departure would create immediate operational questions — recruiting, staff retention, and whether the Rebels will try to extend Kiffin or prepare a quick replacement — all while the team eyes a possible CFP berth.
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