The Grove Report

The Race for Lane Kiffin: CFB Analysts Weigh in on LSU Tigers vs. Florida Gators

Kiffin continues building a special program in Oxford, analysts continue chiming on on a potential departure.
Zack Nagy|
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin reacts during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin reacts during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Ole Miss RebelsLSU TigersFlorida Gators

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin has social media swirling this fall as the coaching carousel heats up with more job openings becoming available by the week.

Kiffin and Co. are in the midst of a 7-1 start in Oxford with the program's College Football Playoff chances increasing, but the talk of the town has been schools set to push for the Ole Miss decision-maker to depart the Magnolia State.

Once Billy Napier was relieved of his duties in Gainesville, the rumor mill began swirling surrounding a potential move for Kiffin to the Florida Gators.

Now, with Brian Kelly out as the head coach of the LSU Tigers, social media is buzzing with Kiffin to Baton Rouge rumors stealing headlines.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg dove into which program could pique Kiffin's interest more.

"LSU's firing of Kelly could be really bad news for Florida, which has made little secret of its desire to bring Kiffin to Gainesville," Rittenberg detailed on Sunday. "Perhaps Florida can still get its man, but Kiffin should be near or at the very top of LSU's wish list.

"He wouldn't have to deal with in-state competitors there and would lead a program with few if any limitations with resources, facilities and fan base."

But college football analysts from coast-to-coast are weighing in on the LSU Tigers versus Florida Gators rumor mill with On3 Sports' Pete Nakos also revealing that Kiffin is the top candidate in Gainesville.

"... With the LSU job open, Florida will now face significant competition in its pursuit to land Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin," Nakos wrote on Tuesday. "The Gators, Tigers and Rebels are headed toward a three-way battle for Kiffin. And that comes with Ole Miss being favored in every remaining game and on track to make their first College Football Playoff appearance.

"That makes for an unclear timeline for when Kiffin could be available. Meanwhile, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter is working on a new contract to keep Kiffin in Oxford."

Kiffin remains the talk of the town, and with the Ole Miss Rebels inching closer towards a College Football Playoff berth, all eyes will be on the program in Oxford across the next few weeks.

More Ole Miss News:

Instant Takeaways: Ole Miss Football Takes Down Oklahoma Sooners in 34-26 Win

Ole Miss Football Great Doubles Down on Lane Kiffin to Florida Gators 'Not Happening'

Tony Vitello Pokes Fun at Ole Miss Football's Lane Kiffin in Goodbye to Tennessee

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Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and Ole Miss Rebels On SI: @OleMissOnSI for all coverage surrounding the Ole Miss program.

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Zack Nagy
ZACK NAGY

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Ole Miss Rebels On SI, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Rebel Football, Baseball, Basketball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving Ole Miss athletics. Nagy has covered the Southeastern Conference for over half a decade after being born and raised in New Orleans (La.).

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