Kiffin sounds off on Texas A&M & hypothetical Round 2 Notre Dame matchup

# Kiffin Sounds Off on Texas A&M & Hypothetical Round 2 Notre Dame Matchup

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin never misses an opportunity to speak his mind — and with the postseason picture taking shape, the always-outspoken coach had plenty to say about Texas A&M and a potential second-round clash with Notre Dame.

During his Monday media availability, Kiffin balanced humor with honesty as he discussed the Rebels’ recent success, the College Football Playoff landscape, and what lies ahead if Ole Miss continues its late-season surge. With Ole Miss sitting at 9–1 and firmly in the mix for a playoff berth, Kiffin’s words carried both weight and entertainment value — two things he’s become known for throughout his career.

Taking Aim at Texas A&M

When asked about his team’s 31–24 win over Texas A&M earlier this season — a game that solidified Ole Miss’s national legitimacy — Kiffin didn’t hold back.

“Texas A&M’s one of those teams that looks like an NFL roster walking off the bus,” Kiffin said. “You see those linemen, those receivers — they’ve got five-star guys all over. But games aren’t won in the lobby of a hotel or the recruiting rankings. You’ve still got to line up and execute.”

Kiffin, who has long had a playful yet competitive relationship with the Aggies program, especially under former coach Jimbo Fisher, seemed to relish the opportunity to reflect on that rivalry.

“I’ve said it before — you can’t buy chemistry,” he continued. “They’ve got great players, but we’ve got great culture. That’s the difference in close games. When it’s the fourth quarter and it’s tight, our guys believe. They don’t blink.”

The win over A&M in early November was a turning point for the Rebels, who at the time were fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. It also fueled Kiffin’s confidence in his team’s identity — one built around explosive offense, quarterback leadership, and defensive resilience.

“We’ve got an older team that’s been through the wars,” he said. “We don’t get intimidated anymore by who’s across the field. Whether it’s A&M, Georgia, or Notre Dame — we’ll play anyone, anywhere.”

Notre Dame Speculation: “That Would Be Fun, Wouldn’t It?”

Naturally, Kiffin was asked about the possibility of a Round 2 matchup with Notre Dame — a hypothetical that fans and analysts have started to buzz about, given how the CFP rankings could align. If Ole Miss wins out and lands a top-four seed, the Rebels could find themselves matched up against the Fighting Irish, who have quietly climbed the rankings after a strong November stretch.

Kiffin didn’t shy away from the idea. In fact, his eyes lit up.

“Notre Dame? Man, that would be fun, wouldn’t it?” he said, smiling. “Historic program, iconic stadium, a fan base that travels — that’s college football at its best. You want those types of matchups.”

Pressed on how he would game-plan against Notre Dame’s physical style and veteran quarterback Sam Hartman, Kiffin struck a balance between respect and trademark swagger.

“They’re a tough, disciplined team. You don’t see them beat themselves,” Kiffin said. “But we’ve seen those kinds of defenses before. If they load the box, we’ve got guys outside who can make them pay. You’ve got to pick your poison with our offense.”

He then cracked a grin and added, “Plus, it’d be great for TV ratings. I’m sure ESPN wouldn’t mind a little Lane Train versus the Irish action in December.”

Focus Still on the Present

Despite his flair for hypotheticals, Kiffin emphasized that Ole Miss can’t afford to look too far ahead. With rivalry week looming — including a high-stakes Egg Bowl matchup against Mississippi State — Kiffin said his focus remains squarely on the next game.

“Look, all that playoff talk is great for fans and media,” Kiffin said. “But we’ve got to win this week first. You can’t get to Round 2 of anything if you don’t handle your business.”

Still, the buzz surrounding the Rebels is real. After years of building the program back into national relevance, Kiffin’s Ole Miss has finally found the blend of talent and toughness needed to compete at the sport’s highest level.

“This group’s special,” Kiffin said. “They’ve bought in. They’ve grown up. We’re not just trying to be flashy anymore — we’re trying to be complete. That’s what it takes to win championships.”

The Bigger Picture

As college football barrels toward its most chaotic playoff race in years, Kiffin’s confidence isn’t misplaced. Ole Miss has climbed into legitimate contention, and the Rebels’ offense — powered by quarterback Jaxson Dart and wideout Tre Harris — has proven capable of lighting up even elite defenses.

If the Rebels do punch their ticket to the postseason, a showdown with Notre Dame would indeed be must-watch TV: the flashy SEC powerhouse versus the storied independent, the brash innovator versus the traditionalist.

Kiffin, ever the showman, seems ready for that spotlight.

“College football’s about matchups and moments,” he said. “If we keep doing what we’re supposed to, we’ll get our moment. And trust me — we’ll be ready.”