Ole Miss had playoff hopes last year but missed the field at 9-3 (5-3 SEC) after inopportune losses to Kentucky and Florida and played in the Gator Bowl. For comparison’s sake, Ole Miss had a better strength of record (No. 13 vs. No. 25) but Clemson had a better strength of schedule (No. 28 vs. No. 39) in 2024, per ESPN.

Clemson was the final team to make the CFP last year after winning the ACC to earn an auto bid. Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin hopes this process changes soon.

Former Clemson football 2025 signee Marquise Henderson was dismissed from the program on June 19. Dabo Swinney commented on his exit July 15.

Henderson had allegedly been involved in a verbal altercation with teammates three days before his dismissal on June 19.

SEC Media Days kicked off Monday, giving LSU head coach Brian Kelly the perfect stage to talk up the Tigers’ massive season opener against Clemson. Kelly didn’t hold back when describing what’s on the line, calling it a huge test right out of the gate.