Two weeks into the 2025 season, Lane Kiffin faces a puzzle he’s never encountered: how to crack a defense that’s made opposing offenses look ordinary. The Arkansas Razorbacks have surrendered just 21 points through two games, and now they’re heading to Oxford with revenge on their minds after last year’s 63-31 humiliation.
Can Arkansas’ Defense Slow Down Ole Miss’s High-Powered Offense?
The Arkansas Razorbacks travel to Oxford, Miss., to take on Ole Miss on Saturday. Both teams enter the game 2-0, and the Razorbacks will look to avenge last year’s 63-31 blowout loss that saw Jaxson Dart throw for 515 yards and six touchdowns.
The Rebels no longer have Dart, but they still have head coach Lane Kiffin and his fast-paced spread offense. Ole Miss has jumped out of the gate in 2025, averaging 575 yards per game with first-year starting quarterback Austin Simmons at the helm. They are averaging 317.5 passing yards per game and 257.5 on the ground.
That’s the challenge, and even Kiffin knows that for all of his offensive firepower, he’s going up against a Razorbacks defense that’s given up just 21 total points in its first two games. The Rebel Walk quoted Kiffin as recognizing the threat they bring.
“They play really hard, really fast and give people problems,” Kiffin said of the Arkansas defense. “They’re playing as well as anybody. We’re going to have to be ready for their improved speed on defense.”
Lane Kiffin on Arkansas defense: “They play really hard, really fast and give people problems. They’re playing as well as anybody. We’re going to have to be ready for their improved speed on defense.”
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 10, 2025
Will Luke Hasz’s Return Add Another Wrinkle to Ole Miss’s Attack?
However, Ole Miss might be getting a key player back in time for their game against Arkansas. Tight end Luke Hasz, a transfer from Arkansas, missed a significant portion of training camp with an ankle injury. He underwent surgery in July, and it was feared he would miss a large chunk of the regular season.
However, he’s rapidly improved and could play against the Razorbacks.
Ole Miss has revealed the initial availability report for the program’s Week 3 SEC matchup against Arkansas.
Austin Simmons is listed as probable while tight end Luke Hasz is off the report.
Which Rebels are on the initial injury report?
More: https://t.co/Z751HjfInZ pic.twitter.com/fq8fMmrRZl
— Ole Miss Rebels On SI (@OleMissOnSI) September 11, 2025
The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Hasz racked up 26 receptions for 324 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games with the Razorbacks in 2024. He entered the transfer portal following the season and was rated the No. 2 tight end.
When asked why he went to Ole Miss, Sports Illustrated quoted Hasz saying, “Just the system coach [offensive coordinator Charlie] Weis and coach Kiffin have, I think it’s a great opportunity for us as tight ends to be used well. Run blocking and pass game.”
However, Hasz isn’t the only former Razorback in an Ole Miss uniform. Ole Miss cornerback Jaylon Braxton is another transfer portal acquisition from Arkansas and has been dealing with an undisclosed injury, but is hopeful to play.
Arkansas and Ole Miss will play on Saturday, September 13, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and streamed on Fubo.
