Lane Kiffin’s future at Ole Miss remains the biggest storyline in college football, and the conversation took center stage on “College GameDay” Saturday. With rumors swirling about potential departures to Florida or LSU, ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided crucial updates on the timeline for a decision.
At the same time, host Pat McAfee offered a perspective that likely resonates with every Rebels fan in Oxford.
What Did Pat McAfee Say About Lane Kiffin’s Future?
Following Thamel’s report, McAfee didn’t hold back on the potential fallout if Kiffin decides to leave. During the segment, the host stated that the impact on the roster could be devastating for the Ole Miss team.
Lane Kiffin is the only one who knows what he’s gonna do right now..
He’s done a fantastic job at Ole Miss and if I was him I think I would stay #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/8CbHCauyIK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 22, 2025
“This team that he has has been built through the transfer portal. If he was to leave, every one of the good players, in their mind, are hopping in the transfer portal with him. All Ole Miss fans want to hear, is that he’s going to be back.” McAfee stated.
Beyond the roster concerns, McAfee argued that Kiffin has already created an ideal situation for himself.
“I would like to stick up for Ole Miss. That place is awesome, they got a lot of great players who could play another year, Lane’s done a fantastic job. If I’m Lane Kiffin, he’s got 6AM Yoga, he’s got his pickleball. He is very content.” McAfee shared why he believes Kiffin should stay in Mississippi.
Thamel clarified the current landscape involving Kiffin, Ole Miss, and the two SEC heavyweights vying for his services. While Florida remains involved, the competition appears to be narrowing.
Here’s the latest on the Lane Kiffin watch from @CollegeGameDay this morning. pic.twitter.com/DESFXwZjAl
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 22, 2025
“Well, one short week from today we will get an answer on Lane Kiffin. Here’s what we know right now. The people closest to Lane Kiffin say they genuinely have no idea what he’s going to do. The main competition for Ole Miss retaining Kiffin appears to be LSU.” Thamel stated.
The push from Baton Rouge is significant. Yahoo Sports reported Friday night that LSU officials are considering a deal worth at least $90 million to secure Kiffin. According to Thamel, this aggressive pursuit has made LSU the favorite to land him if he leaves, with Florida slipping in the race.
“Florida has cast a wide search; LSU is focused solely on Lane Kiffin. Florida certaintly still in the mix, but right now it appears LSU and Ole Miss is the decision Kiffin is facing. Finally, he will get paid no matter where he goes. He will be one of the highest paid coach’s in the nation once this decision is made.” Thamel stated.
The financial stakes are high across the board. ON3 Sports reported earlier in the week that Florida, LSU, and Ole Miss are all prepared to offer contracts in the $13 million-per-year range, a figure that would place Kiffin among the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Kiffin is currently in his sixth season at Ole Miss, holding a 54-19 overall record. His success on the field this year stands in stark contrast to the programs chasing him. According to the PFSN CFB Playoff Meter, the Rebels currently have a 99.73% chance of making the playoff, an achievement neither Florida nor LSU can claim this season.
