One of college football’s first-round matchups will be a rematch from the regular-season when Ole Miss hosts Tulane at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Listed as a 17.5-point home favorite, will the Rebels roll in this first-round clash? Or will the Green Wave hang in this Tulane vs. Ole Miss playoff matchup?
Tulane vs. Ole Miss Game Information
- 📅 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- ⏰ Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT
- 📍 Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium — Oxford, MS
- 📺 TV: TNT / truTV / HBO Max
The 2025 College Football Playoff First Round heats up with a rematch of an early-season tilt as No. 11 Tulane (11–2) travels to take on No. 6 Ole Miss (11–1). Both teams punched their tickets to the expanded 12-team CFP field, but only one will advance to face a higher seed in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal. This game carries extra intrigue as Ole Miss enters a new coaching era under Pete Golding following Lane Kiffin’s departure — yet they still boast one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.
Tulane vs. Ole Miss Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane | +17.5 | 58 | +650 |
| Ole Miss | -17.5 | 58 | -1000 |
Who Is The Public Betting
| Team | % of Bets | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane | 38% | +16.5 | +17.5 |
| Ole Miss | 62% | -16.5 | -17.5 |
Numbers update frequently — check the latest splits on our college football public betting chart before placing any bets.
🏈 Team Overviews
🟩 Tulane Green Wave (11–2, AAC)
Tulane wrapped up a historic season by winning the American Athletic Conference and returning to CFP contention. Led by dual-threat QB Jake Retzlaff, the Green Wave offense averages about 29.1 points per game with balanced production through the air and on the ground.
Offensive Leaders
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QB Jake Retzlaff: Threw for 2,862 yards and 14 TDs, while adding 610 rushing yards and 16 rushing TDs — one of the nation’s most productive running QBs.
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WR Shazz Preston: Tulane’s top playmaker in the passing game with 598 receiving yards and four TDs.
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RB Javin Gordon & Jamauri McClure: Provide balance in the ground attack.
Defensive Profile
The Green Wave defense allows roughly 22.6 points per game, ranking among the better units in FBS. They defend the run fairly well (120.4 rushing yards allowed per game) but have been more vulnerable through the air (255.2 passing yards allowed per game).
Tulane struggled in the earlier meeting with Ole Miss’ multifaceted offense, completing only five of 17 passes and failing to generate explosive plays. Improving that trend is critical here.
🔵 Ole Miss Rebels (11–1, SEC)
Ole Miss enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in program history, finishing 11–1 with a high-octane offense that ranks among the nation’s best. QB Trinidad Chambliss has emerged as a breakout star, completing over 65 % of his passes for more than 3,000 yards with 18 TDs and adding significant rushing production.
Offensive Strengths
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QB Trinidad Chambliss: A do-it-all weapon — threw for 3,016 yards and 18 TDs and played with remarkable consistency down the stretch.
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RB Kewan Lacy: One of the nation’s top rushers this season with 1,279 yards and 20 rushing TDs.
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Wide Receiving Corps: A deep corps including Harrison Wallace III and De’Zhaun Stribling gives Chambliss multiple reliable targets.
Defense & Coaching Change
Defensively Ole Miss allows around 20.1 points per game and ranks solidly nationally against both run and pass. The unit’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and defend the intermediate game will be key. Pete Golding takes over head-coaching duties in his first CFP game for the Rebels after coordinated continuity was prioritized following Kiffin’s departure.
🔑 Keys to the Game
🧠 1. Chambliss vs. Tulane Secondary
In the previous head-to-head, Chambliss carved up the Green Wave defense for over 300 passing yards and 112 rushing yards. Replicating that efficiency while limiting turnovers is critical for Ole Miss.
🏃 2. Tulane’s Offensive Balance
Tulane thrives when Retzlaff extends plays and mixes run with pass, but they must find success early to avoid playing from behind against a fast-scoring Ole Miss offense.
🛡 3. Containing the Run & Time of Possession
Containing Kewan Lacy and forcing Ole Miss into predictable passing downs gives Tulane’s pass rush more opportunities — an upset blueprint if executed well.
Tulane vs. Ole Miss Picks
The Rebels’ air attack and veteran playmakers on both sides of the ball — even amid coaching changes — position Ole Miss as a substantial favorite to advance. Despite Tulane’s efficiency and dual-threat offense, the Rebels’ strength on offense and solid defense should be the difference in Oxford.
🏆 Prediction: Ole Miss 41, Tulane 20 (take Rebels -17.5)
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