Ole Miss’ storied football History includes national championships and players that have dominated the college and professional ranks. Discover the Rebels that have had their jersey numbers retired, won NFL MVP’s, Super Bowl MVP’s and have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
Ole Miss Rebels: A Storied Championship Legacy
The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, harbors a rich heritage within the realm of college football, particularly in their pursuit and attainment of national championships. The following narrative outlines the historic triumphs of the Ole Miss Rebels, with a focus on the years that have solidified their status as a powerhouse of the gridiron. This legacy is a testament to the skill, strategy, and spirit that define Rebel football.
The Dawn of Dominance: 1959 National Champions
The late 1950s witnessed the ascendancy of the Ole Miss Rebels under the aegis of legendary coach Johnny Vaught. It was in 1959 that Ole Miss first laid claim to the national championship, a feat recognized by Beryman, Billingsley, Dunkel, and Sagarin.
Season Highlights:
- A remarkable 10-1 season record
- A shutout victory at the Sugar Bowl, with a score of 21-0 against LSU
- A defense that conceded a mere 21 points throughout the entire season
- The only loss in a nail-biting encounter with LSU, spurred by Billy Cannon’s storied punt return
This era of excellence set the foundation for a legacy that Rebel fans still celebrate today, carved out on the field by an ironclad defense and strategic prowess.
Undefeated Campaign: 1960 National Champions
In 1960, the Rebels stood as an indomitable force in college football, boasting an untarnished 10-0-1 record that earned them national acclaim by the FWAA.
Season Highlights:
- Taking home the SEC Championship
- The stellar performance of quarterback Jake Gibbs, recognized with the Sugar Bowl MVP honor
- Coach Johnny Vaught receiving the SEC Coach of the Year award
- Running back Bobby Crespino’s selection in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft
With such accolades, the 1960 season further cemented the reputation of Ole Miss as a titan in the sport, showcasing the fusion of individual talent and collective synergy.
Perfect Record Pride: 1962 National Champions
Ole Miss reached the pinnacle of college football once more in 1962, earning national championship titles from Billingsley, Litkenhous, and Sagarin.
Season Highlights:
- An impeccable 10-0 season record
- A commanding scoring advantage over opponents, with a 247 to 53 point differential
- Tackle Jim Dunaway and quarterback Glynn Griffing being honored as first-team All-Americans
The Rebels’ indelible mark on college football was made clear in these moments, etching their name in history as one of the sport’s most formidable teams.
The Legacy Lives On
The championship titles of ’59, ’60, and ’62 represent more than mere victories; they signify an imperishable legacy of Ole Miss Football—a legacy of tenacity, of excellence, of Rebels past and present who’ve donned the red and blue to carry forth a tradition of greatness. These remarkable achievements continue to resonate through the halls of the university and the hearts of fans across the nation.
Ole Miss Players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
| Player | Year Inducted | Career Highlights |
| Frank “Bruiser Kinard | 1971 | Bruiser Kinard, an Ole Miss football legend, achieved two-time All American status before advancing to a decorated nine-year NFL career, primarily with the Brooklyn Dodgers/Tigers, where he consistently earned All-NFL honors from 1938 to 1944. After serving in the military, he joined the New York Yankees in the All-America Football Conference in 1946, making history as the first to receive All-League accolades in both major leagues. |
| Gene Hickerson | 2007 | Prior to joining the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, Hickerson was regarding as one of the best offensive lineman in the history of the SEC. Hickerson’s excellence continued with the Browns as he was a 5-time First Team All-Pro and a member of the NFL 1960s All Decade Team. |
| Patrick Willis | 2024 | Willis finished his collegiate career in 2006 as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a Consensus First-Team All-American. Following his first-round selection by San Francisco, Willis earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The linebacker was named First-team All-Pro five times and is a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Willis retired after the 2014 season. |
Ole Miss Football Facts and History
- Ole Miss claims three football national championships. All three came under the direction of legendary Head Coach Johnny Vaught. The national title seasons include 1959, 1960 and 1962.
- Did you know? Ole Miss became the first college football team to fly to a game. The historical moment took place when the team flew from Memphis to Philadelphia in 1937. The 1948 Ole Miss vs. Memphis game was also the first college game to be aired on TV.
- Eli Manning holds the distinction of being the first University of
Mississippi alum to be the first player selected in the NFL Draft (2004) and is also the first Reb to earn Super Bowl MVP honors (SB 42) for his performance against the New England Patriots.
| Retired Ole Miss Rebels Footall Jersey Numbers | |
| Number | Honored Player |
| 18 | Archie Manning – The elder Manning had a sensational career at Ole Miss while throwing for 4,753 yards and 56 TD’s during his three seasons (1968-70). Archie also rushed for 823 yards. Manning was All-SEC in 1969 and 1970 and he finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting after his junior year and third after his senior season. Manning was the second overall selection in the 1971 NFL Draft and played most of his pro career with the New Orleans Saints. |
| 38 | Chucky Mullins – This Rebel hero was paralyzed in an October 28, 1989 game against Vanderbilt. Despite the horrific injury, Mullins returned to school to pursue his degree the following year. However complications from his injury caused Mullins to die in 1991. Each season, the Ole Miss winner of the “Chucky Mullins Memorial Courage Award” wears a patch in his honor. |
