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5 Ole Miss Players to Watch Out For As Washington State Travels To SEC Country

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 20:03 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Washington State Heads to SEC Country: 5 Ole Miss Players You Should Watch

When the Washington State Cougars board the road to the SEC for their upcoming matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels, the focus naturally shifts to the five key Rebels who are expected to dictate the tone of the game. A recent Sports Illustrated preview titled “5 Ole Miss Players to Watch Out for as Washington State Travels to SEC Country” distills the most dangerous weapons in the Rebels’ playbook, complete with a quick rundown of their season‑long production, recent performances, and what they mean for the Cougars’ defensive game plan. Below is a synthesis of the article’s key points, with a particular emphasis on how Washington State can prepare for each threat.

1. Ja’Von Davis – Quarterback (QB)

Season Overview
Davis has emerged as the centerpiece of Ole Miss’s offense, throwing for 4,700 yards and 40 touchdowns with only eight interceptions this season. His 78‑percent completion rate and average of 7.3 yards per attempt make him a dual‑threat threat that can exploit any defensive misalignment. The SI article highlights that Davis has been especially efficient against intermediate routes, with 45 completions for 650 yards and four touchdowns in the past two games.

Why Washington State Cares
The Cougars’ defense, traditionally strong against the run, must now contend with a QB who can extend plays in space. Davis’s ability to deliver accurate throws on the run and his tendency to read the defense makes him a dangerous variable. Washington State will need to keep him contained at the line of scrimmage while also preventing his back‑up, a player who has shown a knack for making plays when called upon.

Link for More Info
The article includes a link to Davis’s player profile on the Ole Miss athletics website, offering deeper statistics, film breakdowns, and interviews that outline his decision‑making process.

2. Dylan Thomas – Wide Receiver (WR)

Season Overview
Thomas is the Rebels’ leading receiver, amassing 1,100 yards on 65 catches with eight touchdowns. He’s been a reliable target for Davis, especially on third‑and‑long situations. His best performance came in a recent game where he hauled in five receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown.

Why Washington State Cares
Thomas’s combination of speed, route‑running precision, and ability to create separation makes him a matchup nightmare for any secondary. Washington State’s defensive backs will have to decide whether to give Thomas the freedom to exploit the field or to stack the coverage against him, potentially freeing other threats. The article notes Thomas’s proclivity for “deep ball” plays, which could change the dynamic of the game if the Cougars’ defensive line is over‑committed to stopping the run.

Link for More Info
The profile includes a highlight reel of Thomas’s most impactful plays, offering a visual aid for Cougars’ defensive coordinators.

3. Elias Kofi – Running Back (RB)

Season Overview
Kofi has posted 1,400 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, making him the primary power back for the Rebels. In addition to his ground game, he’s contributed 300 receiving yards and two touchdowns, making him a dual‑purpose asset. His 5.2 yards per carry average is the highest among the SEC’s top 10 rushers.

Why Washington State Cares
The Cougars’ defensive line has historically excelled at stuffing run‑heavy offenses. However, Kofi’s ability to block, run through the line of scrimmage, and deliver precise yardage in short‑stop situations could be the key to breaking a stalemate. The article points out that Washington State’s linebackers will need to maintain gap integrity to prevent Kofi from picking up third‑down conversions that can extend drives.

Link for More Info
Kofi’s stats page offers a play‑by‑play breakdown, allowing analysts to spot trends such as his most effective running lanes.

4. Tyler Brooks – Defensive End (DE)

Season Overview
Brooks leads the Rebels’ defensive front with 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. His pass‑rush velocity and quick first step are highlighted as game‑changing traits. In the past month, he recorded a four‑sack performance against a top‑five ranked opponent.

Why Washington State Cares
The Cougars have long relied on disciplined pass‑rushing schemes to disrupt quarterbacks. Brooks’s knack for staying in front of offensive tackles and applying pressure on the ball carrier threatens to collapse Washington State’s offensive line, especially in mid‑field snaps where the Cougars often rely on a balanced attack. His presence forces Washington State’s quarterback to hurry plays, increasing the probability of errant throws or sacks.

Link for More Info
Brooks’s athletic profile includes a video analysis of his technique, which can be a reference point for Washington State’s pass‑rushing coaching staff.

5. Jalen Smith – Cornerback (CB)

Season Overview
Smith is the Rebels’ top defender in the secondary, recording four interceptions and 13 pass break‑ups this season. His speed and ball‑tracking ability make him a matchup nightmare for any wide receiver. He was instrumental in a recent win where he forced a fumble on a crucial play.

Why Washington State Cares
Washington State’s passing game will be under pressure, especially with the Cougars’ reliance on deep throws downfield. Smith’s ability to read routes and anticipate quick releases means the Cougars need to consider tighter coverage or double‑coverage schemes for their key receivers. Failure to contain Smith could create opportunities for the Rebels to score on the first play of a possession.

Link for More Info
A defensive breakdown video of Smith’s most critical interceptions is embedded in the article, providing an illustrative guide for Washington State’s defensive coaches.

Game Context: What Makes This Matchup Intrigue

Beyond the individual threats, the game’s broader narrative also shapes how Washington State will approach the matchup:

1. Coaching Philosophies
   Ole Miss runs an up‑tempo spread offense that seeks to out‑pace its opponents, whereas Washington State traditionally favors a power‑running, clock‑management approach. The clash of styles will test both teams’ adaptability.

2. Recent Performance Trends
   The Rebels have dominated their last five games, winning each by an average margin of 12 points. Their offense has averaged 42 points per game, whereas Washington State has averaged 28 points. In contrast, the Cougars’ defense has allowed an average of 28 points, which is close to their offensive output—an unusual parity that could influence the tactical choices on both sides.

3. Strategic Stakes
   A victory for Washington State would keep their playoff hopes alive, while for Ole Miss it’s a chance to cement their position as a national contender. The stakes elevate the importance of the five players highlighted above.

4. Player Development
   Several of the highlighted players are seniors or entering their final collegiate year, which adds a narrative element of “last hurrah” and potential for heightened performance.

How Washington State Can Counter These Threats

• Contain the Passer – Increase pass‑rush pressure on Davis by utilizing stunts and double‑teams that disrupt his timing. The Cougars’ defensive line will need to assign secondary “pressure” to keep him from making plays in the pocket.

• Matchup Discipline – Assign the most athletic cornerback to cover Thomas, ensuring that the secondary is not left too thin. In addition, double coverage might be necessary on Kofi during short‑yardage situations.

• Gap Integrity – Linebackers must stay disciplined in their assigned gaps to prevent Kofi from picking up yards on the edge. The Cougars can employ a “front 3” stance with the defensive line to clog up the interior.

• Defensive Ball Skills – Emphasize ball‑hunting techniques among the secondary to reduce the risk of Smith’s interceptions. Washington State should also focus on stripping the ball and recovering fumbles to stay in the game.

• Adjust to Tempo – Practice quick snap counts and simplified defensive calls to counter Ole Miss’s high‑tempo offense. Keeping the clock moving and limiting time for Davis to set up plays can force mistakes.

Bottom Line

The SI preview paints a clear picture: Ole Miss’s next five games will hinge on the performances of Ja’Von Davis, Dylan Thomas, Elias Kofi, Tyler Brooks, and Jalen Smith. Washington State’s coaching staff will need to develop a game plan that mitigates the impact of these five, while simultaneously exploiting any weaknesses the Rebels might exhibit when forced to deviate from their usual play style.

With the Cougars traveling to the SEC for what promises to be a thrilling showdown, every yard—and every play—will be scrutinized. Whether Washington State can rise to the occasion, or whether Ole Miss’s top five will dictate the narrative, remains to be seen. The preview’s insights, coupled with the rich statistical backdrop, give fans and analysts alike a detailed framework for understanding the dynamics of this upcoming contest.