What Is 1985 Ole Miss Rebels football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1985 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi during the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Billy Brewer. They competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), posting a 3–4 conference record.

Key Facts

The 1985 Ole Miss Rebels finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
They played in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and went 3–4 in conference games
Head coach Billy Brewer was in his second season leading the team
Ole Miss played their home games at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi
Quarterback Randy Wallace started most games and threw for 1,214 yards and 6 touchdowns

Overview

The 1985 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi in the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by second-year head coach Billy Brewer, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and finished with a losing record, marking a transitional phase for the program.

The Rebels struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense, ultimately ending the season at 5–6 overall and 3–4 in conference play. Despite the sub-.500 record, the season laid groundwork for future improvements under Brewer’s leadership.

Season Record: The team finished with a 5–6 overall record, their first losing season since 1976, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding.
SEC Performance: Ole Miss went 3–4 in Southeastern Conference play, placing them in the lower half of the league standings.
Home Venue: All home games were played at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, which had a capacity of approximately 51,750 at the time.
Head Coach: Billy Brewer entered his second season as head coach, bringing a renewed focus on discipline and fundamentals after inheriting a struggling program.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Randy Wallace started most games, passing for 1,214 yards and throwing 6 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

Key Players and Roles

The 1985 season featured several players who played pivotal roles in shaping the Rebels' on-field performance. While not nationally dominant, these athletes contributed significantly to the team’s competitive efforts in a tough SEC landscape.

Randy Wallace: As starting quarterback, Wallace completed 106 of 207 passes for 1,214 yards, leading the team in passing and total offense.
Ray Buchanan: A freshman linebacker who later became an NFL player, Buchanan began his collegiate career this season with limited stats but high potential.
John Bond: The team’s leading rusher, Bond gained 587 yards on 147 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per carry and scoring 3 touchdowns.
Johnny Covington: Starting wide receiver who caught 34 passes for 432 yards and 2 touchdowns, serving as Wallace’s primary target.
Defensive Effort: The defense allowed an average of 23.5 points per game, struggling particularly against conference opponents like Auburn and Tennessee.
Special Teams: Kicker David Hollowell converted 6 of 10 field goal attempts, with a long of 44 yards, providing moderate reliability.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1985 Ole Miss Rebels' performance against key SEC rivals and the previous season:

Team	Overall Record	SEC Record	Points For	Points Against
Ole Miss (1985)	5–6	3–4	198	259
Auburn	9–4	4–2	287	188
Tennessee	8–4	4–2	268	186
LSU	8–3–1	4–1–1	277	174
Ole Miss (1984)	4–7	2–4	176	247

The 1985 Ole Miss team showed modest improvement over their 1984 performance, scoring more points and winning one additional game. However, they still lagged behind powerhouse SEC programs like Auburn and Tennessee in both record and scoring margin. The data reflects a program in rebuilding mode, aiming to regain competitiveness in the mid-1980s.

Why It Matters

The 1985 season was a critical chapter in Ole Miss football’s evolution, setting the stage for more successful years under Billy Brewer. Though not a standout season, it provided valuable experience for young players and coaching staff alike.

Foundation Building: The season helped establish a foundation for future success, culminating in a 1988 Liberty Bowl appearance.
Recruiting Impact: Brewer’s emphasis on discipline began attracting more committed recruits, particularly in-state talent.
Player Development: Future NFL players like Ray Buchanan got their first collegiate experience this season, gaining crucial development time.
Conference Context: Competing in a strong SEC environment prepared the team for higher-pressure games in subsequent years.
Fan Engagement: Despite the losing record, attendance remained steady, showing continued fan support during rebuilding phases.
Historical Record: The 1985 season is documented in Ole Miss athletics history as part of the program’s transition into the modern era.

While not remembered as a triumphant year, the 1985 Ole Miss Rebels season remains significant for its role in shaping the trajectory of the football program through development, coaching continuity, and competitive experience.