Lane Kiffin: Wake Forest Broke ‘Unwritten Rule’ with 2025 Game Buyout

This week, a controversy erupted in college football following Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin’s comments regarding Wake Forest’s recent decision to withdraw from a scheduled matchup. Kiffin accused Wake Forest of breaching an “unwritten rule” by opting to pay their way out of a game slated for next season.

The Rebels, who are currently ranked fifth, had previously dominated the Demon Deacons with a decisive 40-6 victory this past Saturday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. However, the anticipated rematch, planned for next year in Oxford, Mississippi, has been scrapped.

A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed that Wake Forest canceled next year’s visit to Ole Miss to pursue other scheduling possibilities. This information was shared under the condition of anonymity, as the university has chosen not to publicly comment on its decision.

Kiffin first revealed the news during his postgame press conference and expressed dissatisfaction with the decision two days later. “That’s rarely ever done,” he stated. “I’ve never really heard of doing it, and it really puts us at a big disadvantage. It is what it is. It obviously wasn’t appreciated very much, them putting us in that situation.”

As a result of Wake Forest’s actions, Ole Miss is now tasked with finding another opponent from one of the Power Four conferences or major independents for next season. Alternatively, they may request a waiver from the Southeastern Conference, which would allow them to face four nonconference teams without having to fill the schedule with someone from one of the four most distinguished leagues.

Kiffin expressed concerns over the implications of this unexpected turn of events. He remarked, “That’s not what we want to do, but they may have put us in an unavoidable situation not to.” His frustration was further tied to the timing of the notification.

“I really find it amazing that you wait until the week of the game to tell the team,” he commented. The canceled game had previously been scheduled for September 13, 2025.

Wake Forest’s eagerness to adjust its schedule in this manner is indeed unusual. Such moves are not commonplace in college football, where teams typically honor commitments made years in advance. The ramifications of this decision extend beyond just one game; it could impact the recruiting and scheduling strategies of both programs.

While some schools opt to pay a fee to avoid certain matchups — perhaps due to perceived lopsidedness or the difficulty of the opponent — doing so without prior notice and during the week of a game adds an additional layer of complexity and frustration.

As the Rebels navigate this disruption, they will not only be searching for a replacement opponent but will also need to consider the financial implications of scheduling last-minute games. Most teams operate on tightly packed schedules, making it a challenge to find a willing opponent on short notice.

Kiffin’s criticism reflects a deeper concern within college sports about the integrity of scheduling and the impact on programs that rely on predictability. The unexpected changes can throw entire seasons into disarray, especially for teams aiming for competitive standings in their respective conferences.

As Ole Miss continues to seek a resolution, the situation highlights the intricacies of college football scheduling, where business decisions often clash with sporting traditions and unwritten rules.

In conclusion, the recent decision by Wake Forest to cancel its matchup with Ole Miss has stirred significant discussion within the college football community. It remains to be seen how this will affect both teams moving forward, but for now, Ole Miss confronts the challenge of reshaping its upcoming schedule under the pressures of a rapidly changing sports landscape.

Source: Associated Press