Here's how much Ole Miss football paid to set up its 2024 nonconference schedule
OXFORD ― Ole Miss football spent $3.7 million to put together its 2024 nonconference schedule, documents obtained by USA TODAY show.
The Rebels will issue financial compensation to Furman, Middle Tennessee State and Georgia Southern to participate in their three nonconference home dates. They'll also make a trip to Wake Forest, which is obligated to return the favor in 2025. That game fulfills the SEC's mandate to play at least one game against a power conference program.
Ole Miss' net outlay is $1.6 million more than last season. That's because the Rebels are paying for one more game than they did a year ago. In 2023, they played at Tulane, saving themselves a buy-game check in doing so.
The schedule incorporates agreements signed by two different athletic directors. Current AD Keith Carter arranged the games against Georgia Southern and MTSU, while former AD Ross Rjork was in charge when Ole Miss set up the Wake Forest series and Furman game.
Here's a look at the cost associated with each game.
Furman
The Rebels begin their season with a home game against FCS opposition in Furman, which posted a 10-3 record and made an appearance in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs in 2023.
The Rebels will pay the Paladins $500,000 to make the trip to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Aug. 31 ‒ the same amount they paid FCS Mercer last year.
Middle Tennessee State
Ole Miss' contract with MTSU is convoluted because it also includes an agreement to play a 2020 game against UConn that didn't end up happening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With respect to 2024, though, it's clear; the Rebels will dish out $1.6 million to the Blue Raiders, who visit Oxford on Sept. 7.
MTSU made a coaching change following a 4-8 campaign last season, bringing in former Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason to lead the program.
Wake Forest
The only nonconference game that doesn't require the Rebels to open their wallet comes on Sept. 14, when they travel to Wake Forest.
The Demon Deacons posted a 4-8 record in 2023.
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Georgia Southern
The Rebels' final nonconference game comes on Sept. 21 against Georgia Southern, which will receive $1.6 million from Ole Miss.
Led by former USC coach Clay Helton, Georgia Southern played to a 6-7 record last season.
David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davideckert98.
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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Here's how much Ole Miss football is paying for its 2024 buy games
