Ole Miss Secures $13 Million Deal as Netflix Prepares Groundbreaking Documentary Chronicling the Storied History of Rebels Football
Oxford, MS — In a landmark partnership that underscores the growing intersection of college athletics and entertainment media, the University of Mississippi — affectionately known as Ole Miss — is set to receive a staggering $13 million as part of a newly signed deal with Netflix. The streaming giant has announced plans to release a feature-length documentary capturing the rich, complex, and electrifying history of Ole Miss Rebels football, from its early roots in the Deep South to its modern battles in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The documentary, tentatively titled “Hotty Toddy: The Soul of Ole Miss Football,” will dive deep into the university’s football legacy, showcasing the passion of its fanbase, iconic moments on the gridiron, the evolution of the program, and the cultural backdrop that shaped it all. The project is expected to premiere in late 2025, with filming already underway.
A Financial Win for Ole Miss
The $13 million influx — one of the largest single payouts to a university for a media project of this kind — will not only help fund athletic infrastructure but also support academic and historical preservation initiatives related to the university’s athletic history.
“This partnership with Netflix is a win for the entire Ole Miss community,” said Athletic Director Keith Carter. “It gives us a chance to tell our story — the triumphs, the challenges, and the soul of what it means to be a Rebel. We’re honored and excited to give the world an inside look at our journey.”
A Story Worth Telling
The documentary will cover everything from the program’s early years and integration during the civil rights era, to standout players like Archie Manning, Patrick Willis, Eli Manning, and more recent stars who helped put the Rebels back in the national spotlight.
Behind-the-scenes access will offer viewers an unprecedented look into the team’s inner workings, fan culture, game-day rituals, and the historical events that shaped Ole Miss football’s identity. Interviews are expected to feature current and former players, coaches, historians, and prominent alumni.
Cultural Significance
Netflix’s decision to focus on Ole Miss stems not only from the program’s on-field accomplishments but also from its deep cultural roots in the American South. The Rebels’ story is one of transformation, resilience, and passionate loyalty. By examining football as a mirror of regional and social change, the documentary will blend sport with powerful storytelling.
“This is about more than touchdowns and trophies,” said series producer Marissa Davis. “This is about a university, a fanbase, and a tradition that has weathered storms, broken barriers, and kept the spirit of college football alive for over a century.”
Coming Soon to Netflix
“Hotty Toddy: The Soul of Ole Miss Football” will be part of Netflix’s growing catalog of high-impact sports documentaries, following in the footsteps of recent successes like Quarterback, Untold, and Last Chance U. The Ole Miss project is expected to combine historical footage, cinematic reenactments, and modern-day storytelling to deliver a uniquely powerful experience.
