Preseason Outlook
Yahoo Sports’ preseason analysis placed the Ole Miss Rebels at No. 9 in its national preview, a spot that reflects both the program’s recent surge and the uncertainty surrounding the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin for LSU.
The Rebels finished the 2025 campaign with a 13‑2 record, falling just short of the championship after a 31‑27 loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, a game that underscored their ability to compete with elite teams.
Offensive production remains anchored by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who after stepping into the starting role following Austin Simmons’ injury guided the team to an 11‑1 regular‑season mark and earned a top‑10 finish in Heisman Trophy voting.
Chambliss combined 3,937 passing yards and 22 touchdowns with 527 rushing yards and eight scores, a dual‑threat performance that contributed to a Heisman favorability line of +900.
Running back Kewan Lacy emerged as the nation’s most heavily used rusher, logging 306 carries and 24 touchdowns, a workload that helped define the Rebels’ ground attack.
Defensive Reinforcements
The defensive side of the ball received a boost from transfer acquisitions such as Luke Ferrelli and Keaton Thomas, while secondary standouts Sharif Denson and Joenel Aguero added depth and experience.
These additions have the coaching staff confident that the unit can tighten up a defense that struggled earlier in the season, potentially turning close games into wins.
Eligibility for Chambliss remained in question throughout the offseason, but a Mississippi court recently ruled that he satisfies the criteria to compete in 2026, removing a major off‑field hurdle.
Despite the tough slate that includes matchups against Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and a Week 3 showdown with LSU, oddsmakers have set an over/under of 7.5 wins, a line that suggests the Rebels are expected to exceed expectations.
With a blend of veteran talent, a deep roster and a schedule that tests their mettle, the Rebels are positioned to contend for a playoff berth and perhaps finally capture the national championship that eluded them in the Fiesta Bowl.