The 2025 college football season ended with a spectacular breakout for Kewan Lacy, whose 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns helped Ole Miss punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff semi‑final.
A New Era Under Pete Golding
Golding, who previously served as Lane Kiffin’s defensive coordinator, now leads the Rebels, bringing a fresh philosophy to a program that finished the year as a playoff semifinalist.
Despite the team’s deep run, Lacy made it clear he has no intention of reconciling with his former mentor, the coach who guided him to his record‑setting season.
The 2026 Schedule and a marquee showdown
Ole Miss will open the 2026 campaign against Louisville on September 6 before traveling to face LSU on September 19, a game that pits Lacy’s explosive rushing attack against a Tigers squad reshaped by Kiffin’s offensive vision.
The matchup is being billed as a potential turning point in the Rebels’ pursuit of a national championship, with analysts expecting a fierce battle between the two SEC powerhouses.
As the program looks ahead, the combination of Lacy’s record‑setting performance and Golding’s leadership sets the stage for a compelling narrative that could define the next chapter of Ole Miss football.