The University of Mississippi is buzzing as the 2026 football season approaches, with analysts already projecting the Rebels as contenders for a return to the College Football Playoff. After a breakthrough year in 2025 that saw the team reach its first semifinal, the program now faces the challenge of sustaining momentum under first‑year head coach Pete Golding.
The Star Running Back’s Breakout
Running back Kewan Lacy burst onto the scene in 2025, amassing over 1,500 rushing yards and topping the SEC with 24 touchdowns. His explosive performances have turned him into the favorite for the Rebels’ most valuable player award and have placed him squarely in Heisman Trophy conversations for the upcoming campaign.
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who showed promise in his debut season, is expected to benefit from a more mature offensive scheme. The tandem of Chambliss and Lacy gives the Rebels a dynamic dual‑threat that could keep defenses guessing week after week.
A Coaching Shift
Pete Golding, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Alabama, took over the Rebels’ helm and inherits a roster brimming with talent. His first full season will be closely watched, not only for its impact on the team’s on‑field results but also for how quickly he can embed his philosophy into a program that tasted playoff glory just a year ago.
The Rebels are eager to stay in the national spotlight, aiming to prove that their 2025 success was no fluke. With both Lacy and Chambliss expected to be mentioned among the nation’s top players, the coaching staff believes the 2026 campaign could cement Oxford’s place among college football’s elite.