Ole Miss has vaulted to No.10 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, marking the Rebels’ highest placement in the first season under head coach Pete Golding.
A New Era Under Pete Golding
The ranking comes after the team reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in the 2025‑26 campaign, a run that saw Golding inherit a program reshaped by Lane Kiffin’s exit to LSU and guide the Rebels to two bowl victories before a loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.
Returning star power includes Trinidad Chambliss, Kewan Lacy and Will Echoles, all of whom opted to stay for the 2026 season, providing continuity on both sides of the ball.
The Rebels also bolstered their roster with a top‑three transfer class, featuring names such as Blake Purchase, Joenel Aguero, Sharif Denson, Johntay Cook II, Luke Ferrelli, Keaton Thomas and Darrell Gill Jr.
Schedule and Stakes
Next up, Ole Miss will open its schedule against Louisville on September 6 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, while Mississippi State and Southern Miss are set to debut on September 5 against Louisiana Monroe and Alcorn State, respectively.
Off the field, the university is currently pursuing nearly $1 million in buyouts from two former football players, a financial maneuver that could influence future roster decisions.
With a blend of seasoned returnees and fresh talent, the Rebels hope to translate their early‑season momentum into a sustained push for a national championship.