The Ole Miss Rebels have kicked off preseason drills as Pete Golding steps into the role of head coach, taking over from Lane Kiffin, who left for LSU earlier this year. Golding, who previously guided the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals, inherits a squad that finished the last season ranked No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
A New Era for the Rebels
The team's first test will be a September 6 showdown at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium against Louisville, a game that will set the tone for a schedule that many expect to be competitive.
Among the players drawing the most attention are senior standouts Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy, who are slated to lead a joint Heisman Trophy campaign under Golding’s staff. Lacy, who logged 306 carries last year, will see his workload shared more evenly, with Golding indicating that Michigan State transfer Makhi Frazier and other backs such as JT Lindsey and Shekai Mills‑Knight will rotate to keep the running game fresh.
On the offensive side, John David Baker, formerly an assistant under Kiffin, has been installed as offensive coordinator. Known for his up‑tempo approach, Baker will look to exploit the speed of playmakers like Deuce Alexander, the only returning top pass catcher, while newcomers Johnny Cook and Caleb Odom battle for deeper roles.
The right‑tackle spot remains unsettled. Junior transfer Tommy Kinsler from Miami and LSU graduate transfer Carius Curne are the leading candidates, though Curne’s recent legal troubles in Arkansas add a layer of uncertainty.
Off the field, the Rebels are entangled in an NCAA eligibility lawsuit involving Chambliss and face potential tampering accusations sparked by comments from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. Adding another storyline, Lane Kiffin is set to return to LSU in Week 3, a matchup that could further intensify the season’s narrative.
Golding has said he is focused on football and is still determining how to navigate the myriad distractions that come with a high‑profile program. The coaching staff’s ability to keep the team concentrated will be a key measure of their early success.