Rebels Gear Up for a Pivotal Season
Pete Golding steps into his first full season as Ole Miss head coach after guiding the Rebels to two College Football Playoff victories in 2025, setting the stage for a highly anticipated debut campaign.
The team opens the 2026 schedule on September 6 when it travels to Nissan Stadium in Nashville to face the Louisville Cardinals, a matchup that will test the new-look roster early in the year.
At quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss returns as the starter and enters the season as the preseason No. 3 favorite for the Heisman Trophy, riding the momentum of a successful lawsuit settlement that cleared his eligibility.
Behind him, running back Kewan Lacy holds the starting role, while a deep backfield featuring transfers Makhi Frazier and JT Lindsey promises additional options for the offense.
The wide receiver corps will be anchored by starters Deuce Alexander, Johntay Cook and Horatio Fields, with Caleb Cunningham and Darrell Gill providing experienced backup depth.
Luke Hasz is slated to start at tight end, and his versatility will be complemented by contributions from Caleb Odom and Michael Smith, both expected to play key roles in the passing game.
The offensive line returns three starters but must replace both tackles; practice standouts Terez Davis and Delano Townsend are being watched closely as the unit seeks continuity.
Defensively, the line will feature starters Kam Franklin and Will Echoles, with Suntarine Perkins also capable of sliding into a linebacker spot, adding flexibility to the front.
At linebacker, Keaton Thomas, Luke Ferrelli and Tah’j Butler will lead the unit, while transfers from Baylor, California and Georgia Tech are expected to make immediate impacts.
In the secondary, Jaylon Braxton and Jalyn Crawford will start at cornerback, supported by Edwin Joseph and Shariff Denson, who will look to tighten coverage and force turnovers.
Special teams will rely on kicker Lucas Carniero, who set an FBS record for field goals last season, and punter Oscar Bird, who returns after a strong 2025 campaign that consistently placed the ball inside the 20‑yard line.
With a blend of returning veterans, high‑profile transfers and Heisman‑contending talent, the Rebels aim to translate early momentum into a competitive push within the SEC.