Ole Miss is gearing up for its first SEC Media Days appearance under head coach Pete Golding, a milestone that has the program buzzing as the 2026 season approaches.
The Countdown to Media Days
The event, being held through July 23 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and the adjoining JW Marriott, will feature Ole Miss on July 22 alongside a slate of SEC powerhouses.
Golding will share the stage with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and defensive tackle Will Echoles, each expected to discuss their roles in a team that posted 3,937 passing yards and 30 touchdowns from Chambliss a year ago, a performance that placed the signal‑caller eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Key Matchups and Calendar
The Ole Miss schedule opens with a home game against Louisville in Week 1, followed by a contest with Charlotte in Week 2 before a highly anticipated showdown with LSU in Oxford during Week 3, a matchup that will also see former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin’s squad return to Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium on September 19, a date that has fans marking their calendars.
Offensive coordinator John David Baker, who replaced Charlie Weis Jr., is expected to shape an attack that could build on last season’s production, while the defense aims to complement a balanced roster that includes standout players such as Will Echoles.
Off the Field
The program is also under an NCAA tampering investigation sparked by comments from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, adding a layer of scrutiny as the team navigates recruiting and compliance matters.
To preserve Lacy’s stamina for a potential College Football Playoff run, new running backs coach Frank Wilson has been tasked with managing the depth chart, while transfers Makhi Frazier, JT Lindsey and Joshua Dye have been added to bolster the backfield.
Looking Forward
With a blend of experienced playmakers and fresh talent, Ole Miss hopes to translate early‑season momentum into a sustained push for the playoff, a goal that will hinge on staying healthy and executing the new offensive scheme under Baker’s direction.