The Ole Miss Rebels are gearing up for the 2026 college football season after a breakthrough year that saw them capture two College Football Playoff victories, including a win over the Georgia Bulldogs, and finish with high expectations heading into the next campaign.
Head coach Pete Golding, who took over from Lane Kiffin after the 2025 departure, is a defensive‑minded strategist determined to turn the Rebels’ secondary into a strength. He inherits a roster that brings back running back Kewan Lacy and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, while also welcoming back cornerback Antonio Kite, who posted a strong 2025 performance.
The competition for the starting cornerback spot is intense, with Jay Crawford, a transfer from the Auburn Tigers, emerging as a top candidate. Crawford brings elite speed and ball‑hawking instincts that earned him SEC All‑Freshman Team honors during his true freshman season at Auburn.
Golding believes Crawford’s skill set is exactly what the defense needs, as he aims to transform the Rebels’ secondary into a unit that can scheme effectively against potent offenses and create turnover opportunities.
A Defensive Overhaul
The Rebels’ defensive backfield, which struggled in 2025, is expected to improve dramatically in 2026. With a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the unit hopes to limit big plays and bolster the team’s overall defensive performance.
The schedule includes rematches with traditional rivals, and the coaching staff believes that the experience gained from the 2025 playoff run will translate into greater confidence on both sides of the ball as the Rebels look to build on their recent success.