A pivotal offseason for the Rebels
The 2026 Ole Miss Rebels enter the season with a significant question mark at wide receiver, after losing three of their most productive pass catchers from a year ago.
De’Zhaun Stribling, Trey Wallace and Cayden Lee combined for 160 receptions, 2,380 yards and 13 touchdowns, driving the offense through the SEC schedule and contributing in the postseason.
Stribling was a key target during the Rebels' postseason run, known for his size and relentless effort, while Wallace led the team in receptions and yards and also contributed as a punt return threat, and Lee provided crisp route‑running and seam‑finding ability.
Who will fill the void?
With 18 wide receivers on the roster, only a few are expected to see meaningful playing time unless there are major setbacks, creating a tightly contested battle for snaps.
Leading candidates include Deuce Alexander, a senior whose world‑class speed earned him a preseason third‑team All‑SEC nod and who will wear the No. 1 jersey, a tradition for the team’s primary receiver.
Other contenders such as transfer Johntay Cook II, who hauled in 45 receptions for over 500 yards at Syracuse, and first‑year player Caleb Cunningham, who showed marked improvement in his second season, add depth to the competition.
Veterans Horatio Fields, who transferred from Auburn and previously posted 39 catches for nearly 500 yards at Wake Forest, and Izaiah Hartrup, a four‑year Southern Illinois standout with over 1,300 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, are also in the mix.
A tall target is missing
The biggest challenge for Ole Miss is finding a reliable, tall receiver to sustain drives in SEC play, as no prototypical 6’4” 225‑lb player is expected to emerge as a consistent starter.
Coaches will likely lean on a combination of speed, route precision and chemistry with the quarterback to compensate for the lack of a traditional size‑dominant target.