Sports

Ole Miss Football Looks to Build on Historic Success in 2026 Season

Ole Miss is preparing for the 2026 college football season with high expectations. The Rebels finished 13-2 last year, marking their first 13-win season and a trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite losing 14 starters, the team is confident in its talent and new additions.

Pete Golding begins his first full year as head coach, leading a squad that has set records and made national waves. The Rebels are ranked in the top 10 by multiple outlets and aim to maintain their offensive prowess, which set school records last season with 554 points and 7,345 yards.

Offensively, Ole Miss returns five starters, including star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Chambliss, a transfer from Ferris State, threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season and finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Lacy, a first-team All-American, set single-season school records with 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.

The Rebels also boast a talented receiving corps, led by preseason All-SEC pick Deuce Alexander. Several impactful transfers join the roster, providing depth and experience. On defense, Ole Miss will need to replace key players but has added transfers and high school signees to bolster the unit.

The team’s special teams feature All-SEC kicker Lucas Carneiro, who connected on 31 field goals last season, including five from 50 yards or more. The Rebels will look to improve on a defense that lost its top tackler and sacks leader but remains anchored by preseason All-SEC defensive tackle Will Echoles and a deep linebacker group.

Ole Miss begins its season September 6 against Louisville and will face notable opponents such as LSU, Texas, and Oklahoma. The team aims to sustain its offensive excellence and compete for another top-tier season in 2026.

Source: Original Article