Ole Miss Football Ranked No. 10 in Initial 2026 AFCA Coaches Poll

The American Football Coaches Association released its preseason coaches poll Tuesday, placing Ole Miss at No. 10 in the nation for the 2026 season, according to the university’s athletics department.

Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding is entering his first full year leading the Rebels, who reached the College Football Playoff semifinals last season and posted the program’s first 13-win season in history. The team has now recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins, a first for the program, the school said.

The Rebels have bolstered their roster with a top-ranked transfer class, ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports, and a high school signing class ranked as high as No. 25. Returning players include 49 letterwinners from the 2025 team, such as Maxwell Award preseason watch list honoree Trinidad Chambliss and preseason All-American running back Kewan Lacy.

Ole Miss is scheduled to open the season on Sept. 6 against Louisville at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. Central Time.

The team has also been recognized in other preseason polls and award watches, with multiple players earning national attention and preseason honors, the school added.

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