First spring practice look: Pete Golding with visor is a welcome calm for Ole Miss

Fans get their first glimpse of the Rebels' spring practice as new defensive coordinator Pete Golding takes the lead.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:20am

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Ole Miss football fans got their first look at the team's spring practice, with new defensive coordinator Pete Golding taking center stage. Golding was spotted coaching in the middle of players, wearing a visor and using a walkie-talkie, as the team worked on punt and punt return drills. Meanwhile, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was seen throwing routes to staffers, along with Auburn transfer Deuce Knight and Louisiana transfer Walker Howard, providing clarity on the quarterback room situation.

Why it matters

After last season's successful College Football Playoff run, Ole Miss fans are eager to see how the team will build on that momentum. Golding's calm and composed presence on the practice field is a welcome sight, as he looks to solidify the defense. The quarterback competition is also a key storyline, with Chambliss returning and the addition of two high-profile transfers.

The details

During the brief media access period, reporters observed Golding coaching in the middle of the players, working his way through different huddles and watching the returners catch punts. Chambliss, along with Knight and Howard, were seen throwing routes to staffers, with no defense present. This provides clarity on the quarterback room, where Chambliss is expected to be the signal-caller, with Knight and Howard providing depth.

  • The first spring practice took place on April 1, 2026.

The players

Pete Golding

The new defensive coordinator for the Ole Miss Rebels football team.

Trinidad Chambliss

The returning starting quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels football team.

Deuce Knight

A quarterback transfer from Auburn University who is joining the Ole Miss Rebels football team.

Walker Howard

A quarterback transfer from the University of Louisiana who is joining the Ole Miss Rebels football team.

John David Baker

The new offensive coordinator for the Ole Miss Rebels football team, hired this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“In the brief period that reporters had access, Golding coached in the middle of the throng of players who were practicing punts and punt returns. It was an 11-on-11 drill.”

— Sam Hutchens, Reporter

“Golding wore a visor and coached with a walkie-talkie. He worked his way through different huddles and watched the returners catch punts.”

— Sam Hutchens, Reporter

“Chambliss, along with Auburn transfer Deuce Knight and Louisiana transfer Walker Howard, and the rest of the quarterbacks, threw routes to staffers. There was no defense.”

— Sam Hutchens, Reporter

What’s next

Fans will be eager to see how the quarterback competition unfolds between Chambliss, Knight, and Howard as spring practice continues. Additionally, the new offensive coordinator John David Baker will be closely watched as he looks to build on the team's success from last season.

The takeaway

The calm and composed presence of new defensive coordinator Pete Golding, combined with the clarity on the quarterback room, has Ole Miss fans cautiously optimistic about the team's prospects for the upcoming season. With high-profile transfers joining the roster and a new offensive coordinator in place, the Rebels will look to build on their College Football Playoff appearance last year.