Ole Miss QB2 Battle Heats Up After Golding's Spring Assessment

Freshman AJ Maddox emerges as a contender for backup QB role behind Trinidad Chambliss.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:23pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college football quarterback in the midst of a passing play, with the figure broken down into sharp, angular geometric shapes and planes of color.The battle for Ole Miss's backup QB spot has become a complex, multi-faceted competition with no clear frontrunner.Auburn Today

Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding's recent comments on freshman quarterback AJ Maddox have shaken up the battle for the Rebels' QB2 position behind incumbent starter Trinidad Chambliss. Golding praised Maddox's arm talent, ability to extend plays, and improved understanding of the offense, suggesting the Texas A&M transfer is making a strong case to be the primary backup over other contenders like Auburn transfer Knight and Walker Howard.

Why it matters

The QB2 battle is an important storyline for Ole Miss as they look to solidify their depth chart behind star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Golding's assessment of Maddox's progress indicates the coaching staff sees him as a legitimate contender, adding intrigue to a competition that was previously thought to be Knight's to lose.

The details

Golding highlighted Maddox's 'super talented' arm, ability to make all the throws, and improved decision-making and consistency in the offense. The coach also noted his personal connection to Maddox through his relationship with the player's father, Anthony Maddox, which adds an extra layer of interest to the competition. However, Golding made it clear the QB2 job is still wide open, with Knight and Howard also in the mix.

  • Golding provided his latest assessment of the QB2 battle in mid-April 2026.

The players

Pete Golding

The defensive coordinator for the Ole Miss Rebels football team, who is closely evaluating the competition for the backup quarterback position.

AJ Maddox

A freshman quarterback who transferred to Ole Miss from Texas A&M, and is emerging as a contender for the QB2 role behind starter Trinidad Chambliss.

Trinidad Chambliss

The incumbent starting quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels.

Knight

An Auburn transfer quarterback also competing for the backup QB position at Ole Miss.

Walker Howard

Another quarterback in the mix for the QB2 job at Ole Miss.

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What they’re saying

“Super talented. We've always loved AJ's arm talent, ability to extend some plays, and continue to develop his body in the weight room.”

— Pete Golding, Defensive Coordinator, Ole Miss

“I think he's got a much better understanding of the offense. I think consistency and performance obviously is the big things that we're looking for. You see the flashes. Can make all the throws. I think he's just consistently making really good decisions. But, he's competing his butt off. He's coming in every day and going to work and stringing together some good practices.”

— Pete Golding, Defensive Coordinator, Ole Miss

“He has all the talent in the world. He's progressed very well. Quicker than expected, to be honest with you. He's doing some really good things. He adds an element — obviously size, speed — that nobody in the room really has.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, Ole Miss

What’s next

The coaching staff will continue to evaluate the QB2 competition throughout the remainder of spring practice and into fall camp, with a final decision likely coming just before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The battle for the Ole Miss backup quarterback job has become more wide open than previously expected, with freshman AJ Maddox emerging as a serious contender alongside Auburn transfer Knight and Walker Howard. Golding's praise of Maddox's development has added intrigue to a position battle that will be closely watched as the Rebels look to solidify their depth chart behind star QB Trinidad Chambliss.