Ole Miss Football Enters 2026 with High Expectations

Greg McElroy praises Rebels' star QB Trinidad Chambliss and new head coach Pete Golding ahead of pivotal season

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, Ole Miss football is one of the most compelling programs heading into the 2026 season. With star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss returning after a court battle over his eligibility, and new head coach Pete Golding steadying the ship, the Rebels are poised to build on their College Football Playoff appearance last year and contend for a national title.

Why it matters

Ole Miss is no longer an underdog, as they've emerged as a legitimate national title contender. The return of Chambliss and the transition to Golding as head coach have fueled high expectations for the Rebels, who will face a challenging early-season schedule that includes a highly anticipated matchup with LSU.

The details

McElroy praised Chambliss, who led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, as a Heisman Trophy contender. The Rebels also return star running back Kewan Lacey, giving them one of the most explosive backfields in the country. Offensive coordinator John Baker's familiarity with the up-tempo system should provide continuity. Ole Miss opens the season against Louisville before a highly anticipated clash with LSU, which McElroy called 'maybe the most emotionally charged regular season game in college football this year'.

  • Ole Miss opened spring practice on the same day the Mississippi Supreme Court denied the NCAA's appeal, clearing Chambliss to return for another season.
  • Ole Miss faces Louisville in their season opener in Nashville.
  • Ole Miss hosts LSU in a highly anticipated matchup just weeks after the season opener.

The players

Trinidad Chambliss

The star quarterback for Ole Miss who led the team to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season and is now a Heisman Trophy contender.

Pete Golding

The new head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, who took over after Lane Kiffin's departure and steadied the ship, guiding the team to a 2-1 record in the Playoff.

Kewan Lacey

The star running back for Ole Miss who is returning after a 24-touchdown campaign, fending off heavy transfer portal interest including from LSU.

John David Baker

The offensive coordinator for Ole Miss who is well-versed in the Rebels' up-tempo system, providing continuity.

Greg McElroy

The ESPN analyst who praised Ole Miss as one of the most compelling programs heading into the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not exaggerating when I say that Ole Miss Football is one of the more fascinating programs.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst

“This is exciting, right? It's a very exciting time for Ole Miss football.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst

“To find out you're eligible on the same day that you walk out on the practice field for the first time? If that's not a sign, I don't know what it is.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst

“We know Chambliss is going to be a dude. He's going to be a Heisman contender.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst

“That game's going to be maybe the most emotionally charged regular season game in college football this year.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

All eyes will be on Ole Miss as they open the season against Louisville in Nashville, followed by their highly anticipated clash with LSU just weeks later. The Rebels will look to prove they are more than just a one-year wonder and establish themselves as a true national title contender.

The takeaway

Ole Miss has emerged as one of the most compelling programs in college football, with a star quarterback, an explosive backfield, and a new head coach who has steadied the ship. The Rebels have the talent and momentum to contend for a national championship, but they'll face a challenging early-season schedule that will test their mettle and determine if they are truly ready to take the next step.