Ole Miss Offensive Lineman Reflects on Historic Season, Kiffin's Departure

Brycen Sanders discusses the stress of the Rebels' successful 2025 campaign and his loyalty to the program.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Ole Miss offensive lineman Brycen Sanders opened up about the challenges of the Rebels' historic 2025 season, including the stress of their success and Lane Kiffin's departure for LSU prior to the postseason. Despite the distractions, Sanders reaffirmed his commitment to the program and his excitement for the future under new head coach Pete Golding.

Why it matters

Sanders' candid comments provide insight into the behind-the-scenes pressures of a breakout season for Ole Miss football. His loyalty to the program and optimism about the future under Golding's leadership signal a stable transition for the Rebels as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

In an interview with 247Sports, Sanders discussed the toll that the Rebels' historic 2025 campaign took on him and the team, admitting that he and offensive line coach John Garrison were stressed "out of [their] mind" despite the on-field accomplishments. However, Sanders emphasized his commitment to Ole Miss, stating he has no plans to leave the program barring an absolute necessity. The offensive lineman also praised new head coach Pete Golding, predicting an "awesome season" under his leadership.

  • In the weeks following the 2025 season
  • Prior to the Fiesta Bowl

The players

Brycen Sanders

An offensive lineman for the Ole Miss Rebels who was a key contributor to the team's historic 2025 season.

John Garrison

The offensive line coach for the Ole Miss Rebels.

Pete Golding

The new head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, taking over for Lane Kiffin who departed for LSU.

Lane Kiffin

The former head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, who left the program to take the head coaching job at LSU.

Ty Simpson

The quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, who Sanders cites as an example of a player who remained loyal to his program despite opportunities elsewhere.

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What they’re saying

“Even though I wish I could say it was very fun, me and (Ole Miss offensive line) Coach (John) Garrison were actually talking about this a couple of practices before the Fiesta Bowl. We think very much alike. I went out to him and I was like, 'Damn, Coach, we just beat Georgia and we're having the best season in Ole Miss history. Why do I not feel like I'm having fun? I'm stressed out of my mind.”

— Brycen Sanders, Ole Miss Offensive Lineman (247Sports)

“I'm a loyal person. I committed to come to Ole Miss three years ago and I'm not going to leave unless I absolutely have to. I'm in a great position here. I have a starting spot at center and I have a great relationship with Coach Garrison and we're bringing in Coach (John David Baker), a great offensive coordinator, so this is a great spot for me. I love Oxford. I love these fans and there's no point for me to leave. That would just tarnish my reputation and everything I believe in.”

— Brycen Sanders, Ole Miss Offensive Lineman (247Sports)

“He could've gone somewhere else and made a boatload of money, but he didn't want to tarnish his reputation and leave Alabama for somewhere else. I think a lot of guys now are just looking at the money and looking at how much they can make and not caring about the fans they leave or how they leave a place, which unfortunately, sucks.”

— Brycen Sanders, Ole Miss Offensive Lineman (247Sports)

“I think that day will be a turning point for Ole Miss in the best way. PG is going to be an awesome coach. He's already shown he's going to be an awesome coach. He loves his players. He interacts with the players. He's a guy you want to play for and hang out with. It's going to be an awesome season to watch him be able to lead from beginning to end. I think Ole Miss definitely came out on top.”

— Brycen Sanders, Ole Miss Offensive Lineman (247Sports)

The takeaway

Sanders' comments highlight the challenges of navigating a historic season, both on and off the field, and his unwavering loyalty to Ole Miss signals a stable future for the program under new leadership. His optimism about the Rebels' direction under Pete Golding suggests the team is poised to build on their recent success.