Stephen A. Smith Makes Massive Announcement for Ole Miss Football vs. LSU Tigers

The ESPN personality will return to Oxford for the September matchup between the Rebels and Tigers.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:51pm

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ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith made a surprise visit to Oxford, Mississippi to attend the Ole Miss women's basketball game against LSU. After initially criticizing the town, Smith praised the hospitality he received and announced he will return for the Ole Miss vs. LSU football game on September 19, when former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin makes his return to Oxford with the Tigers.

Why it matters

Smith's visit and announcement are significant as they highlight the changing perception of Oxford and Ole Miss, which has historically faced criticism. His praise of the hospitality and commitment to return for the high-profile SEC matchup could help improve the program's national profile and draw more interest and attention to the university.

The details

During his visit, Smith said he was "treated first-class all the way" and that "the hospitality was off the chain." He received a standing ovation from the crowd, which he said he "didn't deserve but they gave it to me anyway." Smith also expressed excitement to see Ole Miss star player Flau'jae Johnson, while noting he wasn't rooting for LSU, but was always supporting her. He promised to return for the September 19 game when former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin makes his return to Oxford with the LSU Tigers.

  • On November 19, Stephen A. Smith made critical comments about Oxford, Mississippi on ESPN's First Take.
  • On February 20, 2026, Smith attended the Ole Miss vs. LSU women's basketball game in Oxford.
  • On February 21, 2026, Smith announced he will return to Oxford on September 19 for the Ole Miss vs. LSU football game.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

An ESPN personality who initially criticized Oxford, Mississippi but has now praised the hospitality he received and committed to returning for an Ole Miss football game.

Lane Kiffin

The former head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels who is now the head coach of the LSU Tigers.

Flau'jae Johnson

A star player for the LSU Tigers women's basketball team.

Yolett McPhee-McCuin

The head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels women's basketball team who worked to get Stephen A. Smith to visit Oxford.

Trinidad Chambliss

The quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels football team.

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What they’re saying

“Let's get this out of the way, now listen ladies and gentlemen, … the brothers ain't trying to come to Oxford, Mississippi, for the most part,”

— Stephen A. Smith (First Take)

“I went down to Ole Miss last night, had an absolute blast, treated first-class all the way, the hospitality was off the chain no doubt. I had a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful evening. … They wanted to make sure I recognized that times are different in Oxford, Mississippi,”

— Stephen A. Smith (First Take)

“They treated me great, gave me a standing ovation when I rolled in there. I didn't deserve that, but they gave it to me anyway. Thank you so much. The hospitality that they showed me and my daughter, my baby girl Samantha who was in the house with me. It was a beautiful, beautiful experience.”

— Stephen A. Smith (First Take)

“Flau'jae (Johnson), listen, she's special, you know how much love I've got for her – I wasn't rooting for LSU, but I'm always rooting for her. … She opened, and they closed,”

— Stephen A. Smith (First Take)

“But Ole Miss is going to be alright. … They treated me phenomenally. I can't thank them enough. First class all the way. And I'm going back when Lane Kiffin returns, I promised I'm going to come back for that game.”

— Stephen A. Smith (First Take)

What’s next

The September 19 matchup between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will be a highly anticipated game, as it will mark the return of former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin to Oxford.

The takeaway

Stephen A. Smith's visit and praise for the hospitality he received in Oxford highlights the changing perception of the town and the Ole Miss program. His commitment to return for the high-profile SEC showdown against LSU could help boost the program's national profile and draw more interest and attention to the university.