ESPN's Stephen A. Smith to Attend Ole Miss Women's Basketball Game

Yolett McPhee-McCuin's Rebels are cruising in SEC play and will host the LSU Tigers on Thursday.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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After Ole Miss women's basketball star Cotie McMahon scored a career-high 39 points in a win over Tennessee, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith announced he will attend the Rebels' upcoming game against LSU. Smith said he is coming to Oxford specifically to see the Rebels program, which has generated buzz since the departure of former football coach Lane Kiffin.

Why it matters

The appearance of a high-profile media personality like Stephen A. Smith at an Ole Miss women's basketball game highlights the growing national attention and excitement around the program under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. A strong season and standout individual performances have put the Rebels on the map.

The details

McMahon's 39 points against Tennessee tied the school record for most points in a single game. The Rebels are 21-6 overall and 8-4 in SEC play this season, continuing to build momentum under McPhee-McCuin. Smith said he is coming to Oxford specifically to see the Rebels program, which has generated buzz since the departure of former football coach Lane Kiffin.

  • On Tuesday, February 18, 2026, Ole Miss defeated Tennessee.
  • On Thursday, February 20, 2026, Ole Miss will host LSU, with Stephen A. Smith in attendance.

The players

Yolett McPhee-McCuin

The head coach of the Ole Miss women's basketball team, who has guided the Rebels to a strong 2025-26 season.

Cotie McMahon

The Ole Miss women's basketball star who scored a career-high 39 points in a win over Tennessee, tying a school record.

Stephen A. Smith

The prominent ESPN personality who announced he will attend the Ole Miss-LSU women's basketball game on Thursday.

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What they’re saying

“Because it's you, I'm going to come down to Oxford, just for you. Ain't nobody else getting me down to Oxford, Mississippi now. I'm coming down just for you. I'm coming to the game. I'm coming down just for you. I'm gonna look at my schedule and make it happen.”

— Stephen A. Smith (ESPN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The appearance of a high-profile media personality like Stephen A. Smith at an Ole Miss women's basketball game highlights the growing national attention and excitement around the program under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. A strong season and standout individual performances have put the Rebels on the map.