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

Smith previously expressed reservations about Mississippi, but is now visiting at the request of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith will be in attendance for the Ole Miss women's basketball game against LSU on Thursday. This comes after Smith previously expressed reservations about Mississippi, but is now visiting Oxford at the request of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who has invited him to see the diversity and support in the community firsthand.

Why it matters

Smith's visit represents a shift in his perspective on Mississippi and Oxford, and highlights the efforts by Coach McPhee-McCuin to engage high-profile figures and build support for the women's basketball program. This could help raise the profile of the team and the university.

The details

McPhee-McCuin invited Smith to attend the game after he appeared on her podcast and expressed his past hesitations about visiting Mississippi. Smith acknowledged that his views were not based on firsthand knowledge, and agreed to come see Oxford for himself. The Rebels are coming off a big win over Tennessee and are hosting a top-10 LSU team, making this a marquee matchup that Smith will now be a part of.

  • The Ole Miss women's basketball game against LSU is on Thursday, February 20, 2026 at 8 p.m. CT.
  • Smith announced his plans to attend the game on ESPN's 'First Take' on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

A prominent ESPN personality who previously expressed reservations about visiting Mississippi but is now coming to Oxford at the request of the Ole Miss women's basketball coach.

Yolett McPhee-McCuin

The head coach of the Ole Miss women's basketball team who invited Stephen A. Smith to attend the game against LSU and see the diversity and support in the Oxford community firsthand.

Ole Miss Women's Basketball Team

The Ole Miss women's basketball team, which is currently ranked No. 17 in the country and is hosting a top-10 LSU team on Thursday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oxford, Mississippi is incredibly diverse. Whatever you thought, I need you to come see for yourself. I'm here living it every day. This place is full of love and support. My family loves it here.”

— Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Head Coach, Ole Miss Women's Basketball

“If you're old school and you hear the word Mississippi, it gives you cause to pause. But I've never been to Oxford. I'm not talking from a place of knowledge. Because it's you, I'm coming down to Oxford, Mississippi.”

— Stephen A. Smith

What’s next

Smith's visit to Oxford and attendance at the Ole Miss women's basketball game against LSU on Thursday, February 20, 2026 will provide him the opportunity to see the diversity and support in the community firsthand, potentially changing his previous perceptions about Mississippi.

The takeaway

Stephen A. Smith's willingness to visit Oxford at the invitation of Coach McPhee-McCuin demonstrates a openness to re-evaluate his preconceptions about Mississippi, and could help raise the profile of the Ole Miss women's basketball program by having a high-profile personality like Smith engage with the team and community.