So, the dust has finally settled on the most chaotic month in Oxford history. Honestly, if you’d told a Rebels fan back in October that Lane Kiffin would be wearing LSU purple while Ole Miss was preping for a College Football Playoff semifinal, they would’ve laughed you out of The Grove. But here we are. It actually happened.
Ole Miss football is officially a different animal now. The 2025 season was a fever dream that ended with a 13-win masterpiece, a third-straight Egg Bowl trophy, and a deep playoff run that most people didn’t think was possible after Kiffin’s abrupt exit on November 30. Now, as we stare down the barrel of the 2026 season, the program isn't just surviving; it’s basically reloading.
The Pete Golding Promotion and the QB Chaos
When Kiffin bailed for Baton Rouge, the university didn't blink. They promoted Pete Golding to head coach almost instantly. It was a move for stability, sure, but it was also a reward for a guy who turned a historically "all-offense, no-defense" program into a unit that actually hits people. Hard.
The transition hasn't been without its drama, though. For a minute there, the 2026 quarterback room looked like a ghost town.
Trinidad Chambliss, the guy who steered the ship through the 2025 playoffs after Jaxson Dart left for the NFL (shoutout to the Giants for taking him in the first round), had his waiver for an extra year of eligibility denied by the NCAA just a few days ago. It was a massive blow. Chambliss was the heart of that 38-19 Egg Bowl win over State.
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Enter Deuce Knight
Basically, Golding went into "overdrive" mode. Within days of the Chambliss news, Ole Miss landed a massive commitment from former five-star QB Deuce Knight. He’s coming over from Auburn after a one-year stint on The Plains. At 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds, Knight is the type of dual-threat weapon that fits the system perfectly, even if the system is shifting slightly under the new regime.
He isn't the only one coming in. The transfer portal has been very kind to Oxford this January. Golding has already locked in Carius Curne, who is widely considered the top interior offensive lineman in the portal. Protecting a young quarterback like Knight isn't just a priority; it's a necessity if the Rebels want to replicate that 13-win magic.
What the 2026 Schedule Actually Looks Like
If you think the SEC was tough before, look at the 2026 slate. The conference is moving to a nine-game schedule, and Ole Miss didn't get any favors.
They open things up with a high-profile neutral site game against Louisville in Nashville. That’s a "prove it" game right out of the gate. From there, it’s a gauntlet. You’ve got LSU coming to Vaught-Hemingway on September 19. Imagine the atmosphere in Oxford for Kiffin’s return. It’s going to be toxic in the best possible way.
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- Sept 5/6: vs Louisville (Nashville)
- Sept 19: LSU (The Kiffin Homecoming)
- Oct 24: at Texas (First trip to Austin since 2013)
- Nov 7: Georgia
- Nov 14: at Oklahoma
- Nov 28: Mississippi State (Egg Bowl)
That mid-season stretch is brutal. Back-to-back road trips to Texas and then hosting Georgia before heading to Norman? That’s where seasons go to die. But this is the new SEC. There are no "off" weeks anymore, except maybe Wofford on November 21, which feels like a much-needed breather before the Egg Bowl.
Keeping the Stars in Oxford
Recruiting isn't just about the new kids; it’s about keeping the guys you already have. Suntarine Perkins staying for 2026 is probably the biggest "win" of the offseason so far. The linebacker is a future NFL first-rounder, point blank. Even though his sack numbers dipped a bit in 2025 (he finished with three), his impact on the field is undeniable. He’s the guy who forced the fumble in the Sugar Bowl that basically sealed the game against Georgia.
Then you have Deuce Alexander. With Harrison Wallace III and De’Zhaun Stribling finally running out of eligibility, Alexander is the de facto WR1. He had 677 yards as a transfer from Wake Forest last year, and his chemistry with whoever wins the QB job will be the story of spring camp.
Why 2026 Still Matters for the Program's Identity
A lot of people thought Ole Miss would fade once the "Portal King" left. They thought the NIL money would dry up or the excitement would vanish. Honestly, it’s been the opposite. The 2026 recruiting class is currently sitting inside the Top 25, and the portal class is Top 5 according to 247Sports.
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The program has invested millions into the Manning Center and Vaught-Hemingway. They aren't just building a team for one year; they're trying to build a permanent resident of the 12-team playoff.
Is there risk? Of course. Golding has never been a head coach at this level. Managing the egos, the NIL deals, and the pressure of a fan base that now expects 10+ wins a year is a different beast than calling defensive plays. But the talent is there.
If Deuce Knight hits his ceiling and the defense maintains that "Golding Standard," there’s no reason to think the Rebels won't be right back in the mix come December.
Next Steps for the Offseason
Watch the quarterback battle closely during spring practice. It’s not just Deuce Knight; guys like Austin Simmons (if he stays focused on football over baseball) and AJ Maddox will be pushing for reps. Also, keep an eye on the defensive line depth. Losing Jehiem Oatis is a possibility as the portal remains fluid, and replacing that kind of size in the middle of the 3-4 defense isn't easy.
The most important thing for fans? Secure those season tickets early. The LSU game on September 19 is already tracking to be the most expensive ticket in program history. Oxford is going to be the center of the college football world that weekend, and you don’t want to be watching it from the couch.