Nobody really expected much when the 2025 schedule dropped and showed Washington State vs Ole Miss tucked into the middle of October. On paper, it looked like a standard "buy game" for a top-tier SEC program. Lane Kiffin even gave it a flashy marketing name—the "Cross-Country Classic"—which usually means the home team plans on winning by 40 and sending the visitors home with a nice check and some bruises.
But football is weird. Honestly, if you just looked at the box score of that October 11 matchup in Oxford, you’d see a 24-21 win for the Rebels and think, "Yeah, okay, a close game." But it was way more stressful than that for the folks in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The Night the Cougs Almost Stole Oxford
It’s about 2,500 miles from Pullman to Oxford. That’s a long flight for a 33-point underdog. Most of the national media figured Wazzu would show up, collect their money, and lose by three scores. Instead, the Cougars came out swinging.
Zevi Eckhaus, the WSU quarterback, didn't look like he got the memo about being a sacrificial lamb. He was carving up the secondary early. When Landon Wright caught a 26-yard touchdown pass to put Wazzu up 7-0 in the first quarter, the stadium went dead silent. It wasn't supposed to go like that. You’ve got the #4 ranked Rebels, undefeated and eyeing a playoff spot, trailing a team that most SEC fans couldn't find on a map.
🔗 Read more: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
Key Stats from the 2025 Matchup
- Final Score: Ole Miss 24, Washington State 21
- Total Yards: Ole Miss 439, Washington State 345
- Rushing Leader: Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss) – 142 yards
- Passing Leader: Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) – 253 yards, 2 TDs
The game turned into a total grind. Lane Kiffin's offense is usually a high-speed machine, but the Cougars’ defense was playing out of their minds. They held the Rebels to a measly field goal for most of the first half. It took a 2-yard pass from Trinidad Chambliss to Dae’Quan Wright just before halftime to finally give Ole Miss a 10-7 lead. Even then, you could feel the tension in the air. This wasn't a "classic" yet; it was a potential disaster for the Rebels.
Why Washington State vs Ole Miss Matters Now
Looking back, this game was a massive turning point for both programs. For Ole Miss, it was the game where Lane Kiffin became the fastest coach in program history to reach 50 wins. He did it in just 68 games, beating out legends like John Vaught. That’s a big deal. It solidified his era as the most consistent period of success the school has seen in modern times.
For Washington State, it was about respect. They weren't just a "leftover" from the old Pac-12. They proved they could go into the most hostile environments in the country and nearly knock off a top-five team. Kirby Vorhees ripped off a 46-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that actually put the Cougars back in the lead, 14-10. At that point, people were starting to check their phones to see if an upset was actually happening.
💡 You might also like: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
The Turning Point
The game really flipped on a 35-yard touchdown strike from Chambliss to Cayden Lee in the fourth quarter. That put the Rebels up 24-14. It felt like the air finally left the Cougars' balloon. Wazzu scored again late—a 19-yard pass to Tony Freeman—to make it 24-21, but they couldn't recover the onside kick.
Common Misconceptions About the Matchup
A lot of people think this is a long-standing rivalry. It isn't. In fact, 2025 was the very first time these two football programs ever met on the field. Because of the weird conference realignment chaos, WSU had to get creative with their scheduling, and Ole Miss needed a non-conference opponent that would actually provide a strength-of-schedule boost.
Another myth is that Wazzu can't handle the SEC heat. While the humidity in Mississippi is a beast, the "Cougs vs. The South" narrative is a bit overblown. They struggled on third downs—converting only 2 out of 10—but that was more about the Rebels' pass rush than the weather. If Wazzu had managed even two more conversions, we might be talking about one of the biggest upsets of the decade.
📖 Related: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
What’s Next for Both Teams?
If you’re a fan looking for a rematch, you’re going to be waiting a while. The 2025 game was a one-off contract. However, Washington State is leaning into this "anywhere, anytime" mentality. They’ve already scheduled a home-and-home with Mississippi State—traveling to Starkville in 2030 and hosting the Bulldogs in Pullman in 2031.
Ole Miss, meanwhile, is focused on the immediate future. That narrow escape against the Cougars served as a massive wake-up call before they had to head into the meat of their SEC schedule against Georgia and Oklahoma.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Replay: If you missed the 2025 game, find the "Cross-Country Classic" highlights. It’s a masterclass in how an underdog can use a ball-control offense to frustrate a high-powered SEC team.
- Track the 2030 Schedule: If you liked the vibe of this game, keep an eye on the WSU vs. Mississippi State tickets. The atmosphere in Pullman for an SEC visitor will be electric.
- Follow the Quarterbacks: Keep tabs on Trinidad Chambliss. His ability to scramble for 17 yards on a crucial third down late in the third quarter was arguably the play that saved the Rebels' season.
The Washington State vs Ole Miss game wasn't just a footnote. It was a reminder that in college football, the logo on the helmet doesn't always determine the fight in the player. Wazzu didn't get the win, but they definitely changed the conversation about what they're capable of.