The expectations around Ole Miss football have changed dramatically over the last two seasons. What was once viewed as a program trying to break through has now become one expected to compete for the College Football Playoff every year.
That reality was front and center during the latest episode of Talk of Champions, as national college football analyst Ari Wasserman joined Brad Logan to discuss his preseason top players list, the state of the SEC, and why he believes Ole Miss is positioned to remain among the nation’s elite heading into 2026.
Trinidad Chambliss Continues To Earn National Respect
One of the biggest talking points surrounded quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who emerged as one of the breakout stars in college football last season after taking over following Austin Simmons’ injury.
Wasserman described Chambliss as one of the most sensational players in the country and praised the way he transformed Ole Miss during its playoff run.
“It was really cool to see somebody choose a program knowing full well they probably weren’t going to start, be given their opportunity and not only seize it, but be sensational and lead your team on a deep run in the playoff,” Wasserman said.
While Chambliss narrowly missed Wasserman’s preseason top 10 players nationally, the On3 analyst made it clear the Rebels quarterback was firmly in the conversation and could easily finish the year among the nation’s best.
Kewan Lacy’s Return Could Define Ole Miss’ Ceiling
Another major point of emphasis was the return of star running back Kewan Lacy. After a dominant season that included over 1,500 rushing yards and more than 20 touchdowns, Lacy elected to stay in Oxford despite outside interest and major NIL opportunities elsewhere.
Wasserman believes that loyalty matters, especially in today’s transfer portal era.
“To see two of the best players in college football illustrate that loyalty to a place that had really been put through the ringer, I think that’s a huge plus,” Wasserman said.
With Chambliss and Lacy both returning, Ole Miss enters the season with one of the most explosive backfields in the country.
Pete Golding’s Fast Start Has Changed Perceptions
Much of the conversation also centered around first-year head coach Pete Golding, who inherited the program after Lane Kiffin departed for LSU Tigers football. Rather than conducting a lengthy coaching search, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter promoted Golding quickly, a move Wasserman called “brilliant.”
Golding immediately stabilized the roster, retained key players, and helped guide the Rebels to playoff victories before even coaching a regular-season game as head coach.
“Pete Golding has more playoff wins than Lane Kiffin already, and he hasn’t even coached a regular-season game yet,” Wasserman said.
Wasserman also praised Golding’s leadership style and ability to rally the program during a transitional period.
The Schedule Is Brutal, But The Expectations Haven’t Changed
Ole Miss faces one of the nation’s toughest schedules in 2026, including games against Texas, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Louisville, and several dangerous SEC matchups in between. Even with the difficult road ahead, Wasserman believes the standard in Oxford has permanently shifted.
“A good season is a 10-2 record with some quality wins that get you into the CFP and gives you another shot at doing this,” Wasserman said.
He also pushed back on the growing national conversation that teams should avoid scheduling difficult opponents in the non-conference, arguing that strong schedules ultimately help playoff resumes rather than hurt them.
September 19 Already Feels Massive
Of course, the biggest regular-season storyline will arrive on Sept. 19 when Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford with LSU for what is expected to be one of the most emotionally charged games in recent SEC history.
Wasserman compared the atmosphere to LeBron James returning to Cleveland after leaving for Miami, describing the matchup as important for both programs for entirely different reasons.
For Ole Miss, it’s about proving the program remains elite without Kiffin. For LSU, it’s about validating one of the biggest investments in college football history.
Either way, the entire sport will be watching.
