THE Daily
MISSISSIPPIAN
Thursday, September 17, 2026
theDMonline.com
Volume 115, No. 4
ARE YOU READY? The Ole Miss Rebels seek to silence the agent of chaos.
PAGE 2 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026
Board of Aldermen says Oxford is well prepared for high-traffic LSU weekend
ALY BRADSHAW News Staff Writer
The City of Oxford Board of Aldermen discussed the city’s plans for the upcoming game against LSU on Saturday, Sept. 19 and declined a proposal for an 8-month construction project on South Lamar Boulevard at its meeting on Sept. 15. The board also amended its municipal code to include demolition without a permit as a misdemeanor. The eight-month sidewalk closure would allow workers to install a shoring wall along the empty lot behind Square Books while foundation work is completed near 208 South Lamar Blvd. Snyder Construction Group proposed to close the sidewalk along South Lamar Boulevard from mid-block between Square Books and the empty lot behind it, to the intersection of Harrison Avenue and South Lamar Boulevard and west toward the West rideshare pickup location. The project would require a pedestrian detour across the street beside Village Tailor. The proposal called to close the
sidewalk along South Lamar Boulevard and establish a pedestrian detour across the street beside Village Tailor. The site blocked off would stretch from the Harrison Avenue alley from its intersection with South Lamar west toward the Regions Bank building and include the site of the West rideshare pickup. The purpose of the foundation wall is to protect the street and the workers. “Pedestrian traffic will be detoured to the existing sidewalk on the opposite (east) side of South Lamar Boulevard for the full length of the closure,” the request from city engineer John Crawley to Mayor of Oxford Robyn Tannehill said. Some board members felt that the construction project was not worth the inconvenience that it would cause. Ward II alderman Mark Huelse said the duration of the project and lack of access for emergency vehicles are “two total deal-breakers.” Ward VI alderman Jason Bailey opposed the sidewalk closure and the pedestrian detours for the construction project. “I know it’s a difficult build,
but there’s got to be some creative ways to avoid closing off the area as proposed,” Bailey said. There was no motion made on the Snyder Construction Group request, meaning the proposal will not move forward without a revised plan. Tannehill announced that all lanes across Highway 6 East near Campground Road will be open for this weekend’s game, despite usual closure for construction, due to the anticipated influx of traffic. “I did talk to the executive director of (the Mississippi Department of Transportation) this morning and told him that I felt like we were basically going to have an ice storm this weekend — not really, but kind of — and that we need those lanes open,” Tannehill said. Tannehill said law enforcement are preparing for large crowds and considering public safety, trash collection and street cleaning prior to the LSU game. “We have covered it from every angle, from water and sewer to public safety and trash pick-up, numerous times during the day every
GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Snyder Construction Group representative answers questions about proposed sidewalk closure at the Sept. 15 Board of Alderman meeting. day this weekend,” Tannehill said. Tannehill is not worried about the university and Oxford’s ability to tackle the traffic and crowds that will come with the LSU game. “I’m a little tickled at some of the questions I’ve gotten from the media, like, ‘What are y’all going to do for the LSU game?’” Tannehill said. “We’ve had a few football games here. They’re acting like we’ve just never done this before.” The board also approved
Here are UM resources for mental health
PADEN STRICKLAND News Staff Writer
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. At the University of Mississippi, campus organizations and resources help students recognize when they or someone they know may be struggling and understand where to turn for help. University Counseling Center Katie Harrison, the assistant director of the University Counseling Center, said common concerns among college students include anxiety, adjustment issues and social struggles. “While students seek support year-round, we often see increases towards the middle (and) end of a semester,” Harrison said. “...These can be high-stress points in the year because of midterms and finals.” The UCC provides free, confidential mental health counseling and other support, such as group therapy and walk-in and psychiatric services to university students. Ivy Comford is a senior double major in theatre arts and English from Ocean Springs, Miss., who has used the counseling and psychiatric services on campus. Comford has had a very positive experience with her universi-
ty counselor and believes that the work she has done in her counseling sessions has had a long-lasting impact on her day-to-day life. “I find myself responding to the world in ways that my therapist helped me discover, and that means everything,” Comford said. “Growth and change is hard but necessary, and I think anyone can benefit from even one semester of consistent meetings.” Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment The Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment, or COPE, provides free mental health counseling while providing university graduate counseling students with supervised clinical experience. Laura Stiles, the program manager for COPE, emphasized that students should not feel alone when struggling with their mental health. “You are never alone, and your life matters,” Stiles said. “Feelings are temporary, even the really big ones. Suicide is forever. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” UMatter Another resource available to students is UMatter. The program helps students navigate challenges and connect with campus resources and support services. Abbie Austin, a case manager
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN EDITORIAL staff
with UMatter holding a master’s degree in social work, said students may experience changes in behavior that could indicate they are struggling, including withdrawing from peers, not attending classes or acting differently than usual. “Students may be most open with friends.” Austin said. “Students may also make comments or jokes about harming themselves or others.” William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education The William Magee Center provides resources and support related to substance use and recovery. The center also offers services revolving around student wellness and addiction recovery. One service is WellChats, which gives students the opportunity to have productive and supportive conversations with the assistant director of student support, Katherine Brown. “WellChats are aimed at supporting students’ wellness needs, like mental health or adapting to college life,” the website reads. “WellChats are designed to connect students to helpful resources, create wellness goals, and offer support and accountability along the way.” Office of Confidential Advocacy The Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support and Educa-
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tion (CASE) specializes in helping students who have experienced traumatic events regarding interpersonal relationship violence. CASE has resources for students who have experienced intimate partner violence, otherwise known as domestic abuse, as well as sexual assault, stalking, cyberstalking and predatory drugs. “CASE strives to mitigate the impact of traumatic experiences by increasing access and awareness to empower the people we serve in making informed decisions,” CASE’s website reads. “We do this by providing free and confidential trauma-focused services.” Active Minds Active Minds is a student-led initiative dedicated to providing sup-
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an amendment to Chapter 22 (Building) of Oxford’s Municipal Code of Ordinances, which calls to include demolition without a permit as a misdemeanor. Persons convicted of the misdemeanor would be ordered to pay a fine no less than $500 but no more $1,000.
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port for those struggling with their mental health, while also spreading awareness of mental health needs in the campus community. “Our chapter is a student-led group that works to fundraise for resources, educate on the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and encourage those who are struggling to reach out and seek help,” an Active Minds statement on the ForUM reads. “We aim to address the stigma surrounding mental health and spread awareness on campus and in the community.”
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PAGE 4 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026
Pulling back the curtain on Ole Miss theatre
GRACIE HUDSON A&C Staff Writer
When the lights go down and the curtains are drawn up, the audience sees the actors, costumes and set. What they do not see, however, are the months of work that make shows possible. Long before an actor steps onto the stage, students, faculty and staff in the University of Mississippi Department of Theatre and Film dedicate months to painting sets, creating props and designing hair and makeup for a single show. Combined, their work is what brings a story to life. Harley Baker, a sophomore pursuing a B.F.A. in theatre arts with an emphasis on design and production, has been involved in theatre since the third grade. Originally, she performed on stage, but she later realized her passion for theatre was with design. “Transitioning from doing things on the stage to participating in things behind the scenes was a hard transition, but I’ve always known that I’ve loved to design for theatre,” Baker said. Now, Baker spends months designing the hair and makeup for theater productions at UM. She is currently working on looks for Tennessee William’s “The Glass Menagerie” and Brian Yorkey’s “Next to Normal.” Before actors ever take the stage in front of audiences, Baker meets with each actor to discuss the hair and makeup for his or her character, and she walks the actor through creating a unique
look to fit the character’s style. While hair and makeup may seem like a small part of a production, Baker sees them as an integral part of telling a character’s story. “Makeup and hair are like the cherry on top,” Baker said. “You can have everything else in a show, and if it’s lacking the everyday appearance of a character, you can’t truly follow the storyline of said character.” For a fall show, designing and assembling sets, as well as creating costumes, can begin as early as March or April. For spring productions, these processes begin around August or September. Adriana McDonald, a junior pursuing a B.F.A. in theatre arts with an emphasis in design and production, has experienced the preparation process from several different positions. She has worked as a scenic paint charge, props assistant, assistant stage manager and student worker in the props shop. Currently, McDonald is the assistant scenic designer for “Come From Away” and a prop maker for “The Glass Menagerie.” She is also beginning the scenic design process for “As You Like It.” Much of McDonald’s work takes place in the scenic shop, where she works with designers and other students to turn ideas into something audiences will eventually see onstage. For “Come From Away,” McDonald has been leading a student team to make wooden flats look like wooden planks, a detail that requires careful measuring, painting and layering to create the fin-
ished look. It is this kind of detailed work that she has grown to love. “I love being able to organize and help people do what they love on and off the stage,” McDonald said. McDonald’s interest in theatre began when she was a sophomore in high school at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis. As a stage manager for the school’s productions, she developed a love for the production process. She originally decided to study interior architecture and attended Marist College in Florence, Italy for two years. Still, in the cradle of the Renaissance, she kept seeing posters for shows around the city and realized her heart remained in theatre. McDonald transferred to the University of Mississippi and joined the Department of Theatre and Film, where she was encouraged to pursue scenic design. “I’m still so grateful that I get to do something I love that provides so much joy for others,” McDonald said. For both Baker and McDonald, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching months of work finally come together. “My absolute favorite moment while working on a production is during tech week, when a run of the show ties everything we’ve all worked on individually into a final product,” McDonald said. After spending months working on a character’s appearance, something as small as a missing eyelash can stand out, Baker said. “I notice the small things like a bad wig or weird makeup placement,” Baker said. “If
t a s a a s i t c
u f Members of the Ole Miss Theatre and Film Department prepare sett decor on Sept. 9 in the Fulton Chapel.I f something is missing that I’ve the foundation that the production e been working on for a long time, stands on, and they provide for s I will notice it immediately.” everyone, from dramaturg’s exper- 2 McDonald, mean- tise to directors guiding actors or while, watches the set. scenic, lighting and sound creating O “When I sit in the audience a unique space,” McDonald said. t and watch a show I’ve worked on, By opening night, every set, u I always notice the small details prop and carefully designed de- h or methods used to paint the set,” tail has come together to cre- a McDonald said. “I love being able ate the world onstage. The au- a to see the difference between the dience may never know how s paint at a distance and how it com- much work went into those de- c bines with all the design elements tails, but it is the small details h to create a well-polished set.” that make the story come alive. Behind-the-scenes work also “The actors, directors, stage c requires trust and collaboration. managers and producers all make w Throughout the process, designers the foundation, but the design- e work with directors, actors and oth- ers make the show complete,” i er members of the production team. Baker said. “You wouldn’t have j “We all work together to make the unity and harmony that a the show look the way it needs to, show has without the designers.” and without us, you wouldn’t have a visual story to tell,” Baker said. For McDonald, the peoCONTACT THE A&C DESK AT ple behind the scenes are the thedmfeatures@gmail.com foundation of any production. “People behind the scenes are GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Oxford stores forecast game day fashion BRIDGET MCGUIRE A&C Staff Writer
Months before Ole Miss Football fans fill Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, boutiques on the Square are already preparing for the football season and all the fashion trends that the season will require. Game day preparation for retailers in Oxford begins in February. Store owners and managers study upcoming trends, learn the Ole Miss football schedule, attend clothing markets and adjust staff scheduling in anticipation of the economic boom that hits Oxford every fall. For Anna Gibson, owner of boutique Vivian Mae, preparing for game weekends means ensuring her store is full of unique merchandise. Considering the ever-changing nature of fashion trends in SEC culture, finding a place for a product is vital for its success. Vivian Mae, a clothing store on the Square near Van Buren Avenue, specializes in dresses for every occasion, from date night to game day. New merchandise appears early in the week, with fresh pieces hitting the racks on Wednesday and Thursday as game day traffic builds. “I like to keep our floor very fresh,” Gibson said. “Even if people have walked by Vivian Mae five or six times during the week, I’d really love for them to see something new.”
Setting aside new products for incoming consumers brings more traffic and attention to the business. Vivian Mae also schedules additional employees during busier hours of the day, and the store may remain open later if customers are still shopping. “We stay open until the last customer finishes shopping,” Gibson said. Gibson also looks for ways to distinguish Vivian Mae from the many boutiques around the Square, especially in regard to weekly fashion fluctuations. She communicates with vendors about the popularity of certain clothing pieces within the Oxford area and tends to carry more unique pieces that are less common in other Oxford boutiques. Stores also face unpredictable changes throughout the season. Fashion trends fade, kickoff times vary by week and temperatures rise and fall. Even the 2025 departure of former head coach Lane Kiffin caused businesses to take a hit. “I knew that I had to change the merchandise out in my store, and I had to change the buttons, if we were going to get a new coach,” Gibson said. “The second I knew that (Pete) Golding was the new coach, I had to place new game day button orders with his theme on it.” A similar pattern plays out at Hinton & Hinton, an upscale retailer on the Square. Manager Laura Ivins said the store begins
purchasing game day merchandise for the upcoming season as early as January, requiring staff to anticipate trends and customer desires long before the first kickoff. “We always shop our brands that we carry consistently,” Ivins said. “We start there first, and a lot of them will work with us — if they don’t have red or they don’t have powder blue or navy, we can usually talk them into making it for us.” Predicting demand, however, is much more complex than simply looking at past sales. While the retailer does use sales reports to study what brands and products perform well, Ivins said that retailer buying requires instinct as well. “A lot of our buying is based on gut and the art of buying,” Ivins said. “It’s not all scientific.” The buying process revolves around balancing established brands in Oxford with merchandise that customers will not find at other stores. The store also reorganizes merchandise based on the designated game day colors and the ever-rotating SEC fashion cycle. “It’s fun that customers and fans really get behind the color suggestions,” Ivins said. “Everybody here puts a lot of effort into being a part of the community when it comes to the colors and supporting the team.” At Neilson’s Department Store, co-owner Amanda Hyneman said the process of preparing for the football season is
MADISON TWIDDY / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Hinton & Hinton storefront
not entirely predictable. The university’s designated game day colors play a major role in those decisions. Buyers anticipate demand for red, powder blue and navy clothing months before the official football schedule is even released. Neilson’s also focuses on catering to customers of all ages. The department store relies on buyers across various generations to determine what could appeal to the wide range of customers. “I’ve got young buyers, and I’ve got myself,” Hyneman said. “We work together, and we bounce ideas off each other because we’re in two totally different age brackets.” Intergenerational collaboration builds Neilson’s appeal to students, alumni and parents alike, while also allowing the store to maintain
a wide selection of merchandise beyond game day clothing. “We don’t want to be a game day store,” Hyneman said. “We’re going to have game day (clothing) for people, but we also want to have fall merchandise.” Hyneman said football season brings the store’s highest inventory levels of the whole year. “Back a long time ago, (the busiest time) would be Christmas,” Hyneman said. “But now, it’s definitely football.”
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THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 5
What do UM students say to splurge on? TAF FLANDERS AND TAYLOR HILL A&C Editors
Students at the University of Mississippi study hard and party hard — and deserve to treat themselves to a nice purchase every now and then. Ole Miss students splurge on a number of items, from beauty products to electronics, to make their college journeys enjoyable. Skin care As “beauty guru” makeup culture on the internet fades, non-makeup beauty products are on the rise. In fact, skin care was the fastest-growing sales category in high-end beauty stores during the first half of 2026, according to Circana. For some students in Oxford, premium formulas that enhance the skin’s natural beauty are worth the high price tag. Alexis Wilks, a freshman sports management from Oxford, said she has splurged on selfcare products that improve her health and appearance. “I say healthcare or selfcare and beauty items (are what I splurge on), because everyone likes to feel good, so it’s okay to splurge on yourself just a little bit,” Wilks said.
Many students value simple self-care items, such as beauty and hygiene products. Senior pharmaceutical sciences major Gabrielle Funches from Ridgeland, Miss. believes that this is the best way to spend your extra money. “Personally, I always feel like it’s good to splurge my money on hygiene products,” Funches said. “I feel like you can’t go wrong buying the most expensive things to smell good, honestly.” Laptops Students can seldom find a course that does not require some sort of technology to access assignments and grades. Although much more expensive than a high-end perfume or lotion, computers are an option, too. Nicholas Cochran, a pharmaceutical bio molecular sciences graduate student from Slidell, La., said a computer is exactly the type of product students should not cheap out on. “I would say something that is definitely worth the splurge is a computer, especially because (with) a crappy computer, you’re going to lose your information . . . , and it’s going to break apart easily,” Cochran said.
Portable fans For some students, simple, day-to-day items are still worthy of a splurge. Destiny Frieson, a senior psychology major from Oxford, Miss., thinks portable electric fans are the best splurge for Mississippians. “Living in Mississippi, … something to me that is absolutely worth the splurge is a nice fan,” Frieson said. “You want me to give you my $20 fan, and you would give me a million dollars? OK, sure, take it, because I could buy more fans.” Walking shoes Living in a walkable city also means you need a good pair of shoes. Whether students are walking around campus or the Square, comfortable walking shoes are essential. For senior integrated marketing communications major student Taylor Lindsey from Walls, Miss., this is especially true. “I think a good pair of shoes (would be what I would spend money on), especially right now because of walking around campus, and I’m on campus more these days,” Lindsey said. “I’d splurge on some Brooks (shoes) right now.”
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Blankets For nights in, whether you are studying or watching a movie, maximizing the comfort of your own home (or dorm) feels worth the splurge. Eliana Saab, a freshman civil engineering student from Mobile, Ala., had stellar reviews of blankets from Cozy Earth, which range in price from $88 to $278. “Worth the splurge has got to be the Cozy Earth blanket,” Saab said. “It is the coziest thing in the world to snuggle up with, and it keeps you pretty cool.” Football tickets What students choose to spend discretionary income on will always come down to individual preferences. Regardless of what your splurge is, the most important thing to consider is whether you
will gain a positive experience from what you spend money on. Jordan Van Tassel, a Psychology major from Orange county, finds that especially important. “I would definitely say football tickets,” Tassel said “The experience of the Grove and being in the Vaught and seeing a football game is a once in a lifetime thing you can only do when you’re a student here.”
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PAGE 6 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 7
The return of Lane: Timeline of Kiffin’s divisive coaching history
COOPER FERGUSON Sports Staff Writer
Lane Kiffin’s career has been defined by controversy. From leaving Tennessee after only a season to getting fired at the airport by USC, Kiffin’s name has lingered in headlines for years. His departure from Ole Miss for LSU last season added yet another chapter to his divisive career path. Oakland Raiders (2007-08) In 2007, Kiffin became the youngest head coach in NFL history. In his first season, the Raiders went 4-12. They had doubled their win total from the year before, but cracks were already beginning to form between Kiffin and team owner Al Davis. The two disagreed on some major decisions, namely Davis’ selection of LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the Raiders’ first pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. Kiffin preferred Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. In the 2008 season, Kiffin was fired after the Raiders began the year 1-3. “It hurts because I picked the guy. I picked the wrong guy,” Davis said. “I think he conned me like he conned all you people.” Tennessee (2009-2010) Kiffin rebounded from his time with the Raiders quickly. He was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers. He headed to Knoxville, Tenn., with a great deal of anticipation, though what was to follow would be even messier than his divorce with the Raiders. Kiffin’s Volunteers went 7-6 in his lone season at the helm, but his outspoken manner throughout the season frequently earned Kiffin mentions in headlines. For example, Kiffin accused Florida head coach Urban Meyer of recruiting violations in his opening press conference. Kiffin’s aggressive manner in the press made him a polarizing figure among Volunteer fans. Despite winning more games with Kiffin, comments by former Volunteer players and other teams in the SEC made it difficult for some
Tennessee fans to support him. On Jan. 12, 2010, Kiffin accepted the head coaching job at USC after only one season with Tennessee. What ensued in the following hours has been cemented in Tennessee Football lore. Students and fans were shocked and angered by Kiffin’s betrayal. Fans, assuming Kiffin might try to make a hasty getaway, gathered outside the facility in an attempt to prevent vehicles from entering or exiting. Some fans even lit a mattress on fire. “It was like a mini riot,” one Tennessee student said, recounted in Rocky Top Insider’s “All Hell Broke Loose,” an oral history of the events following Kiffin’s departure. This was the second event in a pattern that is still seen in Kiffin’s career. A hyped-up hire turns into a brief period marked by tumult and marginal success. Then, Kiffin departs for a new team, demoralizing fans and leaving chaos in his wake. USC (2010-13) Kiffin took over for legendary head coach Pete Carroll at USC in 2010. He inherited recruiting sanctions and a postseason ban but still propelled the Trojans to a 10-2 record in his second season in Los Angeles. The Trojans entered 2012 as the AP No.1 team in the nation. However, USC ended 2012 with a 7-6 record. The next season, the Trojans got off to a 3-2 start, and following the team’s second loss, a 62-41 beatdown at Arizona State, 62-41, Kiffin was fired. While the headline was that Kiffin was told he had lost his job on the tarmac, the truth was that the layoff happened in a private room inside the airport terminal. Alabama (2014-16) Next, Kiffin accepted the offensive coordinator role for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide, allowing him to rebuild his reputation outside of the spotlight that comes with being a head coach. He became a key part of the Tide’s success, helping the team reach the College Football Playoff in each of his first two seasons.
Kiffin was a finalist for the Broyles Award, which is presented to the best assistant coach in college football, in 2014. In 2015, Alabama won the National Championship. Shortly before Alabama’s matchup with Clemson in the 2017 National Championship, Kiffin accepted the head coach position at FAU. He did not coach in the National Championship for the Tide, leading to a mostly peaceful but still controversial departure. Florida Atlantic (2017-19) Accepting the head coaching job at FAU, a program in the Conference USA, helped get eyes off of Kiffin for a few years. Of course, Kiffin’s antics still brought media attention to the Owls. Immediately upon signing his deal with the Owls, Kiffin brought in former Florida State quarterback De’Andre Johnson to bolster his ranks. Johnson had been dismissed from his past team due to a circulating video of him assaulting a woman. Johnson was charged with battery following the incident. Kiffin led the Owls to two Conference USA titles and two Boca Raton Bowl victories, doubling the program’s total bowl game wins. Kiffin departed with a record of 26-13 in what was the quietest exit of his career. Ole Miss (2019-2025) Following his success at FAU, Kiffin came back to the SEC to lead Ole Miss Football. After a 5-5 finish in his first season, Kiffin brought Ole Miss into the national conversation in his second season by leading the Rebels to 10 wins and an appearance in the 2021 Sugar Bowl. In 2023, Kiffin’s Rebels defeated Penn State in the Peach Bowl, and Ole Miss nearly earned a playoff berth in 2024. However, success hides controversy well. Kiffin was undeniably a winner in Oxford, but many around the university and its fan base were unsure how to feel about their coach off the field. Still loud in the media and always seeming to catch headlines, Kiffin frequently engaged in disputes with other SEC coaches,
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Lane Kiffin even going so far as to attribute Auburn’s struggles to Hugh Freeze’s constant golfing. Still, Ole Miss was winning games, and most concerns about Kiffin remained minor until 2025, in what would turn out to be Kiffin’s final season in Oxford. When Florida fired Billy Napier in the middle of the 2025 season, Kiffin’s name entered the conversation immediately. Then, when LSU fired Brian Kelly, Kiffin’s name came up again. Rather than shutting down the rumors, Kiffin played into the news with every press conference. After finishing the 2025 regular season 11-1 with an Egg Bowl victory over Mississippi State, Kiffin still did not give a clear answer about his future job. “I’ve got a lot of praying I’ll do (about my role) tomorrow,” Kiffin said in the postgame press conference after the Egg Bowl. The night of the Egg Bowl victory, Kiffin met with Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter and Chancellor Glenn Boyce to discuss his future with the program. Kiffin finally announced his choice to head to LSU on Nov. 30, 2025, though he expressed his desire to coach the Rebels through the playoffs. He made a statement claiming
that the players stood with him and wanted to honor his wish to stay for the playoffs. However, multiple players, including current center Brycen Sanders, stated on X that the team did not want Kiffin to stay throughout the postseason. Rebel fans gathered at the University-Oxford Airport as Kiffin and some of his staff headed for their plane to Baton Rouge, La.. The large crowd loudly expressed its anger. For the first time, Kiffin was not getting fired, nor was he leaving a team that was middle of the pack. He had finally brought a team to the top, but rather than staying and trying to lead the program to the championship, Kiffin jumped ship once again. To make matters worse, Kiffin attempted to poach Ole Miss’ staff and players on his way out the door, further jeopardizing the Rebels’ success in the College Football Playoff. Kiffin now gets another shot in Baton Rouge, La., to break the cycle. However, history suggests otherwise: Wherever Lane goes, destruction follows.
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Rebel football’s rivalry with LSU begins new chapter ISAAC SCHEER
Sports Staff Writer
The No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels will face their toughest opponent yet this season when they kick off against the No. 7 LSU Tigers at home on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. This is a must-win matchup with major playoff implications for the Rebels. The entire college football world will be watching. The Tigers will come to Oxford with an extremely talented roster. Quarterback and ASU transfer Sam Leavitt leads the team. On3 ranked him as the No. 1 player in the portal. Though he has not had a perfect start to his season, he has shown flashes of greatness, especially due to his rushing ability. In his first game as a Tiger, Leavitt had two rushing touchdowns and helped LSU defeat Clemson 51-10. Then, in LSU’s 45-14 victory over Louisiana Tech last Saturday, Leavitt rushed for three more touchdowns. Leavitt’s mobility may present a problem for the Rebels. Against Charlotte, the Rebels were able to limit 49er starting quarterback Cole Gonzales to just six rushing yards. However, against a talented Louisville team in Week 1, quarterback Lincoln Kienholz had 69 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Ole Miss fans may remember when Arkansas dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green threw for 305 yards and ran for 115 yards against the Rebels last season. Head coach Pete Golding’s defense has struggled against mobile quarterbacks in the past, and the defense has not changed schematically since he took over as head coach.
While Leavitt is great with his feet, his arm is slightly inconsistent, and it has been arguably one of the Tigers’ biggest weaknesses. Leavitt also struggles with interceptions. This season, he is tied for the most interceptions in college football with four. If the Rebel defense can contain Leavitt on the ground and generate enough pressure to force him into difficult throws, Ole Miss could generate turnovers. The Rebels intercepted the 49ers once last week, though they have dropped a few would-be INTs through two weeks. The secondary has been shaky to begin the season. If they want to capitalize on opportunities against a stronger LSU team, Rebel defensive backs will need to step up their game. The Tigers present an even bigger challenge on the other side of the ball. Through the first two weeks, the Tiger defense has been one of the most elite units in the country. LSU’s defense allows the fewest yards per game in the country at just 142.5. Additionally, the Tigers have 11 sacks, which is second most in the country. It is important to note that the Tigers have tallied these numbers against relatively weak opponents. Louisiana Tech and Clemson are not on the same level as SEC teams. This will be the Tigers’ first true test against a difficult opponent, as well as their first road test under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Indeed, perhaps the biggest threat of all comes from the Tigers’ coaching staff. Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. understand the Rebels extremely well. Both coach-
es were with Ole Miss last year and helped establish the Rebel offense’s high-tempo identity. “Obviously the former players and all the former coaches and the relationships that you’ve had (are important),” Golding said in a press conference on Tuesday. “That’s not unique to one game anymore. It’s still going to be no different when we play Missouri, right?” When Missouri comes to town in October, they will bring former Rebels Austin Simmons, Cayden Lee and Chris Graves Jr. This weekend, Princewill Umanmielen, Winston Watkins Jr. and Devin Harper will return to Oxford. However, Golding acknowledged the exceptional circumstances around the game. “This will be unique. Their head ball coach recruited a lot of these guys and all that is on the opposing side,” Golding said. “They know it’s a Top-10 matchup and regardless who we play, you play a Top-10 team in this league, if you don’t prepare really well and practice really well and play your best game, you’re probably not going to win the game.” Kiffin likely knows that quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will frequently look to dump the ball off to running back Kewan Lacy, both in situations when the Rebels need yards and in high-pressure moments. If Lacy is limited, either the other running backs will need to step up or Chambliss will have to throw the ball more. Against Charlotte, Chambliss was only sacked once, but to allow him more time to analyze his options — and more time for the routes to develop
PHOTO COURTESY: OLE MISS ATHLETICS
Nick Cull runs to the end zone after an interception in the game against Charlotte in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Sept. 12. downfield — the offensive line will need a considerable effort. New starting left tackle Terez Davis has looked decent through two games, as has the rest of the offensive line. As a whole, the unit has not played poorly, but it will need to be at its best this Saturday. The Cardinals did not sack Chambliss in Week 1; however, that was more thanks to Chambliss’ elite scrambling ability than it was stellar offensive line play. The 49ers managed to sack Chambliss once. The offensive line has struggled to create gaps for Lacy and the other running backs. Ole Miss rushers have totaled 313 yards, 4.3 per attempt, this season. Lacy and the rest of the rushers have not been able to generate many explosive plays, due in large part to the fact that the offensive line allows defenders to get into the backfield so frequently. In terms of health, the offensive line may not be at its best. Kinsler did not play against Charlotte; Connor Howes took his place after Kinsler left the
Louisville game with an injury. Overall, the Rebels have worked for months to prepare for this matchup, but more than statistics will influence the outcome of the game. With ESPN’s College Gameday hosting its weekly show from the Grove and all of the drama surrounding Kiffin’s return to Oxford, the Rebels need to remain focused. Golding has made it abundantly clear all season that it is not a “Kiffin vs. Golding” matchup, but an LSU Tigers vs. Ole Miss Rebels matchup. Still, there is no denying that the threat of the past looms large. If the Rebels can secure a win, this could finally be the chance for not just players, but the whole Rebel fan base, to finally put the past behind them and prepare for a future free from Kiffin.
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Column: Neither the Rebels nor the Tigers are in top shape for Week 3 WILSON ENGERISER Sports Staff Writer
Entering the season, the Ole Miss vs. LSU rivalry was one of the most-talked-about storylines in college football. With narratives involving Lane Kiffin’s villain arc and Pete Golding’s stature as a head coach, this year’s Magnolia Bowl will hold the nation’s attention. The Rebel defense comes into Week 3 struggling, while the Tigers offense has not looked particularly sharp, despite scoring 40 or more points in both games to begin the season. Both Ole Miss and LSU have had rocky starts to the season. LSU beat Clemson 51-10 in Week 1. This seemed like complete domination of a good team; however, Clemson followed up that loss by struggling to
a 22-7 win over Georgia Southern. This is clearly not the lauded Clemson program whose players competed for National Championships and Heisman Trophies in recent years. This win by LSU seems far less impressive now — but, at the time, it definitely hyped LSU up. In Week 2, the Tigers beat LA Tech 45-14. However, LSU only led 10-7 at halftime. LSU’s quarterback, Sam Leavitt, was mainly responsible for the putrid halftime score with a very poor second quarter. An LSU receiver fumbled on the Tigers’ first drive of the second quarter; Leavitt then threw interceptions on the next three drives. After the game, Leavitt discussed how the LA Tech game will help improve the Tigers’ focus.
PHOTO COURTESY: OLE MISS ATHLETICS
Jaylon Braxton celebrates after a play against Charlotte in VaughtHemingway Stadium on Sept. 12.
“I think it’s a reality check,” Leavitt said after the game on Saturday. “We definitely need to practice better (and) practice harder. (I am) really upset at myself. (Those interceptions) can’t happen.” These struggles strike at the root of LSU’s main concern: Can Leavitt play well? LSU landed their esteemed quarterback transfer from Arizona State in the offseason, yet he has not lived up to his reported NIL deal of $4.5 million. He is a dual-threat quarterback and can certainly run well; however, his threat in the passing game is often due to the other team’s poor defense rather than his own abilities or those of his receivers. Through two games so far, Leavitt has thrown two touchdowns and four interceptions. His rushing talent carries his game — he has run for 135 yards and five touchdowns so far. The Ole Miss defense has struggled to contain running quarterbacks, as evidenced by Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz’s 69 rushing yards in Week 1. However, college football is a week-by-week sport, and anything can happen any Saturday. Ole Miss and LSU have formed an almost interconnected relationship between the players and coaches that have shifted between the schools. What this matchup will come down to is how Leavitt and the LSU offense stack up against the Ole Miss defense. Quarterback Trini-
dad Chambliss and running back Obviously, the Rebels will Kewan Lacy will not lose the game want to limit the explosiveness of for the Rebels, nor will the LSU the LSU offense in the Magnolia defense win the game for the Ti- Bowl. We will all have to wait until gers. The deciding factor, instead, Saturday night in Vaught-Hemwill be which unit can step up and ingway Stadium to see whether make plays when needed — the Ti- the Ole Miss defense will step ger offense or the Rebel defense? up and notch another landmark Through two games, Ole Miss victory or suffer a major defeat. has not played spectacular defense and head coach Pete Golding harped on the secondary’s struggles in his postgame press conference following the Charlotte win. “We’re going to continue trying to find five guys in the back end who do s--t right, because right now, we don’t have five,” Golding said. The secondary has looked confused in both games. On multiple occasions, two players have ended up covering the same man, allowing the opposing offenses to take deep shots. Golding’s defense did cut down on the amount of explosive plays allowed against Charlotte; this was a vast improvement from Week 1 against Louisville. In the postgame press conference, Golding revisited the Louisville game and described why limiting explosive plays is so important. “(We are focusing on) eliminating the explosive plays. We had 12 explosive plays (allowed) last week for 340 yards,” Golding said. “I mean, it’s hard to beat GREYSON HOWARD / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN anybody that way, and to beat CONTACT THE SPORTS DESK AT a Top-25 team, that’s tough.” thedmsports@gmail.com
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 9
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REAGAN TAYLOR
Ole Miss and LSU position-to-position
Assistant Sports Editor
The No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels will host the No. 7 LSU Tigers on Sept. 19 in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for one of the most talked-about matches of the year. With familiarity and turnover between the two teams, there is plenty to breakdown at each position to see who holds the advantage. Quarterback Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is the clear winner of this comparison. Chambliss has totaled 561 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception through two games. This season, LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has just two passing touchdowns to four interceptions. Since Leavitt is a transfer from Arizona State, this is his first year in a new system. He is still adjusting to playing under head coach Lane Kiffin. “I remember watching him back at Arizona State. (I noticed) his athletic ability there,” Golding said. “He’s got a big arm. I think the experience is there. He’s taken a team to the playoffs before coming off the injury. There’s a lot of questions of how well would he really move, and he moves really well.” Despite turnover on the Rebel offensive staff, Chambliss is in his second season of running the Ole Miss offense and looks just as good as he did in 2025. Running backs LSU’s running back core features Dillon Jones, Harlem Berry and Caden Durham. Jones leads the way for the Tigers with 179 yards on 41 carries. Berry and Durham have combined for 10 carries and only 14 yards. For the Rebels, Kewan Lacy
RUSS EDDINS Sports Editor
Ole Miss Football will play in one of its most anticipated games in program history on Saturday. Not only is this the first game between the Rebels and the Tigers since last season’s coaching change, but this matchup has College Football Playoff implications and could define the Ole Miss season. This Week 3 showdown is just as critical off the field as it is on the field — for the rest of the season and beyond. With numerous narratives surrounding this game, it can be easy to forget that this is both teams’ first conference game of the season.
leads the backfield with 148 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. Rotational back Mahki Frazier has 38 yards on nine carries, and JT Lindsey has eight carries for 28 yards. The Ole Miss backfield seems to have the upper hand in this matchup because of its depth, physicality and proven ability to get more yards on fewer carries. Offensive line The Rebels have returned crucial players on the offensive line like Delano Townsend, Patrick Kutas and Brycen Sanders. They also added a major portal piece in Tommy Kinsler IV. The Tiger offensive line has great line-ofscrimmage control but allowed five sacks against Louisiana Tech. The Rebels have allowed just one sack this season. Since the Rebels have a more seasoned and consistent offensive line, Ole Miss has slight leverage in this position group. Tight ends LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green has 10 catches for 162 receiving yards and one touchdown through two games for the Tigers. Green is considered one of the best tight ends in the country. For the Rebels, Caleb Odom did not play against Charlotte but had three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. His status is not confirmed for LSU, so he may not play. Luke Hasz has just three catches for 17 yards. The Tigers are more dominant at the tight end position. Wide receivers Deuce Alexander headlines the Ole Miss wide receiver group. He is the main returner for the Rebels and is off to a hot start with 13 receptions for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Horatio Fields and Caleb Cunningham have also contributed to the Rebel receiver group,
but questions around depth still surround Ole Miss pass catchers. Jackson Harris is the main deep target for the Tigers. He has totaled four catches for 112 yards this season. LSU also can rely on Eugene Wilson III, who has 10 receptions for 128 yards. The Tigers seem to have figured out their wide receiver depth earlier than Ole Miss. Former Rebel Winston Watkins followed Kiffin to LSU. He is an integral part of the Tiger offense. He has 12 receptions for 153 so far this season. “Winnie’s a huge part of their offense. He very rarely comes off the field. (They) use him in multiple different ways,” Golding said. “Moving him around from a priority passing standpoint and taking shots, so he’s a big, big piece of that offense.” Defensive line The Ole Miss defensive line is a very strong and talented unit. The unit has already proven it is capable of stopping the run, although there have been moments when the defensive line has not been able to pressure the quarterback. Transfer Princewill Umanmielen is the main producer for LSU’s defensive line. Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson are younger members of the LSU defensive line, but they have already made significant impacts with two tackles, a forced fumble and four quarterback pressures. This battle is still up in the air. Both teams beefed up their defensive lines through the portal. This Week 3 matchup could come down to which line can outperform the other. Secondary The Ole Miss secondary has struggled heavily to begin the 2026 season. The Rebels have
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Trinidad Chambliss makes a pass in the game against Charlotte in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Sept. 12. allowed numerous chunk plays because of missed tackles and broken coverages. The Rebels will return fall camp standout Sharif Denson, who missed the first two games due to injury, against LSU. He should make a significant impact on the secondary. On the other hand, the Tiger secondary is among the best in the country. The unit has a great ability to break up passes because of taller players like DJ Pickett and Dashawn Spears. LSU also has lots of experience and depth in the secondary. Linebackers Whit Weeks and Ole Miss transfer TJ Dottery lead LSU at linebacker. Weeks and Dottery have lots of SEC experience. The Tiger linebackers have clicked quickly, with Dottery having already forced two fumbles against Louisiana Tech. Ole Miss has star hybrid returner Suntarine Perkins in the linebacker group, alongside transfers Luke Ferrelli, Keaton Thomas and Tah’j Butler. While this group also has lots of experience, it is still piecing things together and learning how to gel as a unit.
More than a game: What’s at stake for Ole Miss vs. LSU
Current LSU head coach Lane Kiffin brought many improvements to Ole Miss during his time with the Rebels. The program saw unparalleled amounts of success when he was head coach. However, everyone also saw just how stellar Golding’s first offseason in Kiffin’s place went. Golding brought in the No. 2 portal class, and the Rebels’ class of 2027 recruiting class is currently No. 14, so Ole Miss is faring well without Kiffin so far. Since most Rebels did not follow Kiffin to LSU, many players from the Kiffin era remain on the Ole Miss roster, which fuels the narrative that Kiffin built the 2026 Ole Miss Football team. Beating
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Punter Oscar Bird, kicker Lucas Carneiro and long snapper Caleb Blankenship
LSU would debunk that notion. While Kiffin was a reason for the Rebels’ success in the past six years, Ole Miss will look to prove that he has nothing to do with its success going forward. Winning on Saturday will show that, outside of the Ole Miss and LSU matchup every other year, this team has nothing to do with Kiffin. If Ole Miss loses to LSU, the idea that the Rebels cannot win without Kiffin will likely prevail, no matter how successful a season the Rebels have the rest of the way. Still, the focus for Golding and his team is on the game, not the outside noise. “We’ve got a mature enough group to understand that it’s going to be a hard football game. (LSU has) a really good football team,” Golding said in a press conference on Monday. “(The Tigers) have a good quarterback. (They) have good skill. (They are) really good on defense, but we have good players, too, and we’re about to prepare the right way this week.” An on-field storyline for this weekend is Ole Miss’ lack of intensity so far this season. Statistically, the offense is still fast-paced, but it has a slower feel compared to the offenses of recent years. While the unit has 41 points in both games this season, it still lacks explosiveness. If there was
ever a time for the high-octane Ole Miss offense to come back and reestablish itself for the rest of the season, it is this Saturday. “(The team will) be locked in. I think they’ll be focused,” Golding said. “Obviously, we have to do a good job as coaches to give them really good plans and put them in a good position to be able to have success, but if they can’t get up for this, we’re not going to allow them to play the game.” The team that prepares the best, pushes aside the outside distractions and makes the proper adjustments will win. Golding’s goal this week is to execute well in practice and set the Rebels up for success. “It’s like high school homecoming. If you focus on the wrong s--t, that homecoming dance ain’t very fun after you get your butt beat on a Friday night,” Golding said.“We have to make sure we’re doing everything right throughout the week to get the outcome that we want.” This is the first time both teams are ranked in the AP Poll Top 10 since 1962. The home team has won 12 of the last 14 games in this matchup. The past three games between the Rebels and the Tigers have been thrilling, intense matchups. Ole Miss won by six points in 2023, LSU snuck out an overtime win in
Kicker Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro is one of, if not the best, kicker in the country. His powerful leg is a major advantage for the Rebels. Against Charlotte, he knocked down a 57-yarder and has four total field goals on the year, including a game-winner against Louisville. LSU kicker Scott Starzyk is reliable for the Tigers. He has drilled every extra point this season, and has made four of five field goals, with his longest kick being a 47-yarder. Carneiro easily outshines Starzyk in this category.
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2024 and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led the way in the Rebels’ 5-point win a year ago. “It’s been a really good game every year that I’ve been here,” Golding said. “It’s come down to the last play pretty much every year, and one of those (went) to overtime. (The players are) excited for the opportunity to be on a national stage versus a really good football team.” The bottom line is that winning a close, tough game against a blue-blood football program would push the Rebels in the rankings and give them a strong resume win for the CFP. This is certainly more than just a run-of-the-mill Week 3 game. Whoever can execute better will come out on top, and that is what matters.
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THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 11
Greet Kiffin with silence, not chaos
With Kiffin now fully settled into his role at LSU, Ole Miss Football is embarking on a new era with Pete Golding as head coach. As we continue this journey under Golding’s leadership, it is time to leave the immaturity behind. MACKENZIE MCDARIES Opinion Editor
When Lane Kiffin returned to the University of Tennessee as the opposing coach for the first time since his abrupt
departure from the program in 2010, the Volunteer student section pelted him with mustard bottles, golf balls and beer cans. Tennessee fans littered the field, forcing a 20-minute halt in play.
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Rebels, is that realhow we want to be? For a school whose students pride themselves on attending the “classiest school in the SEC,” we sure did not show much class at the University-Oxford Airport last November, when students held up middle fingers and yelled insults as Kiffin left for Baton Rouge, La. With Kiffin now fully settled into his role at LSU, Ole Miss Football is embarking on a new era with Pete Golding as head coach. As we continue this journey under Golding’s leadership, it is time to leave the immaturity behind, even if Kiffin has not done so. We do not have to stoop to his level. We must move on. Trashing the field does nothing but rack up fines for our university, make custodial and maintenance employees’ lives harder and give dirt to LSU fans so that they can trash talk us on social media. Every time an Ole Miss fan posts about disliking LSU, Tiger fans immediately fill the comments with snarky remarks ly
along the lines of, “We live rentfree in your head.” Kiffin made it very clear through his dramatic exit that he thrives on media attention. There is no need for us to give Kiffin any more unnecessary publicity, nor to supply his fans more material with which they can demean us online. Today, as you encounter those dressed in purple and gold in the Grove, do not jeer or curse, and certainly do not jeer or curse when Kiffin makes his way onto the field. Remember that you are representing something larger than yourself — the University of Mississippi, which has given so much to so many of us — and act in a way that demonstrates the respectable nature of this institution. Rather than causing a ruckus, perhaps the student section could simply stay silent or give passive-aggressive applause when the Tigers come out to play; just think of how stunned the media, and Kiffin, would be if we did not display the anger they expect from us. Maybe we should all try one
of Kiffin’s favorite pastimes, hot yoga, to get our anger out (though it is unclear whether wellness is actually the reason he partakes in this pastime). Good luck on Saturday, Rebels, and Hotty Toddy! MacKenzie McDaries is a junior sociology and Arabic major from Murfreesboro, Tenn.
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Opinion Policies: Columns do not represent the views of The University of Mississippi or The Daily Mississippian. The Daily Mississippian welcomes letters to the editor, which should be emailed to thedmopinion@gmail.com. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. They may be edited for clarity, brevity and libel. Third-party letters and those with pseudonyms or no name will not be published. Letters are limited to one per individual per month. Letters should include contact information, including relationship to the university, if applicable.
PAGE 12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 17 SEPTEMBER 2026