THE Daily
Thursday, September 24, 2026
MISSISSIPPIAN theDMonline.com
FENCING COACH
NIL DISTRIBUTION
Retired professor continues to inspire a love of fencing among locals.
What is left for women’s teams after football, basketball and baseball?
SEE PAGE 4
SEE PAGE 5
‘They’re all scared’: Grief and unanswered questions surround deaths of UM students
Volume 115, No. 5
STUDENTS CAN SAVE LIVES Learn what to do in the event of a drug overdose. SEE PAGE 7
Trash and traffic overwhelm after LSU game DYLAN THOMAS
University News Editor
GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Students gather to pray at a vigil at the Alpha Tau Omega house on Sept. 23.
RAEGAN SETTLE Editor-in-Chief
The University of Mississippi confirmed the deaths of two students in an email to the campus community on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The causes of death are currently under investigation by law enforcement. The university declined to confirm or deny the names of the two students who died. The university did not comment on
why it had not released the students’ names or further information pertaining to student safety by the time of publication. Unnamed sources confirmed the students as 18-yearold Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colo., and 20-year-old Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta. Both students died on Monday, Sept. 21. Law enforcement dispatched to Stewart Hall on the University of Mississippi campus at 1:39 p.m., where they attempt-
The LSU and Ole Miss Football rivalry left its mark on the University of Mississippi’s campus and the town of Oxford this past weekend. The area saw bumper-to-bumper traffic, overflowing dumpsters and trash littering the Grove. The highly anticipated LSU game day weekend was predicted to bring in larger crowds than average home game weekends due to former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin’s dramatic exit from the program last season. These large crowds brought a high volume of foot traffic and left behind congested roadways and overflowing trash cans.
Tourism bureau Visit Oxford will release estimates for the number of visitors and economic impact of the LSU game day weekend by Friday, Sept. 25. “Saturday’s game day was an unprecedented event for our campus,” University of Mississippi Director of News and Media Relations Jacob Batte said. “The combination of College GameDay and the football game brought one of the largest crowds our campus has seen, with people arriving overnight and early Saturday morning and remaining in the Grove through and after the game.”
SEE LSU AFTERMATH PAGE 2
ed CPR on Hamilton. Strang was found dead at an off-campus house on Van Buren Avenue. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead addressed unconfirmed information regarding the number of student deaths and potential causes in the email. Speculative information has circulated in Facebook groups, message boards and various other social media platforms.
SEE STUDENT DEATHS PAGE 3
GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Ole Miss students taunt LSU fan in the Grove on Sept. 19.
ASB sustains presidential veto, attorney general not granted power of interpretation AKAYLA HUGHES News Staff Writer
Associated Student Body President OC Williford vetoed Senate Bill 26-14 to prohibit the ASB attorney general from gaining power of interpretation. The presidential veto was upheld at the ASB Formal Senate on Tuesday, Sept. 22 in the GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN Gertrude C. Ford Ole ASB Vice President Trey McKean addresses ASB senate in Miss Student Union. Williford vetoed SB the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union on Sept. 22. 26-14 after it passed at
the Sept. 1 formal senate meeting. The bill proposed revising Title (I), Section 107 of the ASB Code to give the ASB Attorney General the power of interpretation. SB 26-14 was brought into reconsideration and received 44 votes to uphold the veto. Three senators abstained from the vote. At the time it was presented, the bill received backlash from senators, who stated that giving the attorney general the power of interpre-
tation was unconstitutional and went against the checks and balances written into the ASB Code and Constitution. Williford vetoed the bill on the same grounds in a statement released to the senate on Sept. 11. Once a bill is passed by the ASB Senate, it must be signed by the committee chair, senate clerk and vice president within 72 hours. After that, the president has 10 days to veto the bill. If the bill is not vetoed within that time
frame, then it is considered passed officially. Whether the bill is passed or vetoed, the legislation will then be presented to the Dean of Students Bradley Baker, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead and Chancellor Glenn Boyce.
SEE ASB PAGE 3
PAGE 2 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
LSU AFTERMATH continued from page 1
The game day celebrations amassed record-breaking amounts of trash in the Grove and in the Circle, with cleanup efforts taking more than 17 hours. Cleaning up after a typical game day would only take about seven to nine hours. “The landscape services team in facilities management anticipated a large crowd and placed approximately 2,900 trash cans throughout the Grove and Circle, provided trash bags at individual tents and arranged for additional dumpsters, contractors and volunteer sup-
port,” Batte said. “Even with those preparations, the volume of waste was nearly double the previous record set in 2012.” Cleanup in the aftermath of the LSU game also extended through the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 21. Usually, cleanup efforts are fully wrapped up by Sunday evening. In a university email sent to the student body on Monday morning, the university explained the need for this extension. “However, the record-breaking crowd size, the volume of waste and debris, challenging heat and weather conditions and the sheer footprint of this weekend’s activities have necessitated a significantly larger campus-wide cleanup effort,”
the email said. “Together, these factors have extended the time needed to return campus to the condition our students, employees and visitors know and appreciate.” After the game ended, fans piled into their vehicles to travel home. However, due to the sheer volume of cars on the road, traffic was at a standstill for a period of time, according to some students. Lexie Hunsicker, a sophomore accountancy major from Jackson, Miss., dropped off her friend after the game and then drove herself home. On a normal night, this drive would have taken approximately 25 minutes. After the LSU game, it took her about two and a half hours.
“My commute was (lengthened) because of the traffic leading to the roundabout at Taylor Road,” Hunsicker said. “I also had to drop someone off and then get back to my apartment. That commute would only typically add about another 10 minutes, but it added over an hour.” Hunsicker also said that Mississippi Highway 6 and Whirlpool Drive were backed up. The Oxford Police Department planned to accommodate the larger crowds. Oxford Police Department Public Information Officer Breck Jones believes OPD executed its plans and felt that the department handled Saturday night’s events well. “Things never felt chaotic
on our end,” Jones said. “We felt prepared and were able to manage things as they came.” Jones also stated that the crowd numbers and behavior were consistent with what OPD had seen on past game day weekends. “The crowd was happy since the outcome of the game went Ole Miss’ way, so that was great to see,” Jones said. “It wasn’t overly rowdy, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. It was consistent with most other game weekends.”
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GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Twitch streamer Snark stopping by Uncle Jamie’s Hot Dog Cart on the Square on Sept. 20.
REESE JOHNSON/ THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
A man leans against an Oxford Police Department squad car on the Square on Sept. 19.
REESE JOHNSON/ THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
A crowd gathered outside of 4 Corners Chevron on Sept. 19.
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN EDITORIAL staff RAEGAN SETTLE editor-in-chief
CHANCE MARLOWE local news editor
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THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 3
STUDENT DEATHS
e o ” t continued from page 1 h n “We are aware that con.siderable unverified informaetion is circulating on social tmedia and in the community tregarding these recent stutdent deaths,” Mead said in ethe email. “The coroner’s ofdfice has confirmed two stuhdent deaths, and university ”police are not aware of any additional student deaths.” The University Police Department is working closely with the Oxford Police Department and the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office on the ongoing investigations. Suspected drug use and contamination The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit announced in a Sept. 22 statement that no confirmed evidence indicates that the two deaths are connected. The unit did, however, caution the public to avoid kratom. “Packaged kratom sold from a retail store was found during both investigations,” Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said. “Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.” The unit has not confirmed that kratom or other substances were contributing factors in the two student deaths. Coroner Glenn Coleman told the Clarion Ledger that toxicology tests and autopsies were ordered for Hamilton and Strang. He expects toxicology results to be completed in two to three weeks. Kratom is an herbal extract that acts as a stimulant in small amounts and a sedative in high doses, according to the Mayo Clinic. In cities and counties in Mississippi where kratom is legal, kratom can be purchased at convenience stores, CBD stores and specialized smoke and vape shops. The supplement is sold as a remedy for opioid withdrawal symptoms and is widely available in liquid, pill and powder forms. Kratom products lack clear labels disclosing their ingredients and potency.
ASB
continued from page 1 “The attorney general must be able to read, apply and provide guidance on the code in carrying out the responsibilities of the office,” Williford said in the statement on Sept. 11. “However, allowing an executive officer’s interpretation to become ASB Law crosses into a judicial function that, I believe, the constitution reserves for the judicial council.” The bill was originally brought forward by Chairman Paul Winfield II and President Pro Tempore Corey Kingery. Winfield still supports the bill and believes that the bill is not unconstitutional. “We also released a brief letter after the president’s veto,” Winfield said. “We, as authors of this bill,
RAEGAN SETTLE / THE DAILY MSSISSIPPIAN
The city of Oxford banned the sale of synthetic kratom in August 2019, followed by Lafayette County. “The use, purchase, possession, distribution, sale or offering for sale of kratom and other synthetic opioid products has been illegal throughout Lafayette County since January 2021,” Lafayette County said in a news release published on Sept. 23. Kratom is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The Drug Enforcement Administration calls it a drug of concern. Kratom use resulted in over 3,400 reports to poison control centers from 2014 to 2019, including reports of death. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said it will release any information that poses a public safety threat through official sources. Several fraternities and sororities at the University of Mississippi issued announcements to their members concerning the drug cychlorphine, a potent synthetic opioid that does not show up on standard fentanyl test strips. Such announcements urged members to avoid any unprescribed substances and to address suspected drug overdoses by administering naloxone. “Because it is invisible to common harm-reduction testing tools, emergency personnel and health agencies emphasize that if an overdose occurs, naloxone (Narcan) would never bring something to the floor that we believe was unconstitutional.” A vetoed bill can be revisited or revised if senators wish. Senate Bill 26-15, which proposed a revision to Title (II.c), Section 114 of the ASB Code, was unanimously approved. The bill’s purpose was to provide more clarification on the definitions of senate bills, resolutions and proclamations. Senate Resolution 26-2 proposed the introduction of the UM 10 student discount program and was unanimously approved. Partnering businesses that have enrolled will provide students with a 10% off their orders up to $50. Businesses partnered with the UM 10 include Uno Mas, a Mexican restaurant on the Square, and Oxford T-Shirt Company, a custom-made clothing store. Nominations of eight legislative aides, two board
must still be administered immediately. However, due to cychlorphine’s extreme potency, multiple consecutive doses of naloxone are frequently required to restore breathing,” the announcement distributed to several Greek organizations said. The presence of cychlorphine in the student deaths has not been confirmed by law enforcement at the time of publication. Many Greek organizations also cancelled social events scheduled for this week out of respect for the student deaths. Rafters, a bar on the Square in Oxford, closed for the evening of Sept. 22 in observance of the deaths. Students navigate grief and confusion Across the University of Mississippi, students are widely concerned about the lack of information provided by the university regarding the deaths and potential danger of substances like kratom. “I had to sit my students down and tell them that I’m here for them. I gave them some counseling support centers,” a graduate student said, who wished to remain anonymous over concern for professional repercussions. “I think there’s an element of shame in this. … During all drug overdoses, I think at universities, it’s shame and not really knowing how to approach the situation which I think results in not approaching it at all. I think
(that) can be just as harmful as approaching it badly.” Students made hundreds of posts on social media platforms expressing opinions, largely disparaging, of the university’s response to the students’ deaths. Many students took to Yik Yak to share their thoughts — a social media platform on which enrolled University of Mississippi students can make anonymous remarks. Darryl Harlan, a senior sociology and criminal justice double major from Pearl, Miss., serves as a resident assistant at Residential Hall 3. Harlan expressed difficulty answering questions from the students in his residence hall about the deaths and reported danger of kratom and other illicit substances. “The first thing that went through my mind was, ‘This is crazy,’ because I watch over kids all the time,” Harlan said. “It’s just hard to navigate when you don’t know what to tell your residents because they’re all scared. They don’t know what’s happening, but there’s nothing I can do.” The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity held a prayer vigil on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at their chapter facility. Approximately 150 students attended the vigil, along with local religious leaders. Neither Hamilton nor Strang were members of Alpha Tau Omega, but the chapter felt it necessary to provide a space for students to grieve.
Current Alpha Tau Omega chaplain Adam Spector, a junior biomedical engineering major from Brentwood, Tenn., said he wanted to bring unity to the community grieving the two deaths. “(Alpha Tau Omega) felt called to create a space for reflection, prayer and support for those affected by the events that have happened on our campus,” Spector said. “We recognize that grief touches each person differently, and we wanted to bring students, families and friends together in a spirit of compassion and unity.” Spector said his goal was to remember the students who died and to encourage meaningful conversations, promote healing and reaffirm a commitment to supporting every member of the campus community. “We pray for comfort, for grieving families and friends, strength for those affected by addiction and wisdom as we work together to foster a culture of care, awareness and compassion,” Spector said. The University Counseling Center and UMatter are available for free to students needing support. NewsWatch contributed
Ole Miss reporting.
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GAVIN GALLEGOS/ THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
ASB President Pro Tempore Corey Kingery delivers a report to senate members at their formal session on Sept. 22 inside the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union. members for ASB Secretary Caroline Croley, two justice department members and one judicial council member were unanimously confirmed. ASB also announced that homecoming elec-
tion tabling will take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 on the Union Plaza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
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PAGE 4 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
Fencing sharpens its place in Oxford CHARLIE SLUSHER A&C Staff Writer
Current head coach of the Oxford Fencers Club John “Doc” Matthews has been a pillar of the local fencing community since the late 1980s. However, Matthews first started fencing in junior college in his hometown of Jackson, Mich. “My friends wanted to go to Detroit once a month for fencing lessons with the master that was there,” Matthews said. “When I transferred to Central Michigan University, I started a fencing club. I was the coach with about four lessons behind me.” Matthews hung up his foil — the blunt, lightweight sword used in fencing — for a number of years to focus on his Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Georgia. In 1987, he moved to Oxford, where he taught biochemistry at the University of Mississippi’s School of Pharmacy for 36 years until retiring in 2013. At UM, Matthews has also taught two sections of EL 218: Advanced Fencing. “I started teaching that course in the late ‘90s, … and I taught the course fall and spring semester every year until 2025,” Matthews said. “I
taught it in 2024, and (the university) canceled the class.” The University of Mississippi Department of Campus Recreation implemented a strict no-weapons policy that put the Ole Miss fencing club and Matthews’ course under scrutiny. In response, Matthews argued that a fencing sword was less likely to cause injury than a sharpened pencil. “I described the tip of the sword as like the head of a nail,” Matthews said. “The lawyer I was talking to obviously has never built anything, because they thought I was talking about the point again. I said, ‘The blades are flexible, and there’s no sharp points, no sharp edges.’” Despite the suspension of the university club and course, Matthews maintains that there is still a strong demand for fencing at the university, pointing to his course’s consistent popularity and consistently full waitlist as evidence. According to Matthews, the advanced fencing class proved an excellent feeder into both the university’s fencing club and the Oxford Fencers Club. On top of the no-weapons policy, Matthews experienced another ob-
stacle due to state law. “The university is not allowed to do business with any organization that is controlled by a faculty member, and as a retiree, I’m still technically considered … faculty,” Matthews said. “It was against the state law for the university to be giving money to the (Oxford Fencers Club). I told them it was not a problem, that we could just give it to the Ole Miss Fencing Club instead, but nothing was done about that.” Matthews describes the Oxford Fencers Club facility as his home away from home. He takes immense pride in his facility, calling it “probably one of the best fencing facilities in this part of the country.” Matthews purchased the facility in 2005, and the Oxford Fencers Club has used it to host the state games on multiple occasions. However, due to his reduced level of contact with the university, the Oxford Fencers Club has seen a decrease in fresh faces over the past year, which has curbed the club’s potential for regional competition. “If we had guys that were ready to go compete, we could find a place to go within 200 miles every
JACK KIRKLAND. / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Head Coach John “Doc” Matthews engaged in a bout with Niko Zoretic, president of the university club, on Sept. 22 at the Oxford Fencing Club. weekend,” Matthews said. “Nashville, Little Rock, (Ark.,) Birmingham, (Ala.), Memphis, Jackson, (Miss.). There used to be a club in Biloxi, (Miss.,) but Hurricane Katrina blew it away.” While Matthews hopes that the university will rescind its ban on fencing, the Oxford Fencers Club’s doors remain open. Matthews gladly welcomes all new attendees, be they seasoned veterans or novices. “It’s just enormous fun,” Matthews said. “If you see inside my mask when I’m
fencing, I’m always smiling. People who don’t know much about it might think that it would be dangerous, but it’s actually a very safe sport.” The Oxford Fencers Club is located at 606 McLarty Rd., and Matthews can be contacted at pljcm@olemiss. edu. The Oxford Fencers Club is open from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for lessons and open fencing.
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The Kites bring their dish to Oxford’s musical feast LAUREN BEST
A&C Staff Writer
Local band The Kites brings soulful indie pop music to Oxford’s music scene, from the rooftop bar of the Graduate hotel to the open garage doors of Chicory Market. Married for 20 years, Kyle and Amy Jo Kite have been singing together since high school. Jason Vallas, the band’s lead guitarist, is originally from Madison, Miss., and met Kyle Kite while attending the University of Mississippi. Kyle and Amy found their voices while singing for their local church congregation in their hometown of Columbus, Miss. “(Singing is) a solid part of our relationship,” Amy Jo Kite said. “Kyle (Kite)’s been writing songs for forever, (and) we’ve been playing more consistently around town the past few years.” The Kites are inspired by artists Grouplove, Death Cab for Cutie and R.E.M. Kyle Kite writes and produces the choruses for the band’s original tracks, and Amy Jo Kite enjoys the artistic process, adding harmonies that complement and enhance their songs. “Kyle (Kite) is a poet,” Amy Jo Kite said. “He embodies being a poet.
It comes out in lots of ways and in songwriting.” With Oxford’s numerous live music venues and eager concertgoers, the Kites find endless opportunities to perform both original and cover songs. The band plays every Saturday at Heartbreak Coffee; The Kites also occasionally perform at local farmer’s markets and the Proud Larry’s stage. “Proud Larry’s is my favorite place (to perform),” Kyle Kite said. “When it’s packed and sold out, and everybody’s into the band, that’s so special.” The Kites recently played at local grocery store Chicory Market, creating an inviting, authentic atmosphere for workers and locals. They performed original songs like “Stick the Landing,” “Come a Long Way” and “11:11,” along with global genre mash-up covers of Ella Langley, Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush. “The mash-ups were so fun,” Sadara Evans, Chicory Market’s community engagement and marketing coordinator, said. “The Fleetwood Mac song really surprised me — it was so good.” Evans organizes all live entertainment events for Chicory Market during the spring and fall seasons, encouraging local artists to sign up
via website or social media. “For the most part, we don’t say no,” Evans said. “We try to make sure that everybody has a space to be able to come and play.” When covering other artists’ music, Kyle Kite enjoys curating songs that are popular across generations. “In Oxford particularly, you have a 50-year-old and an 18-year-old. What do they both share in common? Fleetwood Mac,” Kyle Kite said. “It’s cool to see the older stuff that students keep knowing every year.” Though The Kites’ unique takes on cover songs are beloved by fans, the group prefers to show off its original work. “There’s something just special for us and people,” Kyle Kite said. “Nobody can be you but you. It is a really special kind of moment to get to share that with people.” Kyle Kite is proud to partake in something bigger than himself. He believes that all genres of music have a place in Oxford. “Oxford feels like a big Thanksgiving dinner, and we’re trying to bring our little dish,” Kyle Kite said. “There’s all these different kinds of authors, all these kinds of musicians. The students bring a lot of this.
You’ll find indie-rock bands, then Taylor Swift-type songwriters, then Izzy (Arthurs) doing throwback rock.” Arthurs, a University of Mississippi alumna, frequently returns to Oxford to perform songs from rock, indie and pop genres. The Kites performed on the University of Mississippi campus for the Fall Campus Farmers Market on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Kites plan to release music on streaming platforms in the near future. “Live music is so special, and I love the idea that we’ll never get to have this moment again,” Kyle Kite said.
“Even if we play the same songs sometimes, I’ve never played that song here, in this space. That’s so special to try and take advantage of that.”
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PHOTO COURTESY: KELLI LINSEY
The Kites perform at the Casey Jones Music Festival in Water Valley, Miss., on March 21.
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 5
NIL breakdown reveals gender gap MADELEINE NEW Sports Staff Writer
Ole Miss Football accounts for approximately threefourths of Ole Miss’ estimated NIL market, which accounts for both NIL and revenue sharing, and men’s basketball takes another 15% and baseball takes 3%, according to The Sideline’s 2026 NIL Market Index. By the time women’s sports enter the individual breakdown, 93% of the Rebels’ estimated market has already been accounted for by those three sports. The Sideline estimates Ole Miss athletes have a combined market value of approximately $56.4 million (No. 13 nationally and No. 7 in the SEC). These figures are estimates, not confirmed university spending, because so much information surrounding NIL spending across the NCAA does not legally have to be reported. The Sideline creates its estimates using active rosters, recruiting profiles, sport economics, public NIL information and other market data. Still, the breakdown offers a look into how NIL markets have developed differently across men’s and women’s sports. Football dominates at Ole Miss with an estimated market of $42 million, accounting for 75% of the total. Men’s basketball sits at approxi-
mately $8.5 million, followed by baseball at $1.9 million. Together, these three sports represent approximately $52.4 million of Ole Miss’ $56.4 million estimated market. A recent report from The Athletic puts Ole Miss Football’s budget in the $39 to $45 million range. Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter said those figures “were in the ballpark” during an Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics panel on Thursday, Sept. 17, so The Sideline’s estimate is not far off for football. Softball is the first women’s sport to appear in the breakdown at approximately $950,000, or 2% of the estimated total market. Track and field, which includes men’s and women’s athletes, follows at $850,000. Other men’s and women’s Olympic sports are valued at $775,000. Volleyball has an estimated $700,000 market, while soccer sits at approximately $625,000. Women’s basketball is not individually listed in The Sideline’s Ole Miss sports breakdown. Ole Miss is far from the only SEC school with a significant disparity between its men’s and women’s sports. Texas has the largest estimated NIL market in college athletics at $76.9 million. Football accounts for 65%
of that, while men’s basketball and baseball are valued at 16% and 9%, respectively. Women’s basketball ranks fourth at the University of Texas, but its estimated 7% share and market of $5 million is still more than twice the value of Ole Miss’ individually listed softball, volleyball and soccer markets combined. LSU shows a slightly smaller concentration at the top and a larger women’s basketball market. Football accounts for an estimated $48.5 million (71%) of LSU’s $68.5 million total. Men’s basketball follows at $6.8 million (10%), and women’s basketball ranks third at $6 million (9%). At other SEC schools, women’s programs outside of basketball command larger shares. Alabama gymnastics is estimated at $3.6 million, making it the fourth-largest sport in the Crimson Tide’s NIL market behind football, men’s basketball and baseball. At Tennessee, softball carries an estimated $1.1 million market, approximately 2% of the school’s total. Ole Miss seems to spend a little less on women’s sports than the rest of the SEC, but the numbers fit into a larger national pattern. Estimates put the entire Division I athlete market at approximately $4.19 billion for 2026-27. Football represents 57.9% of
that market, while men’s bas- sport,” Carter said in 2025. ketball accounts for 23.6%. The estimated market valWomen’s basketball rep- ues show just how different the resents 2.8%, softball 1.6% financial landscape can look and track and field 1.3%. from each sport to another. Ole Miss’ football market is even more concentrated than the national figure. Its 75% share is 17 percentage points higher than football’s estimated share nationally. NIL is also no longer the only way college athletes can receive compensation. The House v. NCAA settlement allowed universities to begin sharing revenue directly with athletes in July 2025. Ole Miss announced plans to share up to $20.5 million annually through distributions and new scholarships, while athletes remain able to earn additional money • For through NIL opportunities. The university has not pub• Pra licly released a current sportthe by-sport breakdown of those revenue-sharing payments. • Tau Ole Miss has continued Pro investing in its broader NIL system, including The Grove for Collective and a 2026 partner•Am ship with TheLinkU designed to create additional NIL opGREYSON HOWARD 198 THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN portunities for Rebel athletes. • For Ole Miss Athletics has said its goal is to remain competiyea tive across its entire depart• For ment as the financial mod-Special Agent with the Federa • Former el of college sports changes. yea his privately owned lawATfi CONTACT THE SPORTS DESK “We want to • Practiced compete at thedmsports@gmail.com For for championships the in every same place, being the Oxford•Squa
• Form Ass • Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 • Pract • App • Practiced at his privately owned law firm for 45 consecutive years- located at the same Procedure courses each and everythe sem place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi. sa Atto forFederal 29 consecutive years. • Former Special the Bureau of Investigation • Taught the Mississippi DUIAgent Law andwith 5 different Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure (FBI). Ma • Taugh courses each practices and every semester the University of Mississippi 29 consecutive years. years • Still at his atprivately owned law firmforfor 55 consecutive • A member of the Chancellor’s Trust • A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at Thebeing University Mississippi since1981. Vicat - located at the same place, theofOxford Square, Downtown, Proce • Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City 1981. of Oxford, Mississippi for over 6 years. Oxford, Mississippi. for • A29 F • Taught theCourt Mississippi DUI and 5Mississippi different Law and • Former Municipal Judge for the CityLaw of Oxford, forCriminal 8 years. • Former Municipal Prosecutor for the • A me Har Criminal Procedure courses and every atmember the University • Former Vice President and President of the each Lafayette County Barsemester Association; 1981. of the Mississippi Bar Association, etc. years.years. of Mississippi for 29 consecutive • Sele • Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to the Mississippi Commission on Attorney • A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at the University of Mississippi• Form • Former Municipal Judge forAdv the Ethics and Attorney Violations of the Canon of Ethics and All Mandatory Court Rules Since 1970 since 1981. rn.:��� . concerning the Practice of Law. 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PAGE 6 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
Ole Miss student completes 4,500-mile cross-country cycling journey for charity
BRADFORD PERKINS Sports Staff Writer
From June 5 to Aug. 8, senior entrepreneurship major Nathan Won went on a 67-day, 4,500-mile journey by bicycle across the country. Won and his teammates pedaled from Seattle to Washington, D.C., to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities. Won, a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, participated in the Journey of Hope through the fraternity’s philanthropy, The Ability Experience. The route differed from what Won and the team originally planned. Before leaving, he and his fellow cyclists mapped out a nearly 3,000-mile journey beginning in Santa Clara, Calif., but they actually started the trip farther north. “I actually went from Seattle to (Washington, D.C.), which is about 4,500 miles,” Won said. “It was a great trip with a lot of growth.” Won made the journey with a 24-member team consisting of 17 cyclists and seven crew members. Team members met for
the first time at the route’s start in Seattle. The crew helped keep the cyclists safe and provided food and hydration at stops approximately every 10 miles. All 17 cyclists completed the journey. “The good part is we all completed (the journey) as a team. There’s been some times in the past where, unfortunately, some cyclists couldn’t finish it,” Won said. “This year, it was a great team and a great culture. I’m super glad we finished it all together.” Won first became interested in Journey of Hope because fellow Pi Kappa Phi member Cameron Geranios took part in the bicycle ride the summer prior. Won chose to participate because of his passion for philanthropy paired with his desire to raise awareness for people with disabilities. That purpose remained at the center of the trip. Along the route, the cyclists participated in what The Ability Experience calls “friendship visits,” where the team stopped by centers that serve people with disabilities. Won estimated the group participated in about 45 friendship visits. “The main point of the trip is,
GRAPHIC COURTESY: NATHAN WON
REAGAN TAYLOR
yes, we cycle, but also to (make) friendship visits,” Won said. “We do this to make meaningful relationships and build a connection. We don’t just go there and say ‘Hi.’” During friendship visits, the cyclists sang, played games and spent time with residents. Won said those interactions were his favorite part of the journey. Fundraising was another key part of Won’s effort. Before leaving, he set a goal of raising $30,000 and promoted the cause through campus organizations, Greek organizations and media appearances. Although he did not reach that goal, Won still raised more than $10,000 and said he was one of the top fundraisers on his team. The team raised more than $500,000 for their cause. Completing the journey required more than fundraising. Won said the team averaged around 70-80 miles per day. Some days, the group traveled as far as 130 miles, while on lighter days, the team biked 40-60 miles. The Western portion of the trip presented some of the greatest physical challenges, Won said. The team encountered steep climbs, rough weather and long days on the bicycle. There were moments when he questioned what he had gotten himself into. “The rest of the kids on the team probably had a positive attitude, but deep down, especially me … I was like, ‘What did I sign up for?’ Won said. However, he persevered, recalling the people who had supported him, his teammates and the disabled community for whom he was riding. “I just knew that I could not give up and just kept pushing myself,” Won said. The journey also gave Won
PHOTO COURTESY: NATHAN WON
Nathan Won lifts his bike up in Washington D.C. the opportunity to see parts of the country he had never seen before. He encountered mountains and various forms of wildlife, including a moose in Wyoming. Each morning, the team got together to discuss the day’s mileage, weather and scheduled friendship visit. Won said that he became the group’s unofficial weatherman. He took pride in encouraging his teammates. “I was always the guy to be the hype man and tell the weather,” Won said. At night, the team stayed in lodging provided by supporters of The Ability Experience, including YMCAs, schools, churches and, occasionally, hotels in larger cities. Crew vans transported the cyclists’ luggage. Before leaving, Won viewed the trip as an opportunity to advocate for people with disabilities. After finishing his journey, he said the people he met taught him many lessons.
“We actually learned from them as well, especially me,” Won said. “I learned from the team, from the people, the volunteers at the disability center and the people I met along the way.” Won joked with friends after returning that he will never touch a bicycle again, though that is not necessarily the case. “Biking has a special place in my heart,” Won said. For now, Won plans to continue supporting people with disabilities around Oxford and throughout Mississippi, as well as in his hometown of Boston. While the cross-country ride is done, Won said the cause behind his journey remains important to him. “The main purpose for me is just to raise awareness and pretty much advocate for the disability community,” Won said.
CONTACT THE SPORTS DESK AT thedmsports@gmail.com
Rebels look to avoid getting bogged down in The Swamp
Assistant Sports Editor
No. 4 Ole Miss will travel to Gainesville, Fla., to face No. 21 Florida on Saturday, Sept. 26. Under new head coach Jon Sumrall, Florida’s offense is looking promising to begin the season. Additionally, the Gators’ homefield advantage cannot be overlooked; The Swamp is commonly regarded as one of the toughest environments in college football. Florida quarterback Aaron
Philo has 721 passing yards and six passing touchdowns this season. He has taken full control of the Gator offense and maximized the weapons around him. Rebel defensive end Blake Purchase discussed the keys to containing Philo in a press conference on Sept. 22. “(Philo has) had a pretty good year,” Purchase said. “I think (the defense does) a pretty good job of getting back to the quarterback, so (we need to) just keep that on, and just put pressure on.” Gator running back Jadan
REESE JOHNSON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Trinidad Chambliss looks at the student section in the game against LSU in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Sept. 19.
Baugh has rushed for 458 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He has had 100-yard outings in all three of the Gators’ wins. Rebel safety and Florida transfer Sharif Denson spoke on Baugh’s skills in a press conference on Sept. 22. “(Baugh is) very strong in the weight room, very strong on the field. He (has) good hands (and is a) good pass blocker. He really (does) everything, so there’s nothing that he can’t do,” Denson said. “Then, obviously, he breaks all the tackles, and his body contact (and) his balance is just really good.” Wide receiver Dallas Wilson has 225 yards on 12 receptions with two touchdowns. Wilson has a large catch radius and makes lots of explosive plays. The Ole Miss defense is coming off its most dominant performance this season against LSU. The unit held the talented Tiger offense to 330 total yards, adding two sacks and a goal-line interception to seal the win. Indeed, the defense seems to have found a way to make big plays in big moments, which will have to continue against Florida. The Rebels had numer-
ous missed tackles in Week 1, but were much more efficient against the Tigers in Week 3 and were able to bring down ball carriers more consistently. Though the Ole Miss defense allowed the Tigers to convert on 9-of-17 third downs, it also forced three three-and-outs and had six quarterback hurries. The Rebel offense is also hitting its stride. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has thrown for 924 passing yards and seven touchdowns, with two more touchdowns on the ground. While his numbers speak for themselves, he also has an innate ability to extend plays and turn broken plays into positive yards. Running back Kewan Lacy’s performances have been strong as usual, but JT Lindsey has become a playmaker in the Rebel backfield, as well. He has 48 yards on 12 carries and played a major role in the second half against LSU after Lacy left the game with a shoulder injury. Lacy will be a game-time decision on Saturday. While wide receiver Deuce Alexander has been the top tar-
get for the Rebels, fellow wide receivers Traylon Ray, Horatio Fields and Johntay Cook II have all started to look more comfortable in their roles. Florida’s defense has been spotty so far this season. Its secondary has given up 231 passing yards per game, which could be critical since the Rebels have several talented pass-catchers and a strong passing game. Ole Miss will need to exploit the open gaps in the secondary to produce chunk plays and get downfield. Florida’s defensive front can put pressure on quarterbacks. Standout defensive lineman Emmanuel Oyebadejo has totaled five quarterback hurries over the first three games, and the unit has seven sacks. This is a must-win game for the Rebels. They have the opportunity to snatch a fifth ranked win early in head coach Pete Golding’s tenure and to move up in the rankings.
CONTACT THE SPORTS DESK AT thedmsports@gmail.com
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 7
Every student has the power to save a life
Oxford is no stranger to the opioid epidemic, and it is not safe to engage in the use of illicit drugs, regardless of where you get them. Every student should learn what to do in the event of a drug overdose. MACKENZIE MCDARIES Opinion Editor
The University of Mississippi sent out an email on Sept. 22 confirming the deaths of two students. While the exact causes of the deaths are still under investigation, there has been great speculation throughout the university and Oxford communities about the role that drug use played in these tragedies. With drug overdoses becoming an increasingly pertinent issue in the United States, especially among college students and young adults, it is crucial that students know how to take life-saving measures in the face of an emergency. N In 2025, 52% of people aged 12 or older reported using an illicit drug for recreational purposes at least once in their lifetimes. Of that number, 16.4% reported having used an illicit drug within the past month. Illicit drug use refers to the use or misuse of illegally made or acquired drugs, including those being used by someone other than the patient whom the medication was originally prescribed for. While using illicit drugs is never 100% safe, what often turns drug use deadly comes down to one question: What else has been mixed in with the drug? Any drug not manufactured by a pharmaceutical company may be laced with lethal doses of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that killed over
70,000 people in 2023, or another deadly substance. Even marijuana, the most prevalent drug on college campuses, can be laced. Oxford is no stranger to the opioid epidemic, and it is not safe to engage in the use of illicit drugs, regardless of where you get them. Every student should learn what to do in the event of a drug overdose; being aware of the steps to take when an overdose occurs can often be the difference between life and death. The first step in responding to an overdose is realizing that one is happening. Be on the lookout for blue lips or fingertips, cold skin, constricted pupils or slowed breathing, as these are all signs of drug overdose. If someone appears to be unconscious, check for response by shouting their name and tapping their arms or face. If you recognize these symptoms and believe someone is experiencing a drug overdose, call 911 immediately. Know that you will never be charged or prosecuted for minor drug offenses if you call for medical help during a drug- or alcohol-related emergency, per the Mississippi Medical Emergency Good Samaritan Act. Additionally, the University of Mississippi’s Safety and Well-Being Amnesty Policy protects students from formal disciplinary action when they seek emergency medical help under the same circumstances. After calling 911, administer
naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, which is a nasal spray that rapidly reverses a life-threatening opioid overdose. It is effective against drugs such as fentanyl and heroin, as well as prescription painkillers. It is safe to use even if you are not sure what, if any, drug may have been ingested, and it is most effective immediately at the first sign of a potential overdose. To administer Narcan, place the tip of the nozzle into one nostril and firmly press down until the medication is sprayed. A second dose may be necessary if the person does not wake up or resume normal breathing after two to three minutes. Narcan is available in vending machines located in the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union and the South Campus Recreation Center, as well as in emergency response boxes placed throughout the J.D. Williams Library. There is also a vending machine in the parking garage the Square that has seen nearly 800 uses in the two months since its installation. Those vending machines also contain fentanyl test strips, a valuable resource for verifying whether a particular drug contains fentanyl. However, be aware that even if the test strip shows that a drug is free of fentanyl, other lethal drugs, such as cychlorphine, may not be represented in the results of a test strip. Fentanyl test strips are great to use,
but always proceed with caution, no matter the result of the test. After Narcan is administered, the next step is to provide rescue breaths. With the person laying on their back, pinch the nose, lift the chin and tilt the head back, put your mouth on theirs and use your mouth to give one breath every five seconds until they are breathing on their own. Lastly, roll the person onto their side with their head resting on an arm and their legs bent in the fetal position. This serves to keep the airway clear and prevent choking in case of vomiting or spit inhalation. Be sure to stay with the person until emergency services arrive, even if they show signs of improvement. Narcan can wear off; the affected person may stop breathing again. Being prepared for these situations can make an impact on someone’s life. For education, in-
tervention and support resources regarding substance use and recovery, the William Magee Center is available to all University of Mississippi students. The William Magee Center hosts Narcan training sessions and other events promoting wellness and, over the summer, supplied Greek chapters and other student organizations with Narcan. Always be safe. Cover your drinks at social events, and never take any pills, powders or other substances of which the origins are unknown. If you see someone in trouble, help out. Above all, support one another in this time of grief and uncertainty. During hardship, community matters. MacKenzie McDaries is a junior sociology and Arabic major from Murfreesboro, Tenn.
CONTACT THE OPINION DESK AT thedmopinion@gmail.com
JACK KIRKLAND / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
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. ACROSS
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1- Baseball’s Hershiser 2- Nerve network 3- Part of a bird’s beak 4- Warned 5- Cosmetics 6- Mistreat 7- Torah holders 8- Disfigure 9- Like some triangles 10- Pinochle play 11- Ticklish Muppet 12- Jack of “Rio Lobo” 15- Distribute the wrong cards 23- Feeling of self-importance 25- Bemoan 26- ___ Gay 27- Lusitania sinker 28- A bit, colloquially 29- Siouan speakers 30- Sleek swimmer 31- A Judd 32- Shade trees 33- Against 34- Tour of duty 37- Puzzled 40- Annual reference book 42- Part of TGIF 43- Suit makers 45- Charged particle 46- Add fizz 48- Prescribed amounts 49- Doe or fawn 50- Cube maker Rubik 51- Bits of thread 52- This can be guilty or not guilty 54- Actor Bra 55- Elation 56- Type of D.A. 59- Malt beverage
PAGE 8 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
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