THE DAILY MISSISSIPPAIN | 3 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 3
THE Daily
Thursday, September 3, 2026
MISSISSIPPIAN theDMonline.com
Volume 115, No. 2
ASB executives talk plans for fall semester The University of Mississippi Asso- tive. ASB will announce participating ciated Student Body executive mem- businesses late in the fall semester. bers have individual missions they seek to accomplish in the fall 2026 semester. “(The UM 10 is) a proposed ASB Senate initiative, whose main advoFrom marketing campaigns cate has been chairman Tres Jones,” to student-focused projects in the Williford said. “The goal is to help (stuworks for months, these elected dents) save money while encouraging leaders have a clear vision for how stronger and more consistent engagethey will impact the student body. ment with businesses throughout the community. Through this program, President OC Williford businesses are voluntarily offering a 10% student discount to students Williford and the executive branch who present a university ID, and then have spent the last few months working these participating businesses will be on two major projects, both expected to identified through UM 10 signage.” begin this fall. One is a partnership with Uber called the Uber Credit Program, Vice President Trey McKean and it would allow any student with a University of Mississippi email account The vice president presides over to receive $10 worth of credit with Uber. the ASB Senate, and McKean’s priorities include a heavy focus on increasing “ASB, the Department of Park- the efficiency of senate proceedings. ing and Transportation and the Division of Student Affairs have worked “My main goal is to make senate together to spearhead a partnership as efficient and effective as possible,” with Uber, giving every student a McKean said. “Make all proceedings $10 credit to put towards their next smooth … and make them effective, ride,” Williford said. “This partner- which means we’re actually having ship reflects months of collaboration good debate, good questions that between student leaders and our cam- lead somewhere, instead of just rampus departments, all focusing on ad- bling or everyone being out of order.” dressing a very real, every day need.” McKean also wants to prioritize supThe second project, titled UM 10, porting senators as they develop new would grant students a 10% discount at initiatives and try to launch projects. certain Oxford businesses. Tres Jones, who serves as ASB Chairman of Ex“I like to use the words ‘grease ternal Affairs, spearheaded this initia- the rails’ for senators. If they come
up to me with an idea, I want to help them get it off the ground,” McKean said. “(I), Corey (Kingery) and Evelyn (Coon) have worked very hard to set up senators for success.” This work includes hosting one-onones with senators, keeping senators informed with reports from the legislative council and communicating with ASB senate committees about their projects. Secretary Caroline Croley For Croley’s second year as ASB Secretary, her main goals are to increase student engagement with ASB and expand the organization’s outreach. Croley has created two new roles within her department: the director of Mr. and Miss Ole Miss and the director of treasury marketing. The director of Mr. and Miss Ole Miss is in charge of running the Mr. and Miss Ole Miss Instagram account and marketing the pair’s philanthropic initiatives. The director of treasury marketing will highlight what Registered Student Organizations do with the funds they receive from ASB. These highlights spread the word about different RSOs on campus and enhance the connection between RSOs and ASB. “The treasury department, they give
SEE ASB PAGE 3
DOLLY PARTON
COLUMN
IT’S HOT
The country music legend left a lasting mark on the Ole Miss community.
Rebel football is reaching new levels of success. Outsiders are trying to rain on their parade.
We are past simply “getting used to” this kind of weather.
SEE PAGE 5
SEE PAGE 7
Local News Editor
The Oxford Board of Aldermen declined to change game day parking rates on the Square at its Sept. 1 meeting, as proposed by downtown business owners. Mayor Robyn Tannehill raised concerns that businesses would be negatively impacted if parking prices were to increase. Tannehill suggested that game day parking
MATTHEW LATHAM News Staff Writer
SEE PAGE 6
Amid criticism, game day parking rates remain unchanged CHANCE MARLOWE
University of Mississippi unveils new campus technology for 2026-27 academic year
issues be addressed using downtown parking gaan alternate approach. rage, and the remaining funds are placed in a sepThis was the board’s arate account dedicated second time hearing the to parking maintenance. proposed game day parking ordinance, with the first beDowntown parking is ing at its Aug. 18 meeting. a notable concern among Oxford residents and During the 2026 fiscal business owners, particyear, the city of Oxford’s ularly on game days. Loparking meters brought in cal business owners have $1.1 million. Of this revexpressed frustration enue, roughly $900,000 over residents who leave is allocated to an annu- their vehicles parked on al debt payment on the the Square for extended
SEE ALDERMEN PAGE 2
The University of Mississippi is continuing its technological developments as part of Project Encompass, the university-wide initiative to modernize campus systems. Charlie Miles, a classroom technology specialist at the university, explained how this innovation process comes to life.
“Every summer, we do a classroom technology project where (there are) submissions sent to a committee about rooms with deficiencies that are needing upgrading,” Miles said.
SEE TECH PAGE 2
GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Projected QR code for attendance in Lamar Hall on Aug. 31
PAGE 2 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPIAN | 3 SEPTEMBER 2026
TECH
continued from page 1 Bruce Newell, who serves as an assistant director of instructional technology, spoke about an additional software that has been implemented called Ninja.
Another change to classroom technology has been discarding the use of ID scanners and using QR code kiosks to register attendance for class. This addition has received mixed reactions from the student body. In order to be counted as present for some classes, students must scan the QR code with their phone instead of scanning their student ID like in previous years.
“(Ninja) is a remote management software on all the computers in the classroom that allows (the Office of Information Technology) to support class“I know that there’s a lot rooms remotely,” Newell said. of people that took advantage of (the scanners), that would Rather than waiting on go in and scan their card and the arrival of tech support, then leave,” Samantha Morstudents and professors can ris, a senior integrated marnow request virtual classroom keting communications major technology assistance through from Madison, Miss., said. “I this messaging software. know this (change) is definitely helpful for the teachers, but Newell explained the reason as a student, I really did apprebehind these advancements. ciate and like the scanners.” “The technology in the rooms are being updated for professors to be able to give them the tools that they need to deliver the message for the students to have a better understanding,” Newell said.
Other students who noticed this change explained the struggles that they previously had with scanning their ID cards. “Sometimes (the ID) would scan, sometimes it wouldn’t,
ALDERMEN
continued from page 1
so (the ID scanner) was a little bit faulty. I like this new system better because it’s easier,” Jake Somma, a junior accountancy major from New Canaan, Conn., said. Miles offered an optimistic view for the university community regarding recent changes. “Anything that’s new is going to be harder to navigate than something you’ve been using,” Miles said. “Change is always bumpy at first.” The university’s transition from myOleMiss to Ellucian Experience was part of this initiative. According to Newell, the need for more modern software sparked the decision to make the switch.
Student scans a QR code for attendance in Lamar Hall on Aug. 31
“(MyOleMiss) was built on an older platform called SAP, and we were told that SAP was said, is not easy to do. to be successful,” Newell said. losing support. That’s why we went with Experience to do the “The challenges that we have job of SAP to now have constant, are (getting) it all put together updated support,” Newell said. and ready to roll out, because CONTACT THE NEWS DESK AT thedmnews@gmail.com it’s a huge process in which Making such a com- pieces have to fall in line for it plex change, Newell
ing on game days. She said that three hours might not be enough time to eat with the extended wait times that restaurants typically experience during football weekends.
periods of time on game days for the low price, reMark Huelse, alderman sulting in fewer premium from Ward II, proposed a parking spaces for restau$2.50 hourly rate for the first rant and boutique patrons. four hours, followed by a $20 rate for each subsequent hour. Mark Levy, the city diThe motion was not seconded. rector of special services, proposed the ordinance in Oxford’s new pay-by-plate August to increase the stanparking system on the Square dard $1.25 hourly parking relies on mobile payments via rate on game days to $5 per the Passport Parking app. The hour for the first three hours app would need to be reproa vehicle is parked, followed grammed to enforce the threeby a rate of $15 per hour hour parking limit on game for each subsequent hour. days, which is not currently enforced. Because the system Tannehill explained how cannot currently do so, the game day parking around board opted to reject the threethe Square can negatively hour game day parking limit. affect local businesses. She said the goal is not to upAs the city continues to navcharge shoppers or restauigate the challenges of game rant customers, but rather day parking, Tannehill emto address people who leave phasized that the issue will retheir vehicles parked around quire continued management the Square and then walk to rather than a single solution. the Grove during game days. “I have seen all of Facebook (people saying) it is a money grab by the city and all these things. … This is a proposal that was brought to us by downtown business owners who are rightfully frustrated by the fact that people use our downtown parking as game day parking,” Tannehill said.
GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Mayor of Oxford Robyn Tannehill opens the Board of Aldermen meeting on Sept. 1.
“There are problems to be managed, and there are problems to be solved, and game day parking in the downtown area is not a problem that can just be solved,” Tannehill said. The next Board of Aldermen meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Increasing parking prices on the Square, Tannehill said, is not her preferred solution. “This proposal I understand from a downtown merchant’s perspective. I think that it’s got to be so frustrating to see these cars parked at your front door for the entire day,” Tannehill said. “I don’t, however, think that these increased parking rates change that. I believe that the people that … utilize (these spots) all day long for game day would pay 10 times what they are paying now.” Tannehill expressed concerns for people who are din-
GAVIN GALLEGOS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Oxford City Clerk Leslie McCormick delivers the standing of city fiscal accounts at the Sept. 1 Board of Aldermen meeting taking place in the Oxford City Hall CONTACT THE NEWS DESK AT thedmnews@gmail.com
ASB continued from page 1 out funds to our student organizations,” Croley said. “What we want to make sure is that we’re not only showing what they’re doing with this money, but providing an additional public relations boost for them as well. We got elected for the students; we want to support them.” Croley is also working on increasing ASB’s visibility throughout the student body by hosting engagement events. For instance, the ASB plans to host a joint event with Aiding Animals and Ole Miss Dining on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “If (students) follow ASB on Instagram, then they can feed the dogs that Aiding Animals will bring a pup cup, which dining will provide for us,” Croley said. “That’s going to be one (event through which) we’re going to try to increase visibility.” Treasurer Jackson Doss Doss’ biggest priority for the new semester is providing support for RSOs. As a result of state legislation passed in fall 2025 limiting uses of the Student Activities Fee, ASB no longer has access to SAF funds to distribute to student organizations. However, the treasury department still works to allocate funds to RSOs across campus raised through private donations. “My main goal is to continue to give funding back to organizations on campus,” Doss said. “Clubs (and) organizations are …
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPAIN | 3 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 3 what makes Ole Miss so special.” at Greek council with all of the presidents in one place so that Attorney General Lucy we can have open communicaAllen tion lines. They can come to me if they have issues, and I will make At the beginning of the fall a point at certification that it’s semester, the attorney general’s not just specific people that can main focus is on homecoming go and speak (at Greek houses).” elections that will take place in early October. Allen hopes to inJudicial Chair Ashlyn crease voter turnout and connecMinga tion between the homecoming candidates and the student body. As ASB Judicial Chair, MinAllen aims to bring back ga aims to emphasize restorative the hoecoming forum, an justice for students. She believes informal event where stu- providing resources to students dents can question candi- after they violate university polidates about their campaigns. cies is more beneficial than sim“Right now, I’m thinking ply sanctioning these students. (the homecoming forum) will “Our main focus is restorbe more of a sit-down conver- ative justice, so (we are focused sation,” Allen said. “I’ll act as on) not just handing out puna host with (Croley), and we’ll ishments but actually helping ask questions about, ‘Why are students acclimate back into you choosing to do this?’ We’re the school atmosphere and going to ask (about) favorite to succeed after they’ve had a Ole Miss memories to get to bump in the road,” Minga said. know (the candidates) more. … “One of the main things I want It’s going to be sort of set up as to do with that is actually get a talk show … so that all of the our (university judicial counstudents can really get a person- cil) members more involved ality check (on the candidates).” with community outreach, and Allen also hopes to create though they are anonymous, I more accessibility for candi- want them to be able to come dates who are not involved in up with sanctions and ideas Greek life. Homecoming can- to help students get back on didates are allowed to speak at track after they have a slipup.” Greek houses about their campaign, but students who are not President Pro-Tempore involved in Greek life may have Corey Kingery difficulty getting into contact with fraternities and sororities. With many new senators “I have a bunch of friends joining ASB Senate, Kingery who work in the Greek life of- will support members as fice downstairs, (Fraternity and they learn ASB procedures. Sorority Life), and (I am) just “I am actually sending out a working alongside them to get schedule this week to have onecontact information to release to on-ones with every single senathe candidates at certification, so tor to talk about their ideas, their that they can easily reach out,” plans, who to reach out to and (to Allen said. “I will be speaking help) get them started on a lot of
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these projects,” Kingery said. “(I hope to) make sure they know who to go to, who they can lean on and how to support them.” When it comes to issues that are expected to be on the senate floor, Kingery anticipates legislation regarding the busing system and Project Encompass as technology changes on campus. “There’s been a few issues that have been brought to senate over the last couple months,” Kingery said. “We had our open seat (senator) (at the Aug. 1 meeting) speak on the bus system and how it definitely needs improvement. I am so excited to work with her on improving the bus route app and the transit system tracking, because that is a big problem.”
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Oxford finds its rhythm through live music GRACIE HUDSON A&C Staff Writer
From packed rooms at downtown venues to open mic nights and impromptu house shows, Oxford’s live music scene comes alive when the sun goes down. For musicians and concertgoers alike, the local music scene is about more than simply showing up for a performance. Live music allows students to discover new artists, support friends, meet fellow music lovers and create the kind of memories that will stay with them long after the last song ends. For Belhaven, a local upand-coming indie rock band, Oxford’s music scene is mostly defined by the people who show up to support them. “Students play such a big part in keeping it alive, considering that they are the audience for the most part,” Thomas Turner, lead vocalist of Belhaven, said. “I mean, this is a college town.” The connection between the university and Oxford provides local performers with a built-in audience while also introducing thousands of students to artists and genres they may have never heard otherwise. For some students, discovering Oxford’s music scene happens gradually. So goes the story for Courtland Nobles, a first-year graduate student studying physics and an avid concertgoer. Nobles has attended performances at venues like The Library and
Proud Larry’s throughout his time in Oxford as an undergraduate. Until last fall, however, Nobles was not as deeply invested in the local scene. A friend invited Nobles to an open mic night at Penny Bar, where his band, “The Half of It,” was performing. The band is a metal and grunge group from Senatobia, Miss. “Their performance was incredible, as were many others that night,” Nobles said. “It really inspired me to delve deeper into the local music scene.” Since then, Nobles has made a habit of attending shows throughout Oxford, following both local musicians and artists from outside the area. For some, open mic nights are one of the best ways to find musicians they have not heard before. These events give local artists and bands a free place to perform and provide audiences with an opportunity to discover emerging talent. While newer spaces and events continue to bring musicians and audiences together, longtime venues remain central to Oxford’s music identity. Proud Larry’s, located on the Square, has hosted generations of musicians, from nationally recognized artists to local bands. Artists including John Mayer, The Derek Trucks Band, Colour Revolt, The Wailers, R.L. Burnside and MJ Lenderman have all performed at the venue over the years.
For Turner, the venue’s significance is not only its history or the artists who have passed through its doors. It is also a place where new musicians can find an audience. “I’ve seen so many small bands play their first shows — myself included — at Proud Larry’s,” Turner said. However, some of Oxford’s most memorable music experiences do not take place on traditional stages. Shows pop up in bars, clubs, homes and other unexpected spaces. During the annual Double Decker weekend in April, Nobles attended what he describes as the best live show he has ever experienced. Local musician and producer Arnie Brenn hosted a latenight house show that saw
JACK KIRKLAND / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Rock band Belhaven performs at Proud Larry’s on Aug. 28. his home transformed into an unconventional concert venue. The living room became a dance floor, where two local DJs played as people arrived. Later, Brenn’s kitchen was transformed into a stage and pit area for performances by 2025 Ole Miss alumna Izzy Arthurs, the Smokies and Brenn himself. “The house was absolutely packed, the energy was unparalleled and the bands sounded incredible,” Nobles said. “Like any great party, it was shut down at around 3 a.m. and memorialized in all of our hearts and minds as ‘Arnie Decker.’”
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Dolly Parton leaves a legacy for Ole Miss LAUREN BEST
A&C Staff Writer
Dolly Parton’s death on Aug. 25 has been felt around the world, including on the University of Mississippi campus. The legendary artist, songwriter, actress and philanthropist died at 80 years old after a six-decade-long, groundbreaking career that impacted people across the nation. Mary Haskell is the former chair of the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy and wife to Parton’s agent, Sam Haskell. She was also Parton’s lifelong friend. “(Parton) just loved everything about Oxford and Ole Miss. Ole Miss was one of her husband’s favorite schools,” Mary Haskell said. The university was set to host Parton at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts to receive the 2020 Legacy Award presented by the women’s council. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, though, her visit was postponed until 2022. “She said, ‘Come hell or high water, I’m getting to Oxford. I’m not going to come somewhere where I have to wear a mask. I’m going to come when I can hug peo-
ple,’” Mary Haskell said. Aside from her country-music stardom, Parton is also known for her contributions to children’s literacy. To conclude her visit in Oxford, Parton held a “Storytime with Dolly” event to highlight her Imagination Library program, a free book gifting program that mails books to children monthly from birth to age 5, regardless of family income. “Dolly said, ‘I want every school kid invited (for) free,’ and we did (invite them),” Mary Haskell said. “We just filled the Ford Center with all of these children from Oxford and Lafayette County. It was really several days of just love and fellowship.” Mary Haskell’s uplifting and sincere perspective on Parton’s death was not focused on the absence of her friend but on the beauty it was to have had someone so special in her family’s life. “It’s about the joy of remembering and celebrating her over the past couple of days, as opposed to just mourning her,” Mary Haskell said. “When grief slows you down and just flat stops you in your tracks, it gives you the gift of time and reflection.” Parton remembered Oxford as fondly as she is remembered
in town today. She, alongside her agent, Sam Haskell, made 12 television movies during their time together. Parton, Sam Haskell and two other producers, Debbie Allen and Maria S. Schlatter won an Emmy award for their 2020 film, Christmas on the Square, which was partially inspired by the Square in Oxford. “A little bit of it came from Sam (Haskell), and a little bit of it came from Dolly,” Mary Haskell said about the film. Following Parton’s passing, students at the university reminisced on the impact of Parton’s unwavering admiration and connection to the American South. Parton was raised in rural East Tennessee, and many Southerners feel inspired by her rags-to-riches story. “She meant a lot to the South, especially Southern girls,” Niam Bleck, a sophomore film production student from Madison, Miss., said. Kaylee Malford, a biochemistry major from Columbus, Miss., especially admired Parton’s investment in future generations. “She has done some great things, like the Imagination Library,” Malford said. “Her soul was very bright. She’s a trademark
PHOTO COURTESY: OLE MISS WOMEN’S COUNCIL FOR PHILANTHROPY
Dolly Parton accepts the Legacy Award from the Ole Miss Womens’ Council for Philanthropy in April 2022. of the South.” Keshun Morgan, a junior legal studies major from Ripley, Miss., said his connection to Parton stemmed from his own charitable experience. “We both gave to the Boys and Girls Club, and knowing that both of us did charity work, I felt more connected to her,” Morgan said. “She was larger than life. She did more than what she had to, and she wasn’t like other celebrities to me.”
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PAGE 6 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPIAN | 3 SEPTEMBER 2026
Ole Miss Football seeks to silence the Louisville Cardinals in the Music City Kickoff
ISAAC SCHEER
Sports Staff Writer
The No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels will take on the No. 24 Louisville Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Nissan Stadium. Though the neutral site game in Nashville may seem like a simple season opener for the powerhouse Rebels, it will be a great test against a tough Power Four team. The matchup presents a few interesting challenges for Ole Miss. The Cardinals only returned three starters on offense. Most notably, they have a new quarterback and have rebuilt the offensive line. How the new pieces mesh after significant roster turnover will determine much about this Week 1 contest. Still, the Rebels will encounter a Louisville team eager to begin its season with a win and improve on last season’s 9-4 record, which led to a mediocre ACC finish. The first difficulty for the Rebels is dual-threat Ohio State transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz. Because he saw very limited action last season as the Buckeyes’ backup, there are many unknowns about his skillset. Last season, Kienholz racked up 66 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 11 carries, and he went 11-of-14 on pass attempts with one touchdown. Despite Kienholz having no career starts, the Rebel defense should not underestimate him. Kienholz was a highly sought-after quarterback out of high school and comes from one of
the best programs in the country. “From an athletic standpoint and skillset, you’re looking at his previous tape where you actually get to see him play the game,” Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding said in a press conference on Aug. 31. “Is he a dual-threat guy? (We are looking at his) arm strength and all those types of things. You also go back (and consider), ‘Okay, when (head coach Jeff) Brohm had a firstyear starter at the position, what’s that look like early in the season?” With Kienholz’s arm talent in question, Louisville likely will not rely on him to carry their attack. Instead, the Cardinals will turn to their running backs, particularly star Isaac Brown. Brown only saw action in nine games last season because he suffered a hamstring injury in November 2025. In spite of that, Brown averaged 8.8 yards per carry on 101 carries, which was the highest average among all running backs last season. Golding spoke about going up against an elite back like Brown and how the Rebels are prepared to deal with him. Golding said the Rebel defense is prepared, in part, because the unit competes against running back Kewan Lacy every practice. “Number one, I think it’s really good for us. We go against an elite running back (in practice) every day, thank goodness, because (Isaac Brown) is special. He’s explosive on tape (and) really good in space. He’s got top-end speed.”
Brown is a threat, but fellow running back Keyjuan Brown should not be overlooked. Last season, he nearly matched Isaac’s production with six total touchdowns and 704 yards on 96 carries. The Rebel defense must be ready to stop the run, because if they do not contain this duo, it could spell trouble. Last year, Ole Miss struggled to stop the ground game. The defense gave up 149 rushing yards per game, which was fifth worst in the SEC. This year’s Rebel defense could be elite. The unit added depth and top-end talent in the offseason, forming a dangerous front seven. Apart from players, the Rebels must also be prepared to battle Cardinal head coach Brohm, who enters his fourth season in this role. During his coaching career, Brohm has become notorious for catching top teams by surprise. Golding told the Talk of Champions about the challenge Brohm poses. “I think Brohm does an unbelievable job calling and packaging plays. He’s had a lot of success (with that),” Golding said. “Being at a neutral site versus a Top 25 team with a head coach that’s had a lot of experience play-calling — it’s a really good test.” Last October, Louisville took down the then-No. 2 Miami Hurricanes 24-21 on the road, picking off quarterback Carson Beck four times en route to the win. That defensive effort against Miami was a staple for the Cardinals last season, who ranked
PHOTO COURTESY: OLE MISS ATHLETICS
Trinidad Chambliss and Joshua Dye prepare for a drill in fall camp at the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center on Aug. 6. No. 1 in passing defense and No. 2 in yards allowed per game with 303. For comparison, the Rebels conceded 348 yards per game. The Cardinal defense will be stout, but the Ole Miss offense is as high-tempo and talented as ever. Rebel fans should not worry much about the Rebel offense. New offensive coordinator John David Baker said during fall camp that in order to play winning football, the key for him is not to operate the offense differently than in the past, but rather to tweak a few small things. “I don’t think it’s so much putting my stamp on things,” Baker said. “We’ve been very successful here over the last five, six years because we’ve understood, ‘Okay, what are our pieces?’ Then (it’s) using those guys the right way.” Last season, the Rebels ran the ball 53 more times than
they threw it. That should stay consistent against the Cardinals and throughout 2026. Only Deuce Alexander returns from last season’s top five wide receivers. However, Baker has lots of pieces at his disposal, especially at the running back position. Johntay Cook will likely be the WR2. Cook was a star at Syracuse last season and should be an explosive and versatile piece for the Rebels, who can excel when lined up inside or outside of the slot. Overall, with the game slated as the only ranked matchup of Week 1, the nation’s attention will be on Ole Miss as the Rebels begin their journey back to the College Football Playoff.
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Column: Ole Miss Football’s latest triumphs have the league on notice
GRACE ANN COURTNEY / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
RUSS EDDINS Sports Editor
Ole Miss Football is on the precipice of reaching the next echelon of college football. Last season, the team went through a dramatic head coach departure just before the College Football Playoff and still advanced to the semifinals, an accomplishment which helped them land the No. 2 portal class and thrive in recruiting. The Rebels succeeded like never before — without Lane Kiffin — and this success is scaring other programs and figures around the league. Kiffin, now the head coach at LSU, along with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, all made misguided, unnecessary comments against Ole Miss in recent months. Kiffin said it was difficult to recruit while he was at Ole Miss because of the racist history of Mississippi, opening up old wounds of the state’s past. Sarkisian said it is
easier to get a degree at Ole Miss because a student could major in “basket weaving.” Saban used Ole Miss as an example of what is wrong with college sports twice in his testimony to Congress in support of the Protect College Sports Act. Kiffin spoke in an interview with Vanity Fair about his departure from Ole Miss, which was published in May. Months after attempting to poach the staff and roster on his way to Baton Rouge, La., he made a harsh comment against the state of Mississippi regarding recruits coming to Oxford. “(Recruits would say), ‘Hey coach, we really like you, but my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,’” Kiffin said. “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana.” New Rebel football head coach Pete Golding went on to bring in 15 Black recruits after Kiffin’s comments, including three from the state of Mississippi and three from Memphis. The current Ole Miss 2027
recruiting class is No. 14 in the nation, higher than any of Kiffin’s recruiting classes while in Oxford. Of course, there is still time for this ranking to change, since players may decommit or receive lower player grades from evaluators, but Golding and his staff have done a stellar job in recruiting so far. Kiffin’s worthless comments only added fuel to the fire for his return to Oxford on Sept. 19 for Ole Miss’ matchup against LSU, a game which is sure to be must-see television. Sarkisian, whose Longhorns will face the Rebels on Oct. 24, was discussing issues with academic inequities in college sports last May and belittled Ole Miss in the process. “At Texas, we will only take 50% of a (transferring) player’s academic credit hours,” Sarkisian said. “You may be a semester from graduating, but you’re going all the way back to 50% if you play here and want a degree. At Ole Miss, they can take you. All you have to do is take basket weaving, and you can get an Ole Miss degree.” On May 12, Ole Miss Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter took to social media to share his thoughts on Kiffin’s and Sarkisian’s comments. “(It’s) kind of amazing how uncomfortable our success is making some people,” Carter said. The drama did not stop there. Saban’s testimony before Congress on June 3 may not have yielded
the national attention of Kiffin’s and Sarkisian’s comments, but he referred to Ole Miss negatively on two occasions in his statements. “The NCAA cannot enforce their own rules because every time they try to enforce the rule, there’s a lawsuit,” Saban said. “An example would be Ole Miss’ quarterback. They say he can’t play next year. He’s playing next year because of litigation.” Of the more than two dozen ongoing eligibility cases, Saban chose to highlight the most shut-and-closed case of them all. Trinidad Chambliss was sidelined for a season due to a respiratory illness while playing at Ferris State, and the NCAA unjustly denied him an extra year. He and Ole Miss took to the courts so Chambliss could gain a sixth year of eligibility — which is really only his fourth season of playing. Later in his testimony, Saban spoke about tampering. While he did not specifically mention Ole Miss, he was referring to the Rebels. “We have nothing to control tampering. Clemson had a player that was on campus for a whole week, and they came and got him off the campus and took him someplace else,” Saban said. “They” refers to Golding and the Ole Miss recruiting staff. Last January, linebacker Luke Ferrelli transferred to Clemson, then he transferred to Ole Miss. While this was a controversial situa-
tion, Rebel edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and offensive tackle Devin Harper both left for LSU despite having signed to play for Ole Miss this upcoming season. The fact is that tampering is an issue in college football. Every team does it. Ole Miss got tampered with, but they did not cry about it. Instead of talking about LSU or any other program, Saban chose to insult Ole Miss twice in a single testimony. People do not hate on nobodies. If Ole Miss Football had not brought in one of the best portal classes or won two playoff games, Kiffin, Sarkisian and Saban likely would not have spoken out. These comments show that the Rebels are making noise, and other people do not like it. Yet, the Rebels are winning like never before. Despite Kiffin’s departure, the program has not wavered in the offseason. Golding’s promotion has seemingly benefited the program to this point. High school recruiting is going well, transfers still flocked to Oxford and Ole Miss Athletics is raising more donations than ever. These comments from prominent figures in the league have become a rallying point for the fanbase. Now more than ever, it feels like it is Ole Miss against the world.
CONTACT THE SPORTS DESK AT thedmsports@gmail.com
THE DAILY MISSISSIPPAIN | 3 SEPTEMBER 2026 | PAGE 7
It’s really hot! And it’s OK to admit that
With this week’s heat index climbing up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, we are far past simply “getting used to” these temperatures. Let’s stop pretending you have to be from New York to complain about the weather here. MACKENZIE MCDARIES Opinion Editor
Every August when classes start back up, the cries of poor Northerners complaining about the summer heat resound across campus — only to be met with the snarky replies of locals, saying, “Welcome to Mississippi. Get used to it.” As a Middle Tennessean, I had dealt with my own fair share of heat and humidity prior to landing in Oxford. Naturally, I took the same attitude that battling
the warm weather is simply a part of Southern living one must master over a long enough period spent here. Recently, however, it has been different. The high temperatures the region has seen this summer have been unprecedented, and it is no help that extreme humidity has hit the South much more than average this season. Growing up in this weather has not made it more manageable for me. With this week’s heat index climbing to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, we are far past simply “getting used to” these temperatures. Let’s stop pretend-
ing you have to be from New York to complain about the weather here; there is nothing wrong with admitting it is hot and uncomfortable outside. Senior accountancy major Jack Mathis is from Houston. Still, he is surprised by how hot it can get in Oxford. “I didn’t think, coming from Houston, that the heat would be just as bad here, but it somehow is. I’m also on the club baseball team, so practicing in that heat has been taxing on everyone out here,” Mathis said. As he begins his fourth year at Ole Miss, Mathis be-
lieves this year’s weather has been unlike any other. “It has felt way hotter this year as opposed to any of my prior years in Oxford, and much more humid, too,” said Mathis. Hailey Semple, a freshman political science major from Buffalo, N.Y., came to Oxford from a colder state. “I’m definitely not used to this (heat) at all. It hit me so hard,” Semple said. “Usually, it was like 40 or 50 degrees walking around my campus in high school, so coming down here was a crazy adjustment.” Though the weather here may be drastically different from what Semple is used to in New York, she pointed out that even her friends from warmer states are struggling to stay cool in Mississippi’s sweltering summer. “My roommate is from Florida, and she still says the heat is crazy for her, too. I really think a lot of people, even if they are from (Mississippi) or from the South, are (having a hard time) adjusting to it … because it is just so hot every single day,” Semple said. It is important for every student to know, regardless of what temperatures they are used to from back home, there is no competition for who can face the high temperatures
with the least complaints and no trophy for the toughest hoodie-wearer in August. Everyone at the University of Mississippi has sweat dripping down their backs while walking to class, and none of us are strangers to the gratifying feeling of air conditioning. Do not let your self-confidence lead you to think you can beat the heat without taking proper precautions. Otherwise, you may end up in the emergency room for heat exhaustion (like I was two weeks ago). Stay in the shade when possible, wear lightweight clothing and, most importantly, drink plenty of water!
MacKenzie McDaries is a sophomore sociology and Arabic major from Murfreesboro, Tenn.
CONTACT THE OPINION DESK AT thedmopinion@gmail.com
GRACE ANN COURTNEY / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Opinion Policies:
ACROSS
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.
SUDOKU©
Puzzles by KrazyDad
HOW TO PLAY Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 with no repeats.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE
1- Pitchfork-shaped letters; 5- Queens stadium; 9- Consumer; 13- Sleep issue; 15- Drop of water expelled by the eye; 16- Ralph Lauren brand; 17- Rudner and Moreno; 18- Graduate, for short; 19- Gone by; 20- Rock producer Brian; 21- Difficult; 23- Ecclesiastic; 25- “___ you dare!”; 26Riding; 27- Snappy comebacks; 30- Asian language; 31- Solo; 32- Continent; 37- TV’s “Nick at ___”; 38- Light ___; 40- Langston Hughes
poem; 41- Runaway; 43- Berlin’s “Blue ___”; 44- Polished off; 45- Spire; 47- Shorthand pros; 50- Tins; 51- Angora fleece; 52- This can’t be!; 53Diddley and Derek; 56Very much; 57- Taboo; 59- Give guns again; 61- Rub the wrong way; 62- Cabinet dept.; 63- French farewell; 64- First place?; 65- Dixie pronoun; 66- Smoke deposit;
DOWN
1- Trim; 2- Whirl; 3- A big fan of; 4- Ocean;
5- Begins; 6- Gripped; 7- It’s bottled in Cannes; 8- Archie Bunker’s is in the Smithsonian; 9- Higher; 10- Flies high; 11- Borden’s spokescow; 12- Campus mil. group; 14- On the beach; 22- Hill insect; 24- Diving bird; 25- Gift recipient; 26- Jai ___; 27- McNally’s partner; 28- Writer Wiesel; 29- Rug rats; 32- Disfigure; 33- Finds pleasing; 34- Take ___ from me...; 35- Christmas song; 36Prescription info; 38- A lawyer; 39- Dates; 42- Rajah’s wife;
43- Lady of Spain; 45- Black tourmaline; 46- Convert into leather; 47- Not hollow; 48- Fulcrum for an oar; 49- Devoured; 51- Female horse; 52- Like Nash’s lama; 53- Scott of “Charles in Charge”; 54- White-centered cookie; 55- Corn; 58- ___ roll; 60- Mag. staffers;
PAGE 8 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPIAN | 3 SEPTEMBER 2026
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