Why Stephen A Smith is attending Ole Miss vs LSU women's basketball game

OXFORD — Not only is Stephen A. Smith coming to Oxford to watch the Ole Miss women’s basketball game against LSU, but he is willing to miss his beloved NBA team’s game to do it.

No. 17 Ole Miss (21-6, 8-4 SEC) hosts No. 7 LSU (22-4, 8-4) and coach Kim Mulkey on Feb. 19 (8 p.m., ESPN). Smith, the ESPN star and host of “First Take,” said he will be there.

Part of the reason why is to fulfill his promise to Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.

“There’s a wonderful, wonderful coach at Ole Miss,” Smith said on “First Take” Feb. 18. “I promised her I would be there. I’m showing up. That’s why I’m missing the (New York) Knicks game.”

Stephen A Smith Ole Miss comments started with Lane Kiffin

Smith made headlines in November when Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin left for LSU. Smith said part of what made Kiffin want to leave was a racial factor tied in with recruiting.

“The brothers ain’t trying to come to Oxford, for the most part, compared to Gainesville or Baton Rouge. Let’s just call it what it is, OK?” Smith said.

Smith has since interviewed McPhee-McCuin on his radio show. She invited Smith to Oxford to see what the town is like for himself.

“There was some stuff that was happening with Lane Kiffin and all that stuff,” Smith said. “As you know I talked some mess about Ole Miss and Oxford, Mississippi. Stuff like that. Those folks dared me to come down there. I promised them that I would, so I am showing up. Tomorrow night I will be in Oxford, Mississippi.”

Pete Golding, Ole Miss football team expected to attend

The game is shaping up to have good atmosphere. McPhee-McCuin posted on social media on Feb. 18 that she was told to expect the Ole Miss football team to show up.

When your football coach texts you first thing in the AM to say he’s pulling up with the fellas Thursday!!!! 💙❤️😁🏈🏀

— Coach Yo (@YolettMcCuin) February 18, 2026

“When your football coach texts you first thing in the AM to say he’s pulling up with the fellas Thursday!” McPhee-McCuin wrote.

The game will be the second game in three days for the Rebels, who are coming off a dominating home win against No. 21 Tennessee.

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Stephen A. Smith trip to Ole Miss vs LSU game began with Lane Kiffin