Can Ole Miss finally become college football champions despite Lane Kiffin leaving?

Can Ole Miss finally become college football champions despite Lane Kiffin leaving?

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Can Ole Miss finally become college football champions despite Lane Kiffin leaving?

The college football world watched an all-too-familiar development last season when Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss. He, of course, departed for the LSU head coach job. Despite the abrupt move, Ole Miss went on a deep playoff run that nearly pushed the program to a championship appearance.

Now, the Rebels have brought back Trinidad Chambliss and set their sights on another deep postseason run. One analyst believes there is a legitimate chance they could be hoisting a championship trophy in January.

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On his show See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack, Pollack discussed the outlook for the 2026 Ole Miss team, breaking down both its ceiling and its floor.

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) ESPN broadcaster David Pollack before the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Utah Utes at the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“The floor to me, this is an eight-win, nine-win team,” Pollack said. “That’s the floor for Ole Miss. Which is awesome. The ceiling is going to the College Football Playoff, winning the SEC. That’s why they’re on the contender list.”

Who would have thought that, after Kiffin bolted for Baton Rouge, this would be the level of optimism surrounding Ole Miss? A major reason for that confidence is the return of Chambliss for the 2026 season.

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Chambliss had to receive an injunction to play in 2026. His team argued that he was eligible for a medical redshirt at Ferris State after missing the entire season due to injury. A judge ruled that the NCAA had failed to follow its own bylaws and granted the injunction.

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) throws a pass agains the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Now, Ole Miss has a prime opportunity with its quarterback to make another run at the College Football Playoff National Championship. As for Kiffin, he will face a new level of pressure to deliver as LSU’s head coach.

The move could not have looked worse for Kiffin. In the middle of a legitimate playoff run, he chose to entertain an opportunity with a conference rival. Instead of continuing to represent himself as a changed man of integrity, he left.

Perhaps an Ole Miss championship in 2026 would make the outcome even sweeter for the Rebels. Of course it would.

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