‘Disgusting,’ ‘This Is Disappointing’ — CFB World Reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Stance on Ole Miss Amid Violence Concerns

‘Disgusting,’ ‘This Is Disappointing’ — CFB World Reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Stance on Ole Miss Amid Violence Concerns

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‘Disgusting,’ ‘This Is Disappointing’ — CFB World Reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Stance on Ole Miss Amid Violence Concerns
‘Disgusting,’ ‘This Is Disappointing’ — CFB World Reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Stance on Ole Miss Amid Violence Concerns
‘Disgusting,’ ‘This Is Disappointing’ — CFB World Reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Stance on Ole Miss Amid Violence Concerns

The buildup to Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford has taken on a life of its own, with the LSU-Ole Miss matchup becoming one of the most talked-about games of the college football season.

Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU in late November 2025, just before the Rebels’ College Football Playoff run. Now, with the former coach returning to Oxford as the Tigers’ head coach, extra security measures have been put in place for Saturday’s top-10 showdown. Officials have brought in additional law enforcement and mounted patrols, while school officials have urged fans to keep their emotions under control.

The heightened security also became part of the national conversation after ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith revealed that he would no longer attend the game.

Stephen A. Smith Sparks CFB Debate With Ole Miss Take

Speaking on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, Smith said he had planned to travel to Oxford but changed his mind after hearing about the increased security and reports surrounding the atmosphere.

Smith urged fans to avoid violence but said he was not comfortable taking the chance of attending the game in person.

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His decision quickly sparked a debate across the college football world. Some observers felt Smith was overstating the situation, while others pointed to the significant security presence as evidence that officials were taking the potential for crowd issues seriously.

Fox Sports Radio host Aaron Torres called the ongoing criticism of Ole Miss and Mississippi “disgusting,” arguing that the narrative has shifted from questions about whether the program could win a championship to claims that people should not even feel safe attending a game there.

Sr. National College Sports Reporter Trey Wallace took a more direct shot at Smith, suggesting that the explanation felt like an attempt to make the situation about himself. Wallace acknowledged that the game will be “rowdy, hostile and drunk,” but argued that this is still a highly anticipated college football rivalry rather than a situation comparable to a war zone.

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ESPN SEC Network anchor Peter Burns also expressed his disappointment, distinguishing between an intense atmosphere and an unsafe one. “This is disappointing,” Burns wrote, while arguing that suggesting media members could be in danger gives the matchup an unnecessary negative image. He also defended Oxford, describing it as a city filled with great people.

Michael Borkey, co-host of SportsTalk Mississippi, was even more direct, calling the entire situation “stupid.”

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Others also joined the conversation, with one writing, “We are a country full of self-important drama queens.”

Why Security Has Been Increased in Oxford

While Smith’s comments generated plenty of criticism, there is no question that officials are taking Saturday’s game seriously.

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter said the school understands the additional storylines surrounding Kiffin’s return and has prepared for multiple scenarios. Extra officers and mounted patrols from Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans are expected to assist with crowd control.

The school has also banned LSU gear and colors from the student section, with fans wearing opposing-team apparel subject to removal.

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At the same time, Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said the goal is to ensure attention remains on the game rather than on incidents off the field.

The added security comes as Kiffin prepares to face his former team for the first time since leaving Oxford. With LSU and Ole Miss both ranked in the top 10, the football stakes are already high.

Whether Smith’s decision proves justified or overly cautious will remain a matter of opinion, but his comments have added another layer to an already highly charged SEC matchup.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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