Ole Miss football 2026: WEEK ONE IS FINALLY HERE

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It is the first Monday of Ole Miss’ college football season in the year of our Lord 2026.

It’s finally here at long last with the dog days of humid hot summer hanging on and driving us all crazy. On Sunday, the No. 9 ranked Rebels will kickoff against the No. 24 Louisville Cardinals in the Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff.

The Heisman hype train for Kewan Lacy and Trinidad Chambliss is very real and very well financed. Over the weekend, the legendary Sphere in Las Vegas lit up with powder blue and red Ole Miss as it promoted Lacy and Chambliss for Heisman.

The Rebels are a touchdown favorite in the season opener according to the sportsbooks, and if Ole Miss starts its season not only with a W but a touchdown plus margin, all eyes will obviously shift to a September 19 showdown with LSU and its head coach not to be named.

Louisville brings its own set of challenges to this game after going 9-4 last season. This is a team that was just a few plays away from going 11-1 in the regular season with two losses in overtime and a one point loss to Clemson. Absolutely cannot overlook this team with a SEC > ACC mentality as the Cardinals have Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz under center. While he lacks experience, head coach Brian Brohm has shown the ability to make serviceable QB’s better (see: Tyler Shough).

The Cardinals defense returns plenty of talent as well, so it should be a good first week challenge for new offensive coordinator John David Baker. While his East Carolina offense was pretty electric, this is going to be much more than a pop quiz to face Louisville.

One advantage where Ole Miss has to make hay is with the Louisville offensive line vs. the Rebels defensive line. Only one starter returns on the Cards OL which could make for some feasting from a talented Ole Miss front four.

But we will have a lot more previews coming on this game far more in-depth. It is finally football season, you guys, get to your small town breakfast shop, saddle up beside the gray haired gentlemen, drink black coffee and set your speculation meters at an all time high.

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