OLE MISS FOOTBALL: REBELS READY FOR SUGAR BOWL REMATCH, OFF-FIELD DRAMA SURROUNDS PLAYOFF PUSH
New Orleans / Oxford, MS — January 2, 2026
The Ole Miss Rebels enter a pivotal moment in program history as they prepare to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff Sugar Bowl quarterfinal, looking to avenge a regular-season loss and reach the national semifinals.
Quarterfinal Stakes: Georgia Rematch in CFP Playoff
No. 6 Ole Miss (12–1) is set to square off against No. 3 Georgia (12–1) on New Year’s Day at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans — a rematch of a thrilling 43–35 defeat the Rebels suffered in Athens earlier this season. Georgia enters as a slight favorite, but Ole Miss hopes to flip momentum with its balanced offense and opportunistic defense. CBS Sports
Rebels head coach Pete Golding, in his first full game after taking over midseason, emphasized execution and communication as key to disrupting Georgia’s experienced unit.
Coaching Carousel and Leadership Changes
The Sugar Bowl also highlights a major coaching narrative for the Rebels: former head coach Lane Kiffin, who led Ole Miss to its first CFP berth, chose not to attend Sunday’s game after departing for a head coaching job at LSU late in the season — a decision that stirred both anticipation and controversy among fans. New York Post
Golding, previously defensive coordinator, transitioned into the top role and has overseen staff additions aimed at strengthening the program’s long-term trajectory, including key hires from rival programs to bolster recruiting, scouting and operations during the postseason push.
On-Field Success Mixed With Off-Field Tension
Ole Miss’s breakout season has been marked by historic success and recent tension:
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The Rebels secured their first ever College Football Playoff berth after a landmark 11-win regular season — a program record — that included a dominating 38–19 win over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. Ole Miss Athletics - Hotty Toddy
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However, just days before their Sugar Bowl showdown, freshman defender Dante Jovon Core was arrested on charges related to speeding and alleged drug possession, adding pregame distractions for the Rebels.
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Earlier in the week, there was buzz about whether Lane Kiffin might show up to support his former squad, a topic that captured media attention before he confirmed his absence. Yahoo Sports
Team Outlook and Fan Expectations
Rebel supporters are energized by the chance to topple a perennial SEC powerhouse and advance to the CFP semifinals, where a potential matchup with the Miami Hurricanes awaits. The program’s offensive engines — led by standout performers like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy — have consistently produced big plays throughout the season. Ole Miss Athletics - Hotty Toddy
Ole Miss’s playoff push has galvanized Oxford, where fans celebrated one of the most successful seasons in school history — and one that has firmly placed the Rebels among college football’s elite teams this year.
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