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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: Rebels Begin Transition to Game Week
8/25/2026 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss football team is less than two weeks away from their season opener against Louisville in Nashville. The Rebels are continuing to build towards the first game of the season getting into their game week routine.
Jaheim Oatis, Lucas Carneiro and Oscar Bird met with the media Tuesday to discuss the Rebels' continued preparations for the 2026 season opener, sharing their thoughts on fall camp, the team's progress and the excitement surrounding the start of the season.
Returning Home to Mississippi
Oatis said returning to his home state was a major reason he chose Ole Miss for his senior season.
"I wanted to come back home to Mississippi, you know, and just ball out with my brothers back here."
He said being back in Mississippi has also allowed him to spend more time with his family during the season.
"Just being back in Mississippi, giving my family opportunity to come up here and spend time with me."
Reuniting With Pete Golding
Oatis discussed reuniting with Golding, who was his defensive coordinator during his freshman season at Alabama.
"Pete was my defensive coordinator when I played at Alabama my freshman year."
Oatis said Golding's energy and honesty have helped make the reunion a natural fit as he begins his senior season with the Rebels.
"He's somebody you can walk up to, ask about something if you have a problem."
Improving His Pass Rush
Oatis said improving his pass rush has been one of his primary focuses throughout fall camp as he continues to develop within the Rebels' defense.
"Right now, I'm just, you know, trying to work on the things I need to improve on, which is my pass rush."
He also highlighted the importance of communication and building chemistry with his teammates along the defensive line.
"Just competing and communicating with my brothers on the field, with the defense."
Flipping the Page
Carneiro emphasized the importance of moving on from last season and using the offseason to improve specific areas of his game.
"I think the biggest thing, and it goes for the whole team, is flipping the page."
He said while last season was successful, the focus has now shifted toward preparing for the upcoming season and the opener against Louisville.
"Last season was a good year, but that's in the past. And our focus now is getting ready for Louisville week one."
Building Chemistry in the Specialists Room
Carneiro highlighted the strong relationship between the Rebels' specialists and the importance of building chemistry both on and off the field.
"We like to have a good bond and just want to be together in a good group and just have the connection that we have on and off the field."
He also discussed developing that connection with Caleb Odom and Oscar Bird, saying the bond between the snapper, holder and kicker is an important part of the operation.
"I think you can't do this without having a relationship."
Ready for Any Opportunity
Carneiro also discussed his range and his mindset when it comes to being called upon in a game.
"My biggest thing is just being ready whenever."
After making a 62-yard field goal in camp, Carneiro said he feels capable of attempting kicks from long distance while maintaining the same smooth approach regardless of the distance.
"For kicking, I just try to stay as smooth as possible and treat every distance obviously knowing it's longer or shorter, but try to swing the same."
Building Confidence in Year Two
Bird reflected on how gaining a full season of experience has helped him become more comfortable and confident heading into his second year as the Rebels' punter.
"The big thing I learned from last year was how important believing in yourself is and trusting yourself."
He said the work put in during practice allows him to approach game days with confidence and focus on enjoying the moment.
"When I run out on game day, it's really just getting to enjoy the experience and I'm fully prepared knowing that I've put in the work."
Consistency and Reliability
Bird said his main goal throughout fall camp has been to become a consistent and reliable presence for the Rebels on special teams.
"I think it's be consistent and reliable. That's my job."
He emphasized the importance of being prepared for different situations and making an impact whenever his number is called.
"Making sure that when my number's called on game day that I can make an impact."
Strong Chemistry Within the Specialists
Bird also discussed the close relationship among Ole Miss' specialists, highlighting the importance of building trust both on and off the field.
"Chemistry is really important, trust between all of us."
He said the time he spent with Lucas Carneiro and Caleb Blankenship during the ice storm helped strengthen their connection and ultimately carries over to their performance on the field.
"We had a great chance to connect that group ... to make sure that on field that connection is strong." Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all the latest Ole Miss football news and content this season! Subscribe to The Sip, the official newsletter of Rebel football, and we'll drop the best Ole Miss football stories
Jaheim Oatis, Lucas Carneiro and Oscar Bird met with the media Tuesday to discuss the Rebels' continued preparations for the 2026 season opener, sharing their thoughts on fall camp, the team's progress and the excitement surrounding the start of the season.
Returning Home to Mississippi
Oatis said returning to his home state was a major reason he chose Ole Miss for his senior season.
"I wanted to come back home to Mississippi, you know, and just ball out with my brothers back here."
He said being back in Mississippi has also allowed him to spend more time with his family during the season.
"Just being back in Mississippi, giving my family opportunity to come up here and spend time with me."
Reuniting With Pete Golding
Oatis discussed reuniting with Golding, who was his defensive coordinator during his freshman season at Alabama.
"Pete was my defensive coordinator when I played at Alabama my freshman year."
Oatis said Golding's energy and honesty have helped make the reunion a natural fit as he begins his senior season with the Rebels.
"He's somebody you can walk up to, ask about something if you have a problem."
Improving His Pass Rush
Oatis said improving his pass rush has been one of his primary focuses throughout fall camp as he continues to develop within the Rebels' defense.
"Right now, I'm just, you know, trying to work on the things I need to improve on, which is my pass rush."
He also highlighted the importance of communication and building chemistry with his teammates along the defensive line.
"Just competing and communicating with my brothers on the field, with the defense."
Flipping the Page
Carneiro emphasized the importance of moving on from last season and using the offseason to improve specific areas of his game.
"I think the biggest thing, and it goes for the whole team, is flipping the page."
He said while last season was successful, the focus has now shifted toward preparing for the upcoming season and the opener against Louisville.
"Last season was a good year, but that's in the past. And our focus now is getting ready for Louisville week one."
Building Chemistry in the Specialists Room
Carneiro highlighted the strong relationship between the Rebels' specialists and the importance of building chemistry both on and off the field.
"We like to have a good bond and just want to be together in a good group and just have the connection that we have on and off the field."
He also discussed developing that connection with Caleb Odom and Oscar Bird, saying the bond between the snapper, holder and kicker is an important part of the operation.
"I think you can't do this without having a relationship."
Ready for Any Opportunity
Carneiro also discussed his range and his mindset when it comes to being called upon in a game.
"My biggest thing is just being ready whenever."
After making a 62-yard field goal in camp, Carneiro said he feels capable of attempting kicks from long distance while maintaining the same smooth approach regardless of the distance.
"For kicking, I just try to stay as smooth as possible and treat every distance obviously knowing it's longer or shorter, but try to swing the same."
Building Confidence in Year Two
Bird reflected on how gaining a full season of experience has helped him become more comfortable and confident heading into his second year as the Rebels' punter.
"The big thing I learned from last year was how important believing in yourself is and trusting yourself."
He said the work put in during practice allows him to approach game days with confidence and focus on enjoying the moment.
"When I run out on game day, it's really just getting to enjoy the experience and I'm fully prepared knowing that I've put in the work."
Consistency and Reliability
Bird said his main goal throughout fall camp has been to become a consistent and reliable presence for the Rebels on special teams.
"I think it's be consistent and reliable. That's my job."
He emphasized the importance of being prepared for different situations and making an impact whenever his number is called.
"Making sure that when my number's called on game day that I can make an impact."
Strong Chemistry Within the Specialists
Bird also discussed the close relationship among Ole Miss' specialists, highlighting the importance of building trust both on and off the field.
"Chemistry is really important, trust between all of us."
He said the time he spent with Lucas Carneiro and Caleb Blankenship during the ice storm helped strengthen their connection and ultimately carries over to their performance on the field.
"We had a great chance to connect that group ... to make sure that on field that connection is strong." Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all the latest Ole Miss football news and content this season! Subscribe to The Sip, the official newsletter of Rebel football, and we'll drop the best Ole Miss football stories
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, August 25
Tuesday, August 25
Tuesday, August 25
Tuesday, August 25