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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Football Practice Report: Rebels Open Fall Camp
8/6/2026 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss football team is back on the practice fields as preparations for the 2026 season officially begin. We're back as well, bringing you complete coverage throughout fall camp leading up to the Rebels' Sept. 6 season opener against Louisville in Nashville.
Head coach Pete Golding and several Rebel players met with local media Thursday to officially kick off fall camp. Hear what Golding had to say in this week's Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center Practice Report.
Healthy Returns Highlight Opening Day
One of the biggest storylines from the opening day of fall camp was the return of several players who missed spring practice due to injury. Golding highlighted defensive linemen Edwin Joseph and Jordan Renaud, praising both for the strides they made over the summer and the impact they made on day one.
"Those two that you brought up I think have the ability to be really good players... Edwin's had a really, really good summer. When you spot the ball, the kid's special. He's got unique abilities, got a lot of versatility."
Golding also noted Renaud's growth since the spring.
"I think Jordan has gotten a lot better in the weight room... he gives us a different presence on the edge. He's heavy-handed, but he's athletic enough to be a good pass rusher as well."
Overall, Golding said the Rebels enter camp in good health, with only a handful of minor injuries to monitor.
Preparing for Every Situation
As camp progresses, Golding said the focus shifts from teaching concepts to putting players in as many game-like situations as possible. He wants the Rebels to be mentally and physically prepared before taking the field against Louisville in the season opener.
"It's now trying to put them in as many game-like situations as possible... create a little adversity, understand situational football a little better."
He emphasized that the coaching staff's goal is to make sure no situation catches the team off guard once the season begins.
'It's not Louisville the first time adversity hits... We've got to do a really good job as a staff making sure we're checking all those boxes through camp."
Newcomers Fitting the Culture
Golding has been pleased with how quickly the Rebels' newcomers have integrated with the returning roster. He believes the program's emphasis on recruiting tough, competitive players has helped create strong chemistry throughout the team.
"If they're not tough, competitive and they don't love football, we don't recruit them."
Golding added that the blend of transfers, freshmen and returning veterans has created a strong locker room culture and expects several newcomers to emerge as leaders throughout the season.
"I really like this class... I think they enjoy being around each other and I think they enjoy competing with each other, which is awesome. Makes my job a lot more fun."
Growing Comfortable in the Offense
Chambliss said the transition to offensive coordinator John David Baker has been seamless thanks to the continuity within Ole Miss' offensive system. He credited head coach Pete Golding's decision to maintain stability and praised Baker's familiarity with the scheme and ability to teach it.
"Chambliss said the transition to offensive coordinator John David Baker has been seamless thanks to the continuity within Ole Miss' offensive system. He credited head coach Pete Golding's decision to maintain stability and praised Baker's familiarity with the scheme and ability to teach it."
Chambliss added that Baker has made the adjustment an easy one.
"Getting to know JDB within these past months has been great. He's a great coach and he's also a great person as well too. So it was an easy transition, honestly."
Embracing Leadership and Expectations
Entering the season as Ole Miss' starting quarterback, Chambliss said he's embracing both the expectations that come with the position and the opportunity to leave his mark on the program. While national recognition has brought added attention, he views it as motivation rather than pressure.
"Pressure is a privilege. I prayed to be in this situation... I'm grateful enough that God has given me this opportunity to be the quarterback at Ole Miss and have the platform that I have."
Chambliss said returning for another season was about building his legacy in Oxford.
"I wanted to stamp my legacy here... I want to be known as one of the greatest quarterbacks to come through Ole Miss."
Focused on the Team First
Despite the preseason attention surrounding his Heisman campaign and individual accolades, Lacy said his mindset hasn't changed entering fall camp. The veteran running back remains focused on the team's daily improvement and believes personal success will follow if the Rebels continue to take care of business.
"Really, just taking it day by day and just focusing on... what we need to accomplish as a team. And not focusing on what anybody else has to say, but just coming together and just focusing as a team."
Lacy added that while every player has individual goals, the team's "1-0" mentality remains the priority throughout camp.
"I feel like every player should have personal goals... just trying to accomplish the 1-0 goal."
A Deeper Running Back Room
Lacy welcomes a deeper rotation in the backfield this season, saying the added talent will help keep the running backs fresh while creating more explosive plays for the offense. He also praised transfer Makhi Frazier for the energy he has brought to the room.
"If the team wins, that's a good game for me... having those extra legs too as well is just a blessing to have a rotation and other people to go in there and make explosive plays."
Lacy believes Frazier has already made a strong impression during camp.
"He's a great addition to the running back room. He's smart, he knows football, and he's very fast and physical. So I feel like he's definitely gonna add some juice to the backfield."
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