Trinidad Chambliss accounts for three touchdowns while Lane Kiffin earns his 50th career win as the Rebels remain undefeated in a hard-fought Oxford showdown.
OXFORD, Miss. | In a tense back-and-forth battle fitting for Homecoming weekend, No. 4 Ole Miss (6–0) survived a late Washington State rally to secure a 24–21 win inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday. The victory preserved the Rebels’ unbeaten season and marked head coach Lane Kiffin’s 50th career win at Ole Miss, achieved in just 68 games — the fastest pace in program history.
Ole Miss improved to 74-17-2 all-time in Homecoming games and extended its non-conference dominance under Kiffin, who is now 22-2 overall and 19-0 in regular-season non-conference play. The win also gave the Rebels their best start since 2022, continuing their climb toward College Football Playoff contention.
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss delivered another poised performance, going 20-for-29 passing for three total touchdowns (two through the air, one rushing). The sophomore’s ability to improvise under pressure — highlighted by his 17-yard scramble touchdown in the third quarter — kept the Rebels in control during key drives.
Tight end Dae’Quan Wright continued his record-breaking campaign, catching four passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, tying Don Williams for sixth in career touchdown receptions among Rebel tight ends. De’Zhaun Stribling added six receptions for 63 yards against his former team, while freshman running back Kewan Lacy powered the ground game with 142 rushing yards on 24 carries, marking his third 100-yard performance of the season and a new career high.
💪 Defense Delivers When It Matters Most
The Rebel defense came up clutch in the fourth quarter, holding Washington State to just two third-down conversions (2-for-10 overall). Kam Franklin, TJ Dottery, Wydett Williams Jr., and Tahj Chambers led the unit with six tackles apiece, with Franklin adding 1.5 sacks — including the game-sealing tackle on the Cougars’ final play.
Ole Miss recorded four total sacks, its highest output this season, with Princewill Umanmielen and Will Echoles joining Franklin in collapsing the Cougars’ pocket late.
Washington State quarterback Zevi Eckhaus led a spirited effort, throwing two touchdowns and engineering a final drive in the closing minute, but Ole Miss’ defense held firm — stopping the Cougars after a series of desperate laterals as time expired.
🏆 Kiffin’s Milestone & The Road Ahead
Saturday’s victory etched Lane Kiffin’s name deeper into Ole Miss history, as he became just the third coach to reach the 50-win mark, joining legends John Vaught and Billy Brewer. Kiffin achieved the milestone six games faster than Vaught and 26 games faster than Brewer, cementing his era as one of the most successful in Rebel history.
Next up, Ole Miss travels to Athens for a marquee SEC clash against No. 10 Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC, in what could serve as an early playoff elimination matchup.
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-- By Bronwyn A. Stone
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