Ole Miss

The biggest question in Oxford isn't whether Ole Miss can maintain its elite offensive production — it's whether Pete Golding can seamlessly step into his first head coaching role after Lane Kiffin's shocking departure to LSU following a massive playoff victory over Georgia. The Rebels enter 2026 ranked seventh nationally with a +21.8 rating, powered by the nation's fourth-best offense (+11.7) behind returning quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who takes over full-time duties after Jaxson Dart's NFL departure. The transfer portal brought significant roster churn with 25 departures including backup quarterback Austin Simmons and receiver Cayden Lee (both to Missouri), but Syracuse transfer Johntay Cook headlines 28 arrivals that should help offset the losses.

JP+ projects 7.7 wins for a program dealing with moderate continuity risks across both sides of the ball, particularly along the offensive line and in pass coverage where key contributors departed. Chambliss inherits an offense that lost considerable receiving production but gained Cook and fellow Syracuse transfer Darrell Gill Jr. to help stabilize the passing game, while Auburn transfer Deuce Knight provides quarterback depth. The special teams unit ranks first nationally (+1.1), offering a potential edge in close games against a challenging slate that includes road trips to Texas and Florida plus a home showdown with Kiffin's new LSU squad. If Golding proves capable of managing the transition while the offensive line and secondary find their footing, this talent level suggests double-digit wins remain possible — but stumbles in either area could leave the Rebels closer to that 7.7-win projection in a loaded SEC.