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The University of Mississippi Athletics
OTA 2 Practice Report: Rebels Begin First Full Week of Spring Drills
3/31/2026 | Football
Presented by Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss head football coach Pete Golding, alongside quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, addressed the media Tuesday for their first during their OTA 2 phase as the Rebels continue spring practice ahead of the 2026 season.
It was Golding's first availability with reporters since the Fiesta Bowl in January, and the tone was direct, confident and forward-looking.
Built for the Big Stage
Golding wasted no time making clear where he believes Ole Miss stands heading into 2026.
"I think Ole Miss is a national brand now," Golding said. "It's the most depth, across the board, we've had since we've been here."
One area he addressed specifically was the defensive line, where thin depth proved costly in the Fiesta Bowl.
"I feel like we lacked internal depth late in the year, especially against Miami," Golding said.
The early returns on the incoming class up front, however, have him feeling good about where things are headed.
"Some of these freshmen are as good as any I've been around in a long time," Golding said. "I like the progress with this group this offseason."
Straight Talk
Golding made clear his program operates on a foundation of straightforward communication, and that extends to how he thinks about roster building and player retention.
"We don't sugarcoat things," Golding said. "We tell players exactly how it's going to be."
That philosophy carries over to the transfer portal, where Golding has drawn a firm line on what kind of program he intends to build.
"There's got to be stability to have development," Golding said. "There's a lot of research out there, and there's not a lot of stability in development anymore. I'd much rather guys not come, than come and leave."
The standard inside the Manning Center is equally clear.
"I don't want there to be a day where someone can't walk in this building and get better," Golding said.
QB1 Is All In
Trinidad Chambliss took the podium Tuesday with the weight of a months-long legal battle finally behind him, looking every bit like a player ready to contend for a Heisman Trophy.
"Very excited to see the news that came out Friday, and make sure our team is ready for the season," Chambliss said. "It's good to have an offseason. It's been a full spring and I'm excited about spring ball."
With a larger leadership role comes new responsibilities, and Chambliss is embracing them.
"My role increased for sure," Chambliss said. "I'm not a real vocal guy, but I have to get out of my comfort zone a bit."
Golding has taken notice.
"His maturity is off the charts," Golding said. "The ability to focus and be where his feet are. He's been awesome, got a really good family around him."
With a Heisman contender under center, a deep and hungry roster, and a head coach who has made it clear exactly what this program stands for, the Rebels look every bit like a team with unfinished business.
It was Golding's first availability with reporters since the Fiesta Bowl in January, and the tone was direct, confident and forward-looking.
Built for the Big Stage
Golding wasted no time making clear where he believes Ole Miss stands heading into 2026.
"I think Ole Miss is a national brand now," Golding said. "It's the most depth, across the board, we've had since we've been here."
One area he addressed specifically was the defensive line, where thin depth proved costly in the Fiesta Bowl.
"I feel like we lacked internal depth late in the year, especially against Miami," Golding said.
The early returns on the incoming class up front, however, have him feeling good about where things are headed.
"Some of these freshmen are as good as any I've been around in a long time," Golding said. "I like the progress with this group this offseason."
Straight Talk
Golding made clear his program operates on a foundation of straightforward communication, and that extends to how he thinks about roster building and player retention.
"We don't sugarcoat things," Golding said. "We tell players exactly how it's going to be."
That philosophy carries over to the transfer portal, where Golding has drawn a firm line on what kind of program he intends to build.
"There's got to be stability to have development," Golding said. "There's a lot of research out there, and there's not a lot of stability in development anymore. I'd much rather guys not come, than come and leave."
The standard inside the Manning Center is equally clear.
"I don't want there to be a day where someone can't walk in this building and get better," Golding said.
QB1 Is All In
Trinidad Chambliss took the podium Tuesday with the weight of a months-long legal battle finally behind him, looking every bit like a player ready to contend for a Heisman Trophy.
"Very excited to see the news that came out Friday, and make sure our team is ready for the season," Chambliss said. "It's good to have an offseason. It's been a full spring and I'm excited about spring ball."
With a larger leadership role comes new responsibilities, and Chambliss is embracing them.
"My role increased for sure," Chambliss said. "I'm not a real vocal guy, but I have to get out of my comfort zone a bit."
Golding has taken notice.
"His maturity is off the charts," Golding said. "The ability to focus and be where his feet are. He's been awesome, got a really good family around him."
With a Heisman contender under center, a deep and hungry roster, and a head coach who has made it clear exactly what this program stands for, the Rebels look every bit like a team with unfinished business.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballPRESSER | Trinidad Chambliss - First Spring Presser (03-31-26)
Tuesday, March 31
PRESSER | Pete Golding - First Spring Practice (03-31-26)
Tuesday, March 31
PRESSER | Kapena Gushiken - Pro Day (03-18-26)
Wednesday, March 18
PRESSER | De'Zhaun Stribling - Pro Day (03-18-26)
Wednesday, March 18