Football Practice Report: Rebels Put on Full Pads

OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss football team took another step forward in fall camp Wednesday, putting on full pads for the first time this preseason. The Rebels continued to ramp up the physicality at practice as they work toward the 2026 season opener against Louisville.

First day in pads. pic.twitter.com/hX6IH3N2qR
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 12, 2026

Following practice, Caleb Odom, Terez Davis, Makhi Frazier and Horatio Fields met with local media to discuss the team's progress through camp, the increased intensity that comes with full pads and their preparation for the upcoming season.

Embracing a Full-Time Role at Tight End
After spending time moving around the field last season, Odom said having the summer to focus primarily on tight end has allowed him to hone in on the details of the position, particularly as a blocker.

"It's been really beneficial, just really being able to hone in and have my mind set on like one thing... just knowing if we're in those 11 personnels that I'm going to be a tight end."

Odom said the focused work has helped him improve his footwork, hand placement and understanding of what it takes to be a complete tight end.

"You got to be able to block those guys for sure... just being able to hone in on my footwork and hand placement and things that make a good tight end, a good tight end."

Tight Ends Poised for Opportunities
Odom sees plenty of opportunities for the tight end room in offensive coordinator John David Baker's system, pointing to the increased use of multiple-tight-end personnel as a chance for the group to make an impact.

"I do feel like we are running more 12 personnel, more 13, getting into things like that. So I see a lot of opportunity for all of the guys."

With Odom, Luke Hasz, Michael Smith and Brady Prieskorn all competing for opportunities, Odom said the group is being put in positions to succeed.

"I feel like we're being put in a good system and we're being put in the best position we can be put in to make plays and stuff."

Stepping Into a Leadership Role
Entering his second season in Oxford, Odom said he's embracing a larger leadership role within the tight end room. After primarily leading by example as a sophomore, Odom said he and Hasz have been encouraged to bring more energy and become more vocal leaders.

"This year trying to do lead by action and lead by just vocally and by my energy and stuff is something that I've changed."

Odom also credited position coach Woodiel for challenging him to focus more on the small details that can make the difference between winning and losing a block.

"For me, it's been more of the little details that really are able to like win blocks."

Taking the Next Step at Left Tackle
After spending last season learning behind veterans, Davis said the full offseason at Ole Miss has helped him make significant strides as he competes for the starting left tackle spot. He credited players like Diego Pounds for their mentorship and the daily push from his teammates.

"Just learning the playbook and just getting in the film room, you know, being behind guys like Diego and Jaden, just really listening and taking mentorship of them and just working every day."

Davis said having a full offseason in Oxford has been especially valuable after arriving at Ole Miss last summer.

"Being behind guys like Jaden and Diego, just watching them, staying behind them and listening and just taking their lead is has helped me a lot. So, it's been really good."

A Strong Foundation Along the Offensive Line
Davis said having three returning starters on the interior of the offensive line has made his transition into the starting group much more comfortable. He believes their experience can help him continue to develop as he takes on a larger role.

"It's very comfortable. You know, having guys like, you know, Delano, that's my boy. That's my dog. Brycen, Kudas, those are my boys, too."

The experience of those players has also given Davis teammates he can lean on when facing situations he hasn't encountered before.

"Stuff I might not know the best, they know 'cause they've been in games... So, stuff that I'm I might struggle with, they know and they could teach me. And it just helps me a lot."

Focused on Playing Fast
With the Rebels' offense operating at a high tempo, Davis said his biggest focus throughout the remainder of fall camp is becoming more comfortable with his assignments and reacting quickly to what the defense presents.

"Just being able to get the ID and know what I'm doing and the guy next to me is doing, how the defense is going to stunt, you know, stuff like that."

For Davis, the goal is simple: eliminate hesitation and let his preparation take over.

"Just being able to play fast because if you can play fast in this offense, it does good things for you."

Embracing His Role in the Backfield
With Kewan Lacy returning as one of the nation's top preseason running backs, Frazier said he's focused on doing whatever the Rebels need from him. Rather than worrying about individual expectations, Frazier is looking to make the most of every opportunity.

"Whatever the team needs, man. Just trying to help go win games, man. And just stack days each and every day."

Frazier said he's comfortable letting his role develop naturally while making sure he's ready when his number is called.

"I like whatever the role best is for the team and just trying to help, man, do my job whenever my name is called and take the best of each and every opportunity."

Learning From Lacy
Frazier said having Lacy back in the running back room has provided an opportunity for the two to compete against each other while also helping each other improve.

"It's been pretty good. Just been able to compete with him each and every day and see how we can help each other get better."

Frazier has also taken note of what separates Lacy from other talented backs, pointing specifically to his preparation and attention to detail.

"The extra work that he does and the attention to detail that he pays to literally every single thing and just being able to be coachable."

Making the Most of Baker's Offense
Frazier believes John David Baker's offense gives him plenty of opportunities to showcase his skill set. The running back said the Rebels' willingness to use the position in different ways allows him to expand his game.

"This is a great offense to be able to show my abilities and stuff."

Frazier said the offense allows running backs to line up in different places and contribute as pass catchers, something he believes can help him continue developing his game.

"Being able to use the running back all over the place and be able to expand our game and stuff for the next level if we want to play there."

Finding a Fit in Baker's Offense
Fields said he has enjoyed settling into John David Baker's offense, particularly the emphasis on playing fast while still being smart and having fun. He believes the system creates opportunities for the Rebel receivers to make plays.

"He pushed us to have fast tempo but, you know, play fast, be smart but also have fun while we out there."

Fields said Baker's ability to create different looks and find ways to get the ball to his playmakers has made the offense a good fit for the receiver room.

"I feel like how JDB draws the offense, he's very smart, so he finds ways to get us the ball and ... how we disguise our formation."

Building Chemistry With Chambliss
With Trinidad Chambliss entering his first season as the full-time starter, Fields said the two have spent significant time together since the spring building trust and confidence in one another.

"Just since the start, since we got here, you know, just we've been working on building each other's confidence so that when it's time for Week 1, you know, it ain't a hiccup."

Fields believes that early work will be important when the Rebels take the field for their season opener.

"Building a relationship would allow him to have confidence in me, you know, I can trust in him."

Letting the Work Speak for the Receiver Room
Fields isn't concerned with where the Ole Miss receivers are ranked or how much preseason attention the group receives. Instead, he said the room is focused on proving itself when the season begins.

"Whatever preseason says, we can't speak too much on that. We work every day to prove that, you know, by Week 1, we're going to show you."

For Fields, the focus remains on the group working together and making sure the production on the field matches the work being put in during camp.

"We just work on in-house and make sure that as a unit, we're moving on one accord."

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Players Mentioned

Trinidad Chambliss

Terez Davis

Horatio Fields

Makhi Frazier

Luke Hasz

Kewan Lacy

Caleb Odom

Diego Pounds

Brady Prieskorn

Michael Smith

The University of Mississippi Athletics