In a move that’s sent some real shockwaves through the college football world, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy has decided to stick with the Rebels for the 2026 season. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz confirmed the news, which means Ole Miss gets to hold onto one of the country’s top offensive threats.
Lacy’s been electric this season. He’s leading the SEC in total touchdowns and is third in the nation for rushing yards.
His decision is a major win for first-year coach Pete Golding and his staff. They’re gearing up for a tough College Football Playoff semifinals, and having Lacy in the backfield gives them a real shot.
The Impact of Kewan Lacy’s Decision
Keeping Lacy in Oxford is huge for Ole Miss. He’s racked up 1,464 rushing yards and a conference-best 23 touchdowns this season.
Lacy is the first Doak Walker finalist in Ole Miss history and has earned All-America honors. The fact that Ole Miss held onto him, even with LSU circling, says a lot about where the program’s headed under Golding.
Key Stats and Achievements
Here are some of Lacy’s numbers this season:
- 1,464 rushing yards
- 23 total touchdowns
- Six 100-yard games
- 224-yard, four-touchdown game against Florida
It’s not hard to see why Ole Miss was desperate to keep him around.
Strategic Moves by Lane Kiffin and LSU
Lane Kiffin and LSU were ready to go all-in for Lacy if he’d entered the transfer portal. Kiffin even brought Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith to Baton Rouge, expecting Lacy to be a top target.
But Ole Miss managed to lock him up, along with other key players like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, kicker Lucas Carneiro, and pass rusher Princewill Umanmielen.
LSU’s Backfield Situation
LSU still has some firepower in the backfield. Harlem Berry returns, and they’ve added former Utah freshman Raycine Guillory.
But missing out on a star like Lacy? That’s got to sting a bit.
Ole Miss’ Playoff Aspirations
With Lacy and Chambliss leading the offense, Ole Miss looks ready for a deep playoff run. They just took down Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, which gives them some real momentum.
Lacy’s role in these high-pressure games will be massive, especially since he’s been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury.
Recent Performances
Even with that injury, Lacy managed 98 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia. In the playoff opener versus Tulane, he put up 87 yards and a touchdown.
His knack for showing up in big moments is going to matter a lot with the Fiesta Bowl against Miami looming.
Challenges Ahead: Miami’s Defense
Miami’s defense is no joke. In the playoffs, they’ve held Texas A&M and Ohio State to just 17 points combined.
Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor have been monsters up front, combining for 19 sacks this year and making a habit of changing games.
Miami’s Defensive Strengths
Miami’s defense has really been the backbone of their season. Quarterback Carson Beck even called Bain Jr. and Mesidor “game-wreckers” who have totally shifted the team’s trajectory.
Their physical style is going to be a serious test for Lacy and the Ole Miss offense. Can they break through? Guess we’ll see soon enough.
Conclusion
Kewan Lacy’s decision to stay at Ole Miss is a big deal for the Rebels. His performance this season has turned heads, and honestly, it’s put Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff conversation.
As the Rebels get ready to face Miami, a lot will ride on whether Lacy can break through that tough defensive line. It’s not going to be easy, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s probably him.
This move also says a lot about the direction Ole Miss is heading under Pete Golding. The program’s reputation just keeps climbing.
If you’re curious and want more details, check out the full article on CBS Sports.
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