🔥 Oxford has been buzzing all week — but not just from game predictions or playoff projections. There’s a feeling in the air that this is not just another game. This is the moment Ole Miss Rebels fans have been waiting for: a high‑stakes matchup against Tulane as part of the College Football Playoff journey. The excitement is palpable, the tension electric, and every supporter in Oxford feels their heart racing with anticipation. Red Cup Rebellion

But when Pete Golding, head coach of the Rebels, stepped up to announce the projected starting lineup, something extraordinary happened. It wasn’t a dry rundown of names and positions — it was a declaration of belief, of heart, and of pride. His words resonated deeper than any stat sheet could. It was a message that reminded Rebels Nation what this team stands for: resilience, unity, and the will to make their opponents “taste defeat.” And when Golding hinted at two emerging young players stepping into expanded roles, the crowd didn’t just listen — they felt it. They leaned in. They were hooked.

This wasn’t simply football talk — it was emotion — and it set the tone for a game that so many know could become a defining moment in Ole Miss history.

Ole Miss enters this matchup with an impressive 11–1 record, one of the best in school history, and a chance to continue its College Football Playoff run with momentum and belief. Wikipedia Their regular‑season win over Tulane by a commanding score gives this rematch extra sauce — but Golding won’t let his team take anything for granted. Ole Miss Sports

Now, let’s break down the projected Rebels lineup — a roster that blends seasoned veterans with rising youth — including two young standouts Golding personally highlighted as poised to elevate this team even further.

🏈 Projected Ole Miss Rebels Starting Lineup vs Tulane

Offense

Quarterback (QB)

✔️ Trinidad Chambliss (Sr) — Veteran leader and dual‑threat signal caller who has starred all season. 

Running Backs (RB)

✔️ Kewan Lacy (So) — Explosive sophomore back who set a school single‑season rushing TD record. 

✔️ Backup RB — Change‑of‑pace runner giving balance.

Wide Receivers (WR)

✔️ Deuce Alexander (So) — Primary receiver with big play ability. 

✔️ Harrison Wallace III — Veteran wideout consistently dangerous downfield. 

✔️ Cayden Lee (Jr) — Reliable secondary target. 

Tight End (TE)

✔️ Dae’Quan Wright (Sr) — Experienced TE contributing both in blocking and receiving. 

Offensive Line (OL)

✔️ Jayden Williams (Sr, RT) — Veteran right tackle and leader up front. Ole Miss Sports

✔️ Other OL starters — A mix of experienced linemen setting the tone on both run blocks and pass protection.

Defense

Defensive Line (DL)

✔️ Zxavian Harris (Sr, DT) — Towering presence inside with tackles for loss and leadership. 

✔️ Will Echoles (So, DT) — Disruptive interior defender.

Linebackers (LB)

✔️ Jaden Yates (Jr, LB) — Lash‑out tackler and team leader. 

✔️ TJ Dottery (Jr, LB) — Another tackling machine central to run defense. 

Secondary (DB / CB / S)

✔️ Cedrick Beavers (Jr, CB) — Reliable cornerback with playmaking ability. 

✔️ Kapena Gushiken (Sr, S) — Safety who helps anchor secondary coverage. 

Special Teams

✔️ Lucas Carneiro (K) — Veteran kicker with significant field goal range. 

⭐ Two Emerging Young Talents to Watch

These two players were specifically mentioned by fans, coaches, and commentators as ones stepping into larger roles this season — embodying both promise and the potential to change games for Ole Miss this playoff stretch:

1. Kewan Lacy (Running Back, So)

A sophomore from Dallas, Lacy took the Rebels’ offense by storm this season, rushing for a school‑record number of touchdowns and often turning short drives into scoring opportunities. His combination of vision, speed, and tenacity makes him a rising star in Oxford. 

2. Deuce Alexander (Wide Receiver, So)

A playmaker in the passing game, Alexander has shown he can stretch the field, create big plays after the catch, and change momentum instantly. His chemistry with Chambliss has become a cornerstone of the Rebels’ explosive attack. 

What makes this matchup with Tulane so compelling isn’t just the standings or playoff implications — it’s the emotional narrative behind it. Ole Miss is not only aiming for victory but also carrying the hopes of its entire fanbase into this game. Fans across Mississippi are rallying behind this roster, knowing that this group — from seasoned starters to young breakout stars — has the potential to make history. 

Coach Golding didn’t just name a lineup — he revealed a collective heartbeat. He reaffirmed that this team is more than just athletic talent; it’s heart, belief, and shared commitment. That’s what makes this game more than just a Thursday night matchup.

When those Rebels take the field against Tulane, every fan will be holding their breath — not just for a win, but for a story they’ll never forget.

🏈 Because in college football, the most unforgettable moments aren’t just built on yards and touchdowns — they’re built on belief.