Ole Miss新任主教练皮特·高丁在SEC Media Days上表示，他与前任主教练莱恩·基芬之间没有怨恨，用"前任"的比喻来形容两人的关系 [1]。高丁指出："如果在2021年有人说2025年你11-1进季后赛但教练要离职，你会接受吗？当然会。" [1]
基芬在上赛季中途突然离职投奔LSU，与该校签订了7年9100万美元的合约 [1]。高丁随即临危受命，率领Ole Miss上赛季取得13-2的战绩并进入国家半决赛 [1]。随后学校与高丁签订了5年合约 [1]。
尽管已有新的岗位，高丁目前仍住在基芬的旧宅，两人也保持着联系 [1]。Ole Miss将于9月19日主场对阵基芬执教的LSU [1]。
上赛季四分卫特立尼达·钱布利斯为Ole Miss贡献了3900码传球和22次达阵 [1]。与此同时，Clemson主教练达博·斯威尼指控Ole Miss不当挖角了后卫卢克·费雷利 [1]。
Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding addressed his relationship with predecessor Lane Kiffin at SEC Media Days, describing the former coach as "the ex" who will inevitably resurface in conversation [1]. Golding emphasized there is no ill will between them, noting that he and Kiffin remain in contact and that he currently resides in Kiffin's former home [1].
Golding assumed the role after Kiffin abruptly departed for LSU, where he signed a seven-year, $91 million contract [1]. Despite the sudden transition, Golding guided Ole Miss to a 13-2 record last season and led the program to the College Football Playoff semifinal [1]. He subsequently signed a five-year agreement with the university [1].
Reflecting on the circumstances of his hiring, Golding stated: "If someone told you in 2021 that in 2025 you'd go 11-1 and make the playoff but your coach is going to leave, would you take it? Of course you would" [1].
Looking ahead, Ole Miss will face LSU at home on September 19 [1]. The Rebels will be led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who threw for 3,900 yards and 22 touchdowns last season [1].