Pete Golding
Ole Miss has reached the point where preparation matters more than evaluation. As the Rebels shift toward Louisville, first-team repetitions are beginning to reveal who Pete Golding trusts most.
That is especially important on defense, where Ole Miss must replace seven starters. Kam Franklin leads a front that includes Jordan Renaud, Jehiem Oatis and Blake Purchase. At linebacker, Keaton Thomas, Luke Ferrelli and Tah’j Butler are competing to prove they can tackle consistently and remain disciplined against Louisville’s running game.
Golding must also settle the secondary rotation around experienced cornerback Jaylon Braxton. He needs defensive backs who communicate, limit explosive plays and tackle in space.
Offensively, Ole Miss must settle its tackle rotation around Terez Davis, Tommy Kinsler IV and Carius Curne. That decision carries additional weight against Louisville edge rusher Clev Lubin, who recorded 8.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss last season.
John David Baker must determine which receivers belong on the field most often with Trinidad Chambliss. Deuce Alexander, Caleb Cunningham and Johntay Cook II give Baker multiple options, but game-plan practices should separate talent from game-ready reliability.
Ole Miss has plenty of depth. Louisville preparation will show which players Golding considers ready to help the Rebels win immediately.
