After answering the call against Louisville, the sophomore tackle could take on a larger role in Ole Miss’ home opener.
Connor Howes
Ole Miss needed Connor Howes earlier than expected against Louisville. With the situation at right tackle still worth monitoring, the sophomore could become one of the Rebels’ most important players to watch Saturday against Charlotte.
Starting right tackle Tommy Kinsler IV went down during Ole Miss’ 41-38 victory over No. 24 Louisville, forcing Howes into the lineup during a close game against an experienced defensive front.
Howes answered the call.
Ole Miss offensive lineman Patrick Kutas said he tried to settle Howes down and make sure the young tackle knew the players around him had confidence in him.
“I just got to try to calm him down with elite communication and let him know we’re fine,” Kutas said. “Just go out there and play. He played great.”
That was an encouraging sign for an Ole Miss offensive line that may need to depend on its depth sooner than expected.
Ole Miss has not publicly established a definitive status for Kinsler in the official material released ahead of Saturday’s game. He should not be labeled out, but his availability remains worth monitoring as the Rebels prepare for their home opener.
If Kinsler is limited or unable to play, Howes could be asked to protect quarterback Trinidad Chambliss from the opening snap.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Howes appeared in all 15 games as a true freshman in 2025, primarily contributing on special teams. He entered the program as a three-star prospect from Osceola High School in Florida and was rated among the nation’s top 35 offensive tackles by multiple recruiting services.
He has the size and physical tools Ole Miss wants at the position. Saturday could give the Rebels a better opportunity to evaluate his consistency, communication and ability to handle a larger workload.
Howes’ performance against Louisville mattered because he was not entering during the closing minutes of a comfortable win. Ole Miss was in a back-and-forth game against a ranked opponent, and every possession carried weight.
There was little time for him to ease into the assignment.
Howes had to communicate with Kutas, identify Louisville’s pressure packages and protect the edge for Chambliss. Ole Miss continued moving the football and eventually put together the drive that produced Lucas Carneiro’s game-winning field goal.
The moment did not appear too big for Howes.
Charlotte provides another important test
Charlotte is not expected to present the same overall challenge as Louisville, but that does not make Howes’ potential assignment meaningless.
A tackle must still communicate correctly, avoid penalties and consistently protect the quarterback regardless of the opponent. If Howes receives extended playing time, Ole Miss will want to see him carry his Louisville performance into Saturday’s game without a noticeable decline.
The Rebels could also use the matchup to get him comfortable working beside Kutas.
Continuity is important along the offensive line. The right guard and right tackle must recognize pressure together, pass off defensive-line movements and understand how the other will react when a play begins to break down.
That chemistry becomes even more valuable when SEC defensive fronts enter the picture.
Howes could also help Ole Miss avoid placing too much pressure on Kinsler if the veteran is cleared to play but is not completely ready for a full workload. Having another dependable tackle would give offensive-line coach John Garrison more flexibility with his rotation.
The evaluation extends beyond Saturday
Ole Miss has enough offensive talent to overcome a lineup adjustment against Charlotte. The larger concern is making sure the offensive line is prepared for what comes next.
LSU visits Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Sept. 19, followed by a schedule filled with the type of defensive fronts capable of exposing any weakness in protection.
That makes the development of Howes important even if Kinsler quickly returns to the lineup.
A team hoping to compete for an SEC championship cannot depend on only five offensive linemen. Injuries happen, players get worn down and unexpected situations force backups onto the field.
Ole Miss needed Howes against Louisville, and he responded.
Charlotte is the immediate opponent, but Saturday could reveal whether the Rebels have another tackle they can trust when LSU and the SEC schedule arrive.
Keep an eye on No. 65.
Ole Miss and Charlotte are scheduled to kick off at 6:45 p.m. CT Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN2.