Photo credits: Ole Miss athleitcs
The 2026 Ole Miss receiving room will look a lot different than it did last season, with De’Zhaun Stribling (NFL), Harrison “Tre” Wallace (NFL), Dae’Quan Wright (NFL), Cayden Lee (Missouri), and Winston Watkins Jr (LSU), all departing from the program, a new tone of faces will surface as far as pass catchers go in the Rebels uniform this season.
A heavy antic of talk throughout the offseason has been Caleb Odom and Luke Hasz. In big part, because of new offensive coordinator John David Baker, the former Ole Miss tight end coach was brought back to Oxford by new head coach Pete Golding, and has a history of success with tight ends.
A system that could see 12 personnel on the field regularly is one that could see great success for Caleb Odom who’s size and athleticism is destined to give opposing defenses problems.
“I see a lot, I do feel like we’re running a lot of 12 personnel, sometimes 13.”
- Ole Miss tight end Caleb Odom on the offensive system under John David Baker
Although Hasz and Odom didn’t see the field consistently last season, both players made great moments happen with the opportunities provided. Both players are going into fall camp 100% healthy, which a big boost for the Ole Miss rushing and pass game.
For Odom, being a returning face on the team has come with greater responsibility, but something that he has relished for, and has worked for the moment to see the field in a greater role this season.
“Last year, I was only a sophomore, for me, it wasn’t as much as trying to be a leader, I felt like I was trying to lead by action last year, and really just focus on playing tight end. This year, coach Woodiel, has gotten me and Luke to come into the meeting room with morning energy, and be the guys that are teammates see us as.”
The versatility of Odom will be a boost for the Ole Miss offense, being able to use him in positions that pose as a regular wide receiver, but also lining him up on the line of scrimmage. At six-foot-five and 245 pounds, his quickness and burst of speed off the line of scrimmage is almost too fast for a linebacker, and his size is too much for a defensive back to obtain.
In eight appearances for the Rebels last season, Odom hauled in 19 catches, 197 yards, and two touchdowns. More action can and will be expected on the field from the talented player this season, and he’s been focusing on the small details of his game that will hopefully prove beneficial for his success.