Laissez les bons temps rouler, Rebels! After a challenging journey filled with adversity, the College Football Playoff semifinals are finally here. In an exhilarating Sugar Bowl victory, Pete Golding and the resilient No. 6 Ole Miss ball club silenced their critics with another “BTA,” securing a spot in the Fiesta Bowl, where they will face off against the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes.
From the outset, few expected the Rebels to reach this stage or perform at such a high level, yet they consistently delivered when it mattered most. Even in the face of adversity—trailing by double digits against Georgia—the Ole Miss Rebels, led by standout Trindad Chambliss, rallied to clinch a thrilling 39-34 win. Now, they stand just two games away from their first National Championship appearance in 64 years.
On New Year’s Day, all eyes were on Ole Miss as excitement surged through Rebel Nation. Ole Miss 365 has connected with several Rebel prospects to capture their reactions following this remarkable victory for the team.
“The offensive side of the ball was flying around! And Stockton couldn’t get a break either; it was truly just a beautiful display of discipline
Ole Miss deserves this win!!” – ’27 Ezekiel “Jedi” Ayangbile: 4-Star Langham Creek (TX) DL“What stood out the most was the defense holding strong and not letting them score, which made the game a lot easier on there hands and the coaching staff staying calm in the moment and just the team not panicking in the moment was very great and the defensive line had a monster game and that’s what I love!!!!” – ’27 Donivan Moore: 4-Star Hueytown (AL) DL
“What stood out to me was they never gave up; they kept their foot on the gas nonstop. I love the physicality; they played their hearts out. I’m very excited for them!” – ’27 Jayden Miles: 4-Star Baton Rouge Catholic (LA) RB
“I think that’s a big win for them. What stood out most was how hard they played together!” – ’27 Khing Thibodeaux: 4-Star Lakeview Centennial (TX) DL
“I’m happy for the sip they doing some good down there. I got love for them & they kept fighting the whole game and not giving up that’s what I like.” – ’27 Derwin Fields: 4-Star Brookhaven (MS) Edge
“The win over Georgia last night was huge! The relentless effort throughout the game was the biggest factor in the success of Ole Miss and the way those guys played with the fire they had shows what type of culture the coaching staff is implementing there and sounds like something I want to be apart of! I know I didn’t get to visit this fall but I’m excited to get done in this new year! ” – ’27 Jalaythan “JJ” Mayfield: 4-Star Lincolnton (NC) LB
“Their defense looked great. Trinidad showed up when it mattered.” –’27 Mekai Brown: 4-Star Greenwich Country Day (CT) Edge
“Coach Golding and Ole Miss impressed me in how they bounced back in the game and finished it off in the end. Their defense played great. It says a lot about Coach Golding as a head coach for them to get the win after losing to UGA in the season and overcoming all the distractions around Coach Kiffin leaving at the end of the season. It shows me that Coach Golding is a great coach and great leader to keep his team focused on their goals and not get caught up in distractions. Ole Miss winning two playoff games and knocking off the SEC champ last night was a big statement to everyone that Ole Miss has arrived and that they have everything it takes to contend for a Natty each year! Coach Golding is going to be great at Ole Miss! Ole Miss and Miami are both hungry. I can’t wait to watch that game! ‘ – ’28 Jay Schell: Rabun Gap (GA) LB
For plenty of moments as we all looked around the room, it felt like the paint was peeling. A too familiar feeling that Rebels have come to know during hard times. However, when it was all said and done Pete Golding and his ball club grabbed each other collars and instead of sinking in the chaos, they have risen above. Sometimes you don’t always get what you want; rather, you get just what you need! Bring on the storm and the Canes.