Ole Miss has three of the nation’s top 20 football players on its 2026 roster, according to Pro Football Focus’ list of the top 50 player heading into this year’s college season.
Running back Kewan Lacy, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and defensive tackle Will Echoles each were ranked inside the top 20, respectively. Lacy was the first Rebel on the list, coming in at No. 10. He was followed by Chambliss at No. 12 and Echoles at No. 19.
PFF used the following formula to determine the list: “Using PFF grading and advanced data, we have compiled a list of the 50 most valuable players in college football based on proven performance and future projection. From established stars to emerging breakout candidates, these are the players most likely to define the 2026 college season.”
On Lacy, PFF said: “Lacy transferred to Ole Miss after receiving just 23 carries as a true freshman at Missouri. He became the Rebels’ workhorse as a sophomore, leading the FBS in rushing attempts (307). Lacy led all Power Four running backs in rushing touchdowns (24). He also ranked second in rushing yards (1,564), yards after contact (1,010) and forced missed tackles (89). His 91.6 PFF rushing grade ranked sixth among FBS running backs.
On Chambliss, PFF said: “Chambliss took the reins of the Rebels’ offense when the original starter, Austin Simmons, went down with an injury in Week 2. The Division II national champion never looked back, ranking second in the Power Four with 3,934 passing yards and fourth in the FBS with 29 big-time throws. He added 585 rushing yards, ranking 15th in the Power Four. Perhaps the most impressive part of Chambliss’ game is how resilient he is when the pressure is on, literally and figuratively. He ranked second in the FBS in PFF passing grade against pressure. In Ole Miss’ Week 8 loss to Georgia, he earned a season-low 46.4 PFF passing grade. When the Rebels got their chance for revenge against the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, he responded with a season-high 91.8 PFF passing grade in a thrilling victory.
On Echoles, PFF said: “Echoles was a four-star recruit from the 2024 class, but he was listed as an interior offensive lineman coming out of high school. He’s proven through two years that getting after the quarterback is his calling card, not protecting them. Echoles led the Power Four in both pressures (39) and defensive stops (35). His six batted passes were also second in the nation. Only A.J. Holmes Jr. was more valuable among Power Four defensive tackles according to PFF’s WAA metric.