Kewan Lacy’s preseason recognition has already put him in rare Ole Miss company.
The record-breaking Rebels running back was named a preseason First Team All American by multiple outlets, and that puts him on an exclusive list in program history. Since 2000, only 12 Ole Miss players have earned preseason First Team All American honors from a major outlet, and Lacy is the latest to get there.
The previous Rebels to make that cut were Deuce McAllister in 2000, Terrence Metcalf in 2001, Eli Manning in 2002-03, Patrick Willis in 2006, Michael Oher in 2008, Cody Prewitt in 2013-14, Laremy Tunsil in 2014, Robert Nkemdiche in 2015, Evan Engram in 2016, AJ Brown in 2018 and Quinshon Judkins in 2023.
What makes Lacy’s selection stand out even more is that it came from more than one publication. ESPN, Athlon, Phil Steele, On3 and Walter Camp all had him on their preseason First Team All American lists.
His biggest competition for the spot is Ahmad Hardy of Missouri. Hardy is expected to carry a heavier load for his team and could finish with bigger numbers, but Lacy is viewed as the more complete player.
Looking ahead to 2026, Lacy has a chance to go after nearly every career rushing mark a running back can chase in Oxford. There are still variables in the mix, though, including a new offensive coordinator and a reshaped offensive line. Even with those changes, he is still set to be a central piece of the offense.
In Other News...
Ole Miss Has One Line Question That Could Define Trinidad Chambliss
Ole Miss has spent most of fall camp answering questions, but the line in front of Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy still has a few moving parts. The interior looks like a real strength with returning pieces Brycen Sanders, Delano Townsend and Patrick Kutas, and that should give the Rebels some stability where it matters most. Still, for an offense trying to take shape under Pete Golding, the front five is more than a depth chart exercise - it is the foundation for how far the group can go this season.
The uncertainty is centered on the edge, where right tackle is still being sorted out with Carius Curne, Tommy Kinsler IV and Connor Howes all in the mix. A decision there will carry weight beyond one job title, because the fit in front of Chambliss will help determine how cleanly the offense can function. Golding and Chambliss have both made clear that the line's play will be a defining factor, and the final answer on that spot is shaping up to be one of camp's most important calls. [Read more 🡒]
Caleb Odom May Decide How Dangerous Ole Miss Stays In 2026
Ole Miss is headed toward a very different-looking passing game in 2026, with several of its most familiar offensive targets either off to the NFL or gone via transfer. Deuce Alexander is the lone returning starter among the wide receivers and tight ends, which makes the next wave of pass-catchers especially important as the Rebels reset around new offensive coordinator John David Baker.
Caleb Odom could end up being one of the biggest swing pieces in that transition. The Rebels are expected to keep leaning on tight ends as a real part of the offense, and that puts Odom in position to matter quickly if he can grow into a larger role. For a team trying to stay dangerous through another personnel turnover, how much he gives them may go a long way toward shaping the ceiling of the passing attack. [Read more 🡒]
Ole Miss Faces A Big Defensive Test After Losing Princewill Umanmielen
Replacing Princewill Umanmielen is going to take more than one player, and Ole Miss is already leaning into a committee approach on the edge. Defensive coordinator Bryan Brown said the Rebels will spread those snaps around, with transfers Blake Purchase and Jonathan Maldonado among the pieces expected to help steady a spot that suddenly looks a lot different.
Brown also pointed to a growing leadership core on that side of the ball, naming Will Echoles, Keaton Thomas and Luke Ferrelli as players finding their voice. The timing matters with senior Suntarine Perkins earning the 2026 Chucky Mullins Courage Award, a recognition that reflects his leadership and perseverance and gives the defense a veteran presence to build around as it sorts out the next step. [Read more 🡒]