With preparations well underway for our trip to Oxford, it’s time to take a look at the key players to watch in this matchup.
OFFENSE
QB: Trinidad Chambliss — Redshirt Senior
2025 Stats: 3 Games (as starter) | 325 Passing Yards per Game | 64% Completion | 4 TD | 1 INT | 82 Rushing Yards per Game
One of the best stories in college football this season, Chambliss transferred from Division II powerhouse Ferris State University, where he was a national champion and First-Team All-American. Since taking over for injured starter Austin Simmons, he’s been electric — becoming the first SEC quarterback in 30 years to post 300+ passing yards and 50+ rushing yards in three consecutive games.
WSU has historically struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks, so keeping Chambliss one-dimensional will be critical for the Cougs’ defense.
RB: Kewan Lacy — Sophomore
2025 Stats: 89 Rushing Yards per Game | 8 Total Touchdowns
A transfer from Missouri, Lacy has quickly taken over as the lead back for the Rebels. He’s found the end zone in every game this season but hasn’t yet shown consistent big-play potential in the open field.
WRs: Deuce Alexander, Harrison Wallace, and Cayden Lee
Ole Miss spreads the ball around effectively, with three receivers averaging over 45 yards per game. None have emerged as the clear top target, but each has the ability to hurt defenses in space.
DEFENSE
The defensive line is where I have the most concern for WSU — and where the Rebels have some of their best NFL-caliber talent.
DT: Zxavian Harris — Senior
2025 Stats: 2 Sacks | 5 Tackles for Loss
At 6’8”, 330 pounds, Harris passes the “best-looking guy off the bus” test with ease. He hasn’t recorded a sack since Week 2, but his size and strength make him a nightmare to run against up the middle.
OLB: Suntarine Perkins — Junior
2025 Stats: 22 Tackles | 1 Tackle for Loss
2024 Stats: 60 Tackles | 10.5 Sacks | 14 Tackles for Loss
The numbers haven’t popped yet this season, but Perkins proved last year he can be an absolute game-wrecker. Keeping him away from Zevi will be a top priority for the Cougs’ offensive line.
Takeaways
This Ole Miss team has established itself as one of the best in the country early on but doesn’t have the top-tier, first-round-level stars that have defined many of Lane Kiffin’s past rosters. With no player currently ranked inside PFF’s top 150 prospects for next year’s NFL Draft, the Rebels are winning by committee.
For WSU, the keys are simple: keep Chambliss contained as a passer, and get the ball out quickly to neutralize the Ole Miss defensive front. Do those two things, and the Cougs should easily cover against the Rebels.