Brad Logan: Can Ole Miss Navigate Top 5 Most Difficult Schedule? - That SEC Football Podcast

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[00:00]
A
Foreign. We're here. SEC Media Days Brad Logan, Talk of Champions Network contributor to the Ole Miss Spirit. Brad, thanks for joining us, man.
[00:15]
B
I appreciate it. It's always great to, to put a face with an online, you know, name and you guys do wonderful work. Just, just talk with Michael on our show just a little bit ago and you kind of wrote down the sec and this is always a lot of fun. I, a lot of people, you know, just appreciate the opportunity to meet people in person, but mainly just kind of get their thoughts on the sec. And this year it's, I think in large part it's wide open. I think, you know, we're going to have a lot of nine and three teams at the end of the day. So it's going to be, it's going to be a fun year.
[00:44]
C
Was it a boring off season up
[00:46]
A
there at Ole Miss?
[00:47]
B
It definitely did not have the antics that it usually does. And you know, I was on with Joc Doucet from down in Baton Rouge and we talked about when Lane was in Oxford for those five, six years and one of the more, you know, interesting and successful times in Ole Miss program history. And I cannot say enough about what Lane did in Oxford, completely transforming that program over, you know, the course of his career. And now he's headed off to LSU and it's going to be interesting in September 19th. I know we've all talked about that day, but, but Ole Miss, yeah, he did a lot of great things in Oxford.
[01:23]
A
It's interesting though, because like you said, everybody's focusing on that LSU game, Louisville, week one and week four at Florida. I mean, how difficult could those matchups be for first time head coach Pete Golding?
[01:35]
B
That's a great point, Michael. And I've said all along it really doesn't matter what happens on the 19th. If you win, you can't get too high because then you got to go on the road directly that next week and go to Florida on the, on the opposite of that. If you lose the game, it's just debilitating loss. You lose 31, 28, you got to bounce right back because John Sumrall is going to have a team ready to go the following week. We talked a lot. I talked with some guys from Arkansas about Alex Golish, about them going after him and then he eventually would would choose Auburn. I think Auburn is going to be much improved. So Auburn's on the schedule. Michael, you and I just talked Ole Miss's schedule. You know, I hope everybody's sitting down for this. It's Very difficult. I mean, everybody's schedule in the conference is difficult. So Ole Miss is definitely not an anomaly there. So they've got some, some difficult road games. They do get Auburn at home, but they've got to go back to Oklahoma. And Michael, you got Oklahoma in the SEC championship game. John Matier's much improved. He's got a completely rebuilt hand. And I think Brent Venables is going to be really good this year. He's learned a lot on the job. I like. Ok, I like that pick of Oklahoma. So you start talking about Georgia coming to Oxford. You got to go to Texas and Arch Manning. The schedule is a gauntlet for Ole Miss. I think the SEC network had the schedule, I think fifth in the country, maybe Arkansas was number one. So it's tough.
[02:53]
C
Yeah, no, it's a. I just, I go back and forth on that schedule. Starting off with Louisville, then you got, you know, lsu and then you mentioned the floor. There's so many pivotal matchups early in the season. If we get through September. And I ask you, what's a successful, you know, month? What's the record for Ole Miss?
[03:13]
B
One loss.
[03:13]
C
Yeah.
[03:14]
B
And, you know, I don't know really need to be undefeated. But, but if they do lose to lsu, I don't think the season's over by any stretch. I do think that Ole Miss could be nine and three and be better both personnel wise, on offensive defense than last year. I think that's just because of the way the schedule shakes out. So I do think there's a chance we just, like I said a moment ago, I think a 9 and 3 team makes the playoff. I think Texas probably has a better, you know, opportunity of getting to the playoff at 9 and 3 because of, you know, their schedule and how everything breaks out. I just think that, you know, you didn't ask, but I think Texas to me has a. Has the best shot of anybody of winning the whole thing because Arch has been really good. Arch Manning all the pressure, but he didn't have the supporting pieces. This year he does. And I think it's led by Cam Coleman, the transfer from Auburn, the best receiver in the country. He's got him to throw to. And Nick Saban, who is in that room right in there, will tell you he was a really good coach, but he would never have been the coach he was without the players. And I think Texas and Sarkeesian, I think Sarkeesian likes his roster a lot this year. And so I'm really fascinated to see how Texas finishes up this year.
[04:25]
C
So I'M watching Nick saban Watch Kalin DeBoer. What do you think's going on in his head?
[04:29]
B
I think Caleb DeBore's. I don't want to say he's got one foot out the door, but it's going to be tough. Tough sledding for Alabama. You know, it's funny, Shane, that you said that. I was talking with Brett Nordsworthy behind me and we're at day three of media day and it's the first time anybody has said the word Alabama. And we're talking SEC football now. I'm sure the Alabama shows and that sort of thing happens. But here's the thing. The national, all of us, we just haven't. And that's not to say that Alabama is going to be really good. They very well could be, you know, a preeminent team. But. But everybody has LSU. I'm sorry, Alabama around 8 and 4, you know, and that's just unheard of. So if you told me that Caleb DeBoer saw Nick and kind of winked at him and thought about another job, I don't think there's a situation where Caleb DeBoer is fired by any stretch. But if you told me that a position opened up maybe in the Big Ten or somewhere out west, he thought, I've kind of had enough. I don't want to be the guy that follows the guy. I want to be the guy that follows the guy that follows the guy. So that way Alabama can kind of start fresh. But I don't know. That's such an interesting point to me because I don't know what to expect from Alabama. I feel like I have a better read on Florida and Auburn with new coaches than I do really. Alabama, because of, you know, the uneasiness. I don't know if that's the right word, but I'd ask you guys, what are your thoughts on Alabama? I just feel like there's an uneasiness about them.
[05:46]
A
Well, I call them four loss, DeBoer for a reason, Brad. I got Alabama losing four again because that's what Kaylin aboard does in Tuscaloosa until he proves me otherwise.
[05:56]
B
You'll remember last year, South Carolina and Shane Beamer, who's boy, that's another story we could talk about. They had Alabama on the ropes and really should have won the game. Alabama also, I forget who they were playing, but they had to come from behind to win. And so, yeah, I mean, I think if you told Me Alabama finished 8 and 4, I wouldn't push back.
[06:12]
A
Hey, Shane, is Tired of me saying this, so I'm going to say it to someone else. I, you know, obviously, nine game schedule, everyone's obsessing over that. But I'm kind of more interested in the fact that we only have one buy. And for some of these teams, case in point, Ole Miss. I'm not sure you're aware of this. The Egg Bowl. That'll be their eighth game in eight weeks where Mississippi State gets a buy mixed in there. So a lot of these games I have circled where, yes, I think common sense is Ole Miss is going to be. Is going to beat Mississippi State. But eight games in eight weeks and I believe they're all conference games for Ole Miss.
[06:45]
B
I think they are. They play Charlotte early and then I think there's another. The non conference with Louisville. I think there's another non conference mixed in. But yeah, those are all conference, so
[06:53]
A
that makes that game even tougher in my mind. And Zach Arnett, you know, his defense has had a lot of success against Ole Miss. How tricky is that Egg bowl this year for people?
[07:02]
B
It's always tricky, Michael. I'm the person that, that watches this Ole Miss team every single week that will tell you that's a game that I don't care. And it's so funny. People say throw the record books out. No, I'm being honest. That's a game to where this year it's going to be more difficult than last year. I think in large part because of the Arnett piece of that. Zach was a great cord. He was a great analyst for Ole Miss last year. He was a big component of that Ole Miss defense. So I'm not saying there's any intricacies or whatever that he would know from Pete Golding, but I think he's just a good defensive coordinator. And I think we talked a moment ago. I think Jeff Levy's a really good offensive coach. He just got to figure it out. Their schedule is awful, too. I mean, it's just. It's just brutal. They've got to go on the road to Missouri, to Minnesota. If they can win that game, I think there's a path to six. And what you don't want if you're Ole Miss is for state to be 5 and 6 heading to the Egg Bowl. Yeah, you don't want that. I don't care if you're 11 and oh or 8 and 3 or whatever. You don't want them to have something to fight for.
[08:00]
C
No.
[08:01]
B
And Ole Miss has been in that position before, so I think that game always worries Me, even if, even if Mississippi State were 1 in 10, it would worry me if you're an Ole Miss fan.
[08:11]
C
So.
[08:12]
B
But I think if you look at that particular game on the schedule, as Michael pointed out that late in the year, who knows where both these teams will be injury wise. I've always been a proponent to play at the first game of the year and just get it out of the way because there's. It's almost like Ole Miss cannot gain anything from beating Mississippi State, but boy, they sure can lose a lot. And so that, that's going to be the situation this year. Hadn't always been like that. Mississippi State's just kind of been down for the last couple of years. They've had some ups under Jackie Sherrill in the late 90s and the early 2000s and they've been kind of up and then obviously had the big run with Dan Mullen. So it's a situation to where I think Mississippi State Noleans always is going to be a tough game every single year.
[08:53]
A
Well, you've upset Shane. He's walking off the set. I'm kidding. But hey, I've heard some really good things, Brad, that the Ole Miss staff has fired up about this defense and in particular the front seven. How good could this unit be with a couple of transfers at linebacker coming in?
[09:06]
B
Well, you referring to Keaton Thomas out of Baylor and of course the transfer Luke Forelli out of Cal. And we all know about that whole fiasco with, with Dabo Dabo and Clemson. So I think that's big. Truly. I believe the defense is going to be successful because of the defensive line. Honestly. Cam Franklin out of Lake Comorant High School in Mississippi is someone that has anchored that line along with William Echols, the product out of Houston, Mississippi. I think William Echols may be the best football player on the team. I mean he's that athletic and he's big in the community and you know, everybody talks about nil and all that. I truly believe having that camaraderie with your community, with Houston and with the Ole Miss fan base, I think it means a lot. And Ole Miss right now is going on the Rebel road trip. I think Pete and the Rebel road trip were in Jackson last night. They've been in Cleveland, Mississippi. They have been in Charlotte, North Carolina. They've been all over the place. And Cam Franklin has been, Echols has been, Lacy has been. So they're getting out into the community. I like how directive athletics Keith Carter does that to make sure the fans can see both Pete Golding and the players. But the defense in and of itself is going to be predicated by how that defensive line plays. I love that. I love those two players. An interesting name, Jaheim Otis. And a lot of people may remember that name. He's from Columbia, Mississippi. Played at Columbia High School. Went initially, went to Alabama when Pete was at Alabama's defensive coordinator. Would eventually kind of become a yeoman. Headed off to Colorado and just didn't do well. And it was interesting we had a chance to visit with Pete in one of our opportunities here in the spring and he basically said, you know, I had a conversation with Jaheem and said, this is it, young man. This is your spot. This is where you can make your hay if you want to make it. So he's definitely a name. I'm going to be watching across that defensive front and Jamarion Brown. Jam Brown is someone that's been around a while, but Suntaran Perkins, the defensive end, Blake Purchase is someone that transferred in. We'll see how he does. Jonathan Maldonado, but to me, Perkins is the fly in the ointment. If you'll remember, Perkins for lsu that was so good his freshman year, just kind of taper it off. I don't know if he was just, you know, not evaluated correctly or maybe put in the wrong position. I'm not saying that Suntaron Perkins was ever put in that position, but. But I would like to see him be able to be free this year and not be so much as the run stopper and allow him just to kind of rotate and not maybe put as many downs. And Brooks Austin, who I visit with, talked about how he was on the field a lot. So this could be a situation where he runs a little freely. So I'm excited to see what he can do too. But that defense, to answer your question, the back end of the defense is very transfer heavy and they feel really good. And like I said, I think it's going to be a lot better than last year, but the schedule is going to be tough.
[11:57]
A
What can you tell me about the retooled receiving core? I know Deuce Alexander is back. He's an excellent player, but beyond him, it's a lot of new faces there.
[12:05]
B
Yeah, that's me is the trouble spot. And I say I use the trouble word loosely because it's just unknown. Caleb Cunningham is a product out of Ackerman High School in Choctaw County, a five star player. Just the light hasn't come on for him. That light needs to come on this Year they've got some transfers from Syracuse. Gill is coming in. But look, if you go back and watch the Sugar bowl, it was desean Stribling, it was Trey Wallace, a little bit of Winnie Watkins and Caden Lee. All four of those receivers are gone. Caden Lee's gone to Missouri, Watkins, LSU and the other two to graduation. You're right. Deuce Alexander was big. I think his biggest play was against Mississippi State. They had cut the lead to like 12 or 13. There's a little out route. He makes a couple of moves and he scores and the game's over. So he's a huge part of that. Caleb Odom will be a stand up tight end in the slot. He'll help a lot. And they went to the portal like I said. But yeah, that's definitely a rune that I'm going to be watching. And to see if Ole Miss, what they can do. Trinidad Chambers is he. People ask me a lot about the offensive line. I was like, look, if he's a quarterback, he makes everybody else better. So he'll make that wide receiver ring better. They just have to have some guys step up.
[13:13]
A
And ole Ms. Has two Heisman candidates, Trinidad and Kewan Lacey, of course. So is it, you know, who's more likely to win? Is it just kind of easy to say the quarterback?
[13:24]
B
It's easier to say, yeah. But I do think that Trinidad Chambliss very well could be the best running back in college football. I like Ahmad Hardy a lot. I like Jeremiah Love. But I think what separates him from everybody else is his pass pro, his ship blocking is some of the best in the country. You see some cut ups and Cole Kubelik, who's here somewhere, a lot of times we've seen some cut ups about where he picks up linebackers and just pancakes them and just knocks them out. So I think that kind of separates him. But yeah, Chambliss is, is exactly what we anticipate. I mean, he's going to make everybody better. But the wide receiver room is a bit of a question. The is funny. You talked about the, the world of, of Heisman campaigns and all of that really should have been done last year. And we've talked about how there was so much conversation off the field with Lane and other jobs specifically beginning around that Oklahoma game maybe a little bit more. And just kind of the onus, if you will, was put on Lane and off the players. One thing you'll hear Pete probably say today, I've heard he's told us on our show and others, is that it doesn't matter who runs you out of the tunnel. It matters what happens on the field. This is about the players. It's not about those coaches and it's not about those coaches in the press box. So he's very big on that. I do think if Pete were in place last year, it's kind of both things can be true. I don't know that Ole Miss has the success they have, but I think it had been more. More, I guess you could say, not more honest put on the players. And so if you look at what Lane did, I think it's kind of tough the way he ended it. But you have to really appreciate what he did in his career at Ole Miss. He's a fantastic football coach.
[14:58]
A
Now for Pete Golding, I don't think pressure is the right word because that's a little crazy, but maybe like a sense of urgency. How much sense of urgency? Ole Miss has been the third winningest program in the conference in the last I think five years. Georgia, Bama and then Ole Miss. I mean, it's going to be hard to duplicate that. You got a guy like Deuce Knight still there or just transferred in, excuse me. And you know, we can't really count on these guys being there next year. But if Ole Miss has a lot of success, it would stand a reason that he'll remain there and they'll be solid at quarterback and they could continue to build off this thing. But if they take a big step back, who knows, Trinidad's to the NFL, Deuce hits the portal. I mean, how much sense of urgency is on Pete Golding to deliver immediately?
[15:40]
B
Yeah, I think you said that. Well, I don't think it's pressure. And then I'll go a little bit further and talk about kind of big picture. I don't know how much of the, the pressure or the, you know, whatever is on Pete Golding this year. Tell me what happens in year two and three and four because the roster is kind of set for this year. After that, we've seen Ole Miss really kind of put more of the emphasis on high school recruiting. They'll still go transfer shopping, don't get me wrong. But they've done a really good job of recruiting locally in high school, what Pete calls a five hour radius. So they're really focusing in on that. Frank Wilson's always going to have that Louisiana tie. So Frank being on the staff has been a big, big help for Pete in the world of recruiting. But to me, I'm looking at more 2, 3 and 4, rather than just this year. But a lot's being put on this year because of that roster that Pete's bringing back. I'm fascinated to see what Ole Miss does in Week one. You know, if they win the game, how do they win the game? Is there some struggles? Do they just blow Louisville out? I think Jeff Brahms got a really good team this year, and so playing them in Nashville I think is going to really, you know, proved a lot about what my expectations are for the 19th because I do believe getting LSU early helps because they're only going to get better as the year goes on. Sam Levitt's only going to get better. All those transfers. By the end of the year, LSU is probably going to be rolling because they're mesh. How many losses does LSU have at the end of the year?
[17:00]
A
All right, Brad, really appreciate your time. Last question for you. All our coverage here at SEC Media Days is brought to you by our friends over at Taylor, Tennessee legend. They make the best Tennessee whiskey you could buy. So we're asking everybody for their Tennessee legend boldest take in the sec. Could be Ole Miss, could be anything. SEC related. What's your boldest take entering the season?
[17:20]
B
I think South Carolina is going to win eight games and I know I'm getting. I'm getting a lot of pushback on that, but I really like Lenore Sellers a lot. I think he's. I think he's someone that could be at the next level. Now, we saw him last year and the year before and he had. He's had some struggles, but I like South Carolina getting to eight games and I'm really fascinated. This is not a bull take, but you and I talked about Tennessee. I'm fascinated with Tennessee and Josh Hyple. I don't know what direction they go. I'm not really sure. But uncertainty is at quarterback. But I'm really fascinated by that because Tennessee is a fan base that will not allow mediocrity. They're not going to do it. And so hearing from Hypo earlier this week and making kind of the joke that kind of fell flat about the mustard and that sort of thing, that's a fascinating game for me.
[18:07]
A
That didn't fall flat on Rocky Top.
[18:08]
B
No, it did not. But I'm genuinely fascinated to see LSU and Tennessee just like LSU in Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss. LSU and insert team here. So it's going to be fascinating.
[18:20]
A
All right, Brad, thank you so much.
[18:21]
B
Always a pleasure, man.
[18:22]
A
Before you go, tell our audience how to follow you, how to find your work.
[18:25]
B
Yeah, Ben, Garrett and I have the Talk of Champions Network. You can follow all of our content at Ole Ms. Toc on X& then on Facebook, but mainly everything's at our YouTube channel. And you can hear all of it on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your podcast to listen to that SEC Podcast.
[18:40]
C
Thank you, brother.
[18:41]
B
Thank you, gentlemen.

Summary6 min read

That SEC Football Podcast

Episode: Brad Logan: Can Ole Miss Navigate Top 5 Most Difficult Schedule?

Host: Michael Bratton (SEC Mike)
Guest: Brad Logan (Talk of Champions Network, Ole Miss Spirit)
Date: August 4, 2026

Main Theme

This episode centers on Ole Miss football as it faces what is regarded as one of the nation's five most difficult schedules in the 2026 season. Host Michael Bratton welcomes Brad Logan, an Ole Miss insider, to break down new head coach Pete Golding’s first year, expectations for the Rebels, and key SEC storylines, including shifting coaching dynamics, the Alabama situation, and bold predictions across the league.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The State of Ole Miss Football & Coaching Changes

Lane Kiffin’s Legacy: Brad Logan reflects on Kiffin’s transformative tenure at Ole Miss, describing it as “one of the more interesting and successful times in Ole Miss program history” [00:47], before Kiffin’s move to LSU.
Transition to Pete Golding: There’s curiosity and high stakes around how Pete Golding, in his first year as head coach, will handle the daunting schedule and new responsibilities.

2. Ole Miss’ Brutal 2026 Schedule

Schedule Overview: Opens with Louisville, then LSU on September 19th, followed by pivotal road games at Florida, Oklahoma, Texas (with Arch Manning), plus Georgia at home.
- Brad: “The schedule is a gauntlet for Ole Miss. I think the SEC network had [it] fifth in the country, maybe Arkansas was number one. So it’s tough.” [01:35]
September as a Crucial Month: Consensus that one loss in September is acceptable; the Rebels could be better than last year and still finish 9-3 due to strength of schedule. [03:12]
Expanded Playoff Chances: Brad suggests a 9-3 Ole Miss could make the expanded playoff, with Texas as his dark horse for the title, citing Arch Manning and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman. [03:14]

3. Other SEC Storylines: Alabama’s Outlook

Alabama Under Kalen DeBoer: Not much attention paid to Bama at Media Days, with national consensus (and Mike’s joke) that 8-4 is realistic. Brad expresses uncertainty about the program’s direction post-Saban.
- “If you told me Alabama finished 8 and 4, I wouldn’t push back.” [05:55]
- Brad’s perspective: “I don’t know what to expect from Alabama...there’s an uneasiness about them.” [05:46]
Coaching Succession Challenges: Speculation around DeBoer’s long-term fit.

4. The Egg Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State

Challenge of the Rivalry: This year’s Egg Bowl will be Ole Miss’s 8th straight game with no bye, while MSU gets a break.
- Mike: “Eight games in eight weeks...all conference games for Ole Miss.” [06:45]
Importance of the Game: Always dangerous, especially if MSU needs a win to reach a bowl. “That’s a game...even if Mississippi State were 1-10, it would worry me if you’re an Ole Miss fan.” [08:00]

5. Ole Miss Roster Breakdown

Defense:

Front Seven Strengths: Transfers (Keaton Thomas from Baylor, Luke Forelli from Cal), stars like Cam Franklin, William Echols (“may be the best football player on the team” [09:06]), Jaheim Otis, Suntaran Perkins, and Blake Purchase.
Brad on Defense: "The defense in and of itself is going to be predicated by how that defensive line plays. I love those two players [Franklin & Echols]." [09:06]
Transfers Key: Secondary is transfer-heavy but promising; could be much improved from 2025, but schedule is relentless.

Offense:

Questions at Receiver: Only Deuce Alexander returns as a proven WR after significant graduation and portal attrition.
- “That to me is the trouble spot...it’s just unknown.” [12:05]
Newcomers: Caleb Cunningham (five-star, still “the light hasn’t come on”), transfers like Gill from Syracuse.
QB & RB Standouts: Trinidad Chambliss is “exactly what we anticipate,” a possible Heisman contender whose pass protection is elite [13:23]. Kewan Lacy also in the Heisman conversation.
Offensive X-Factor: The staff is high on Trinidad Chambers’ ability to make others better, including an inexperienced WR corps.

6. The Pete Golding Era: Urgency & Recruiting

Outlook for Golding: Urgency is high but not exactly “pressure” in Year 1. Brad says the roster is set for now, but future years will test the staff’s high school recruiting and retention.
- “Tell me what happens in year two and three and four because the roster is kind of set for this year…” [15:40]
- Golding focusing on a “five-hour radius” for recruiting and leveraging Frank Wilson’s Louisiana connections.

7. Boldest SEC Take (Tennessee Legend Segment)

Brad’s Bold Prediction: South Carolina will win 8 games, driven by his belief in QB Lenore Sellers’ growth. He also expresses fascination with Tennessee’s direction under Josh Heupel amid QB uncertainty.
- “I think South Carolina is going to win eight games and I know I’m getting a lot of pushback on that, but I really like Lenore Sellers a lot.” [17:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I think a 9 and 3 team makes the playoff. I think Texas probably has a better opportunity of getting to the playoff at 9 and 3 because of, you know, their schedule...”
— Brad Logan [03:14]
“If you win [LSU], you can’t get too high because then you got to go on the road directly that next week and go to Florida...If you lose the game, it’s just debilitating loss...you got to bounce right back.”
— Brad Logan [01:35]
“It’s almost like Ole Miss cannot gain anything from beating Mississippi State, but boy, they sure can lose a lot.”
— Brad Logan [08:11]
“William Echols may be the best football player on the team.”
— Brad Logan [09:06]
“Chambliss is, is exactly what we anticipate. I mean, he’s going to make everybody better. But the wide receiver room is a bit of a question.”
— Brad Logan [13:23]
“I don’t think it’s pressure...[Year 1], but a lot’s being put on this year because of that roster...I’m interested more in years two, three, and four.”
— Brad Logan [15:40]
“South Carolina is going to win eight games and I know I’m getting a lot of pushback on that, but I really like Lenore Sellers...”
— Brad Logan [17:19]

Important Timestamps

00:47 – Reflections on Lane Kiffin & new era under Pete Golding
01:35 – Schedule breakdown & the LSU/Florida stretch
03:14 – Playoff path for Ole Miss & Texas as a title threat
05:46 – Alabama’s identity crisis post-Saban
06:45 – The Egg Bowl: Ole Miss’s brutal no-bye stretch
09:06 – Defensive line breakdown; key transfers
12:05 – WR room challenges; Deuce Alexander’s highlight
13:23 – Chambliss & Lacy as Heisman candidates
15:40 – The urgency for Pete Golding in Year 1 and beyond
17:19 – Brad’s “Tennessee legend” boldest SEC take (South Carolina)

Conclusion

The episode delivers a comprehensive, candid look at why Ole Miss faces such a daunting 2026, with a new coach and a schedule among the hardest in the nation. There’s measured optimism but plenty of tough questions about depth, the new staff’s readiness, and the talent pipeline. The conversation broadens to include rival programs and the ever-shifting sands of SEC dominance—making it essential listening for fans seeking an honest pulse on the state of the league and the Rebels in particular.

Loading summary

Transcript41 lines

[00:00]
A
Foreign. We're here. SEC Media Days Brad Logan, Talk of Champions Network contributor to the Ole Miss Spirit. Brad, thanks for joining us, man.
[00:15]
B
I appreciate it. It's always great to, to put a face with an online, you know, name and you guys do wonderful work. Just, just talk with Michael on our show just a little bit ago and you kind of wrote down the sec and this is always a lot of fun. I, a lot of people, you know, just appreciate the opportunity to meet people in person, but mainly just kind of get their thoughts on the sec. And this year it's, I think in large part it's wide open. I think, you know, we're going to have a lot of nine and three teams at the end of the day. So it's going to be, it's going to be a fun year.
[00:44]
C
Was it a boring off season up
[00:46]
A
there at Ole Miss?
[00:47]
B
It definitely did not have the antics that it usually does. And you know, I was on with Joc Doucet from down in Baton Rouge and we talked about when Lane was in Oxford for those five, six years and one of the more, you know, interesting and successful times in Ole Miss program history. And I cannot say enough about what Lane did in Oxford, completely transforming that program over, you know, the course of his career. And now he's headed off to LSU and it's going to be interesting in September 19th. I know we've all talked about that day, but, but Ole Miss, yeah, he did a lot of great things in Oxford.
[01:23]
A
It's interesting though, because like you said, everybody's focusing on that LSU game, Louisville, week one and week four at Florida. I mean, how difficult could those matchups be for first time head coach Pete Golding?
[01:35]
B
That's a great point, Michael. And I've said all along it really doesn't matter what happens on the 19th. If you win, you can't get too high because then you got to go on the road directly that next week and go to Florida on the, on the opposite of that. If you lose the game, it's just debilitating loss. You lose 31, 28, you got to bounce right back because John Sumrall is going to have a team ready to go the following week. We talked a lot. I talked with some guys from Arkansas about Alex Golish, about them going after him and then he eventually would would choose Auburn. I think Auburn is going to be much improved. So Auburn's on the schedule. Michael, you and I just talked Ole Miss's schedule. You know, I hope everybody's sitting down for this. It's Very difficult. I mean, everybody's schedule in the conference is difficult. So Ole Miss is definitely not an anomaly there. So they've got some, some difficult road games. They do get Auburn at home, but they've got to go back to Oklahoma. And Michael, you got Oklahoma in the SEC championship game. John Matier's much improved. He's got a completely rebuilt hand. And I think Brent Venables is going to be really good this year. He's learned a lot on the job. I like. Ok, I like that pick of Oklahoma. So you start talking about Georgia coming to Oxford. You got to go to Texas and Arch Manning. The schedule is a gauntlet for Ole Miss. I think the SEC network had the schedule, I think fifth in the country, maybe Arkansas was number one. So it's tough.
[02:53]
C
Yeah, no, it's a. I just, I go back and forth on that schedule. Starting off with Louisville, then you got, you know, lsu and then you mentioned the floor. There's so many pivotal matchups early in the season. If we get through September. And I ask you, what's a successful, you know, month? What's the record for Ole Miss?
[03:13]
B
One loss.
[03:13]
C
Yeah.
[03:14]
B
And, you know, I don't know really need to be undefeated. But, but if they do lose to lsu, I don't think the season's over by any stretch. I do think that Ole Miss could be nine and three and be better both personnel wise, on offensive defense than last year. I think that's just because of the way the schedule shakes out. So I do think there's a chance we just, like I said a moment ago, I think a 9 and 3 team makes the playoff. I think Texas probably has a better, you know, opportunity of getting to the playoff at 9 and 3 because of, you know, their schedule and how everything breaks out. I just think that, you know, you didn't ask, but I think Texas to me has a. Has the best shot of anybody of winning the whole thing because Arch has been really good. Arch Manning all the pressure, but he didn't have the supporting pieces. This year he does. And I think it's led by Cam Coleman, the transfer from Auburn, the best receiver in the country. He's got him to throw to. And Nick Saban, who is in that room right in there, will tell you he was a really good coach, but he would never have been the coach he was without the players. And I think Texas and Sarkeesian, I think Sarkeesian likes his roster a lot this year. And so I'm really fascinated to see how Texas finishes up this year.
[04:25]
C
So I'M watching Nick saban Watch Kalin DeBoer. What do you think's going on in his head?
[04:29]
B
I think Caleb DeBore's. I don't want to say he's got one foot out the door, but it's going to be tough. Tough sledding for Alabama. You know, it's funny, Shane, that you said that. I was talking with Brett Nordsworthy behind me and we're at day three of media day and it's the first time anybody has said the word Alabama. And we're talking SEC football now. I'm sure the Alabama shows and that sort of thing happens. But here's the thing. The national, all of us, we just haven't. And that's not to say that Alabama is going to be really good. They very well could be, you know, a preeminent team. But. But everybody has LSU. I'm sorry, Alabama around 8 and 4, you know, and that's just unheard of. So if you told me that Caleb DeBoer saw Nick and kind of winked at him and thought about another job, I don't think there's a situation where Caleb DeBoer is fired by any stretch. But if you told me that a position opened up maybe in the Big Ten or somewhere out west, he thought, I've kind of had enough. I don't want to be the guy that follows the guy. I want to be the guy that follows the guy that follows the guy. So that way Alabama can kind of start fresh. But I don't know. That's such an interesting point to me because I don't know what to expect from Alabama. I feel like I have a better read on Florida and Auburn with new coaches than I do really. Alabama, because of, you know, the uneasiness. I don't know if that's the right word, but I'd ask you guys, what are your thoughts on Alabama? I just feel like there's an uneasiness about them.
[05:46]
A
Well, I call them four loss, DeBoer for a reason, Brad. I got Alabama losing four again because that's what Kaylin aboard does in Tuscaloosa until he proves me otherwise.
[05:56]
B
You'll remember last year, South Carolina and Shane Beamer, who's boy, that's another story we could talk about. They had Alabama on the ropes and really should have won the game. Alabama also, I forget who they were playing, but they had to come from behind to win. And so, yeah, I mean, I think if you told Me Alabama finished 8 and 4, I wouldn't push back.
[06:12]
A
Hey, Shane, is Tired of me saying this, so I'm going to say it to someone else. I, you know, obviously, nine game schedule, everyone's obsessing over that. But I'm kind of more interested in the fact that we only have one buy. And for some of these teams, case in point, Ole Miss. I'm not sure you're aware of this. The Egg Bowl. That'll be their eighth game in eight weeks where Mississippi State gets a buy mixed in there. So a lot of these games I have circled where, yes, I think common sense is Ole Miss is going to be. Is going to beat Mississippi State. But eight games in eight weeks and I believe they're all conference games for Ole Miss.
[06:45]
B
I think they are. They play Charlotte early and then I think there's another. The non conference with Louisville. I think there's another non conference mixed in. But yeah, those are all conference, so
[06:53]
A
that makes that game even tougher in my mind. And Zach Arnett, you know, his defense has had a lot of success against Ole Miss. How tricky is that Egg bowl this year for people?
[07:02]
B
It's always tricky, Michael. I'm the person that, that watches this Ole Miss team every single week that will tell you that's a game that I don't care. And it's so funny. People say throw the record books out. No, I'm being honest. That's a game to where this year it's going to be more difficult than last year. I think in large part because of the Arnett piece of that. Zach was a great cord. He was a great analyst for Ole Miss last year. He was a big component of that Ole Miss defense. So I'm not saying there's any intricacies or whatever that he would know from Pete Golding, but I think he's just a good defensive coordinator. And I think we talked a moment ago. I think Jeff Levy's a really good offensive coach. He just got to figure it out. Their schedule is awful, too. I mean, it's just. It's just brutal. They've got to go on the road to Missouri, to Minnesota. If they can win that game, I think there's a path to six. And what you don't want if you're Ole Miss is for state to be 5 and 6 heading to the Egg Bowl. Yeah, you don't want that. I don't care if you're 11 and oh or 8 and 3 or whatever. You don't want them to have something to fight for.
[08:00]
C
No.
[08:01]
B
And Ole Miss has been in that position before, so I think that game always worries Me, even if, even if Mississippi State were 1 in 10, it would worry me if you're an Ole Miss fan.
[08:11]
C
So.
[08:12]
B
But I think if you look at that particular game on the schedule, as Michael pointed out that late in the year, who knows where both these teams will be injury wise. I've always been a proponent to play at the first game of the year and just get it out of the way because there's. It's almost like Ole Miss cannot gain anything from beating Mississippi State, but boy, they sure can lose a lot. And so that, that's going to be the situation this year. Hadn't always been like that. Mississippi State's just kind of been down for the last couple of years. They've had some ups under Jackie Sherrill in the late 90s and the early 2000s and they've been kind of up and then obviously had the big run with Dan Mullen. So it's a situation to where I think Mississippi State Noleans always is going to be a tough game every single year.
[08:53]
A
Well, you've upset Shane. He's walking off the set. I'm kidding. But hey, I've heard some really good things, Brad, that the Ole Miss staff has fired up about this defense and in particular the front seven. How good could this unit be with a couple of transfers at linebacker coming in?
[09:06]
B
Well, you referring to Keaton Thomas out of Baylor and of course the transfer Luke Forelli out of Cal. And we all know about that whole fiasco with, with Dabo Dabo and Clemson. So I think that's big. Truly. I believe the defense is going to be successful because of the defensive line. Honestly. Cam Franklin out of Lake Comorant High School in Mississippi is someone that has anchored that line along with William Echols, the product out of Houston, Mississippi. I think William Echols may be the best football player on the team. I mean he's that athletic and he's big in the community and you know, everybody talks about nil and all that. I truly believe having that camaraderie with your community, with Houston and with the Ole Miss fan base, I think it means a lot. And Ole Miss right now is going on the Rebel road trip. I think Pete and the Rebel road trip were in Jackson last night. They've been in Cleveland, Mississippi. They have been in Charlotte, North Carolina. They've been all over the place. And Cam Franklin has been, Echols has been, Lacy has been. So they're getting out into the community. I like how directive athletics Keith Carter does that to make sure the fans can see both Pete Golding and the players. But the defense in and of itself is going to be predicated by how that defensive line plays. I love that. I love those two players. An interesting name, Jaheim Otis. And a lot of people may remember that name. He's from Columbia, Mississippi. Played at Columbia High School. Went initially, went to Alabama when Pete was at Alabama's defensive coordinator. Would eventually kind of become a yeoman. Headed off to Colorado and just didn't do well. And it was interesting we had a chance to visit with Pete in one of our opportunities here in the spring and he basically said, you know, I had a conversation with Jaheem and said, this is it, young man. This is your spot. This is where you can make your hay if you want to make it. So he's definitely a name. I'm going to be watching across that defensive front and Jamarion Brown. Jam Brown is someone that's been around a while, but Suntaran Perkins, the defensive end, Blake Purchase is someone that transferred in. We'll see how he does. Jonathan Maldonado, but to me, Perkins is the fly in the ointment. If you'll remember, Perkins for lsu that was so good his freshman year, just kind of taper it off. I don't know if he was just, you know, not evaluated correctly or maybe put in the wrong position. I'm not saying that Suntaron Perkins was ever put in that position, but. But I would like to see him be able to be free this year and not be so much as the run stopper and allow him just to kind of rotate and not maybe put as many downs. And Brooks Austin, who I visit with, talked about how he was on the field a lot. So this could be a situation where he runs a little freely. So I'm excited to see what he can do too. But that defense, to answer your question, the back end of the defense is very transfer heavy and they feel really good. And like I said, I think it's going to be a lot better than last year, but the schedule is going to be tough.
[11:57]
A
What can you tell me about the retooled receiving core? I know Deuce Alexander is back. He's an excellent player, but beyond him, it's a lot of new faces there.
[12:05]
B
Yeah, that's me is the trouble spot. And I say I use the trouble word loosely because it's just unknown. Caleb Cunningham is a product out of Ackerman High School in Choctaw County, a five star player. Just the light hasn't come on for him. That light needs to come on this Year they've got some transfers from Syracuse. Gill is coming in. But look, if you go back and watch the Sugar bowl, it was desean Stribling, it was Trey Wallace, a little bit of Winnie Watkins and Caden Lee. All four of those receivers are gone. Caden Lee's gone to Missouri, Watkins, LSU and the other two to graduation. You're right. Deuce Alexander was big. I think his biggest play was against Mississippi State. They had cut the lead to like 12 or 13. There's a little out route. He makes a couple of moves and he scores and the game's over. So he's a huge part of that. Caleb Odom will be a stand up tight end in the slot. He'll help a lot. And they went to the portal like I said. But yeah, that's definitely a rune that I'm going to be watching. And to see if Ole Miss, what they can do. Trinidad Chambers is he. People ask me a lot about the offensive line. I was like, look, if he's a quarterback, he makes everybody else better. So he'll make that wide receiver ring better. They just have to have some guys step up.
[13:13]
A
And ole Ms. Has two Heisman candidates, Trinidad and Kewan Lacey, of course. So is it, you know, who's more likely to win? Is it just kind of easy to say the quarterback?
[13:24]
B
It's easier to say, yeah. But I do think that Trinidad Chambliss very well could be the best running back in college football. I like Ahmad Hardy a lot. I like Jeremiah Love. But I think what separates him from everybody else is his pass pro, his ship blocking is some of the best in the country. You see some cut ups and Cole Kubelik, who's here somewhere, a lot of times we've seen some cut ups about where he picks up linebackers and just pancakes them and just knocks them out. So I think that kind of separates him. But yeah, Chambliss is, is exactly what we anticipate. I mean, he's going to make everybody better. But the wide receiver room is a bit of a question. The is funny. You talked about the, the world of, of Heisman campaigns and all of that really should have been done last year. And we've talked about how there was so much conversation off the field with Lane and other jobs specifically beginning around that Oklahoma game maybe a little bit more. And just kind of the onus, if you will, was put on Lane and off the players. One thing you'll hear Pete probably say today, I've heard he's told us on our show and others, is that it doesn't matter who runs you out of the tunnel. It matters what happens on the field. This is about the players. It's not about those coaches and it's not about those coaches in the press box. So he's very big on that. I do think if Pete were in place last year, it's kind of both things can be true. I don't know that Ole Miss has the success they have, but I think it had been more. More, I guess you could say, not more honest put on the players. And so if you look at what Lane did, I think it's kind of tough the way he ended it. But you have to really appreciate what he did in his career at Ole Miss. He's a fantastic football coach.
[14:58]
A
Now for Pete Golding, I don't think pressure is the right word because that's a little crazy, but maybe like a sense of urgency. How much sense of urgency? Ole Miss has been the third winningest program in the conference in the last I think five years. Georgia, Bama and then Ole Miss. I mean, it's going to be hard to duplicate that. You got a guy like Deuce Knight still there or just transferred in, excuse me. And you know, we can't really count on these guys being there next year. But if Ole Miss has a lot of success, it would stand a reason that he'll remain there and they'll be solid at quarterback and they could continue to build off this thing. But if they take a big step back, who knows, Trinidad's to the NFL, Deuce hits the portal. I mean, how much sense of urgency is on Pete Golding to deliver immediately?
[15:40]
B
Yeah, I think you said that. Well, I don't think it's pressure. And then I'll go a little bit further and talk about kind of big picture. I don't know how much of the, the pressure or the, you know, whatever is on Pete Golding this year. Tell me what happens in year two and three and four because the roster is kind of set for this year. After that, we've seen Ole Miss really kind of put more of the emphasis on high school recruiting. They'll still go transfer shopping, don't get me wrong. But they've done a really good job of recruiting locally in high school, what Pete calls a five hour radius. So they're really focusing in on that. Frank Wilson's always going to have that Louisiana tie. So Frank being on the staff has been a big, big help for Pete in the world of recruiting. But to me, I'm looking at more 2, 3 and 4, rather than just this year. But a lot's being put on this year because of that roster that Pete's bringing back. I'm fascinated to see what Ole Miss does in Week one. You know, if they win the game, how do they win the game? Is there some struggles? Do they just blow Louisville out? I think Jeff Brahms got a really good team this year, and so playing them in Nashville I think is going to really, you know, proved a lot about what my expectations are for the 19th because I do believe getting LSU early helps because they're only going to get better as the year goes on. Sam Levitt's only going to get better. All those transfers. By the end of the year, LSU is probably going to be rolling because they're mesh. How many losses does LSU have at the end of the year?
[17:00]
A
All right, Brad, really appreciate your time. Last question for you. All our coverage here at SEC Media Days is brought to you by our friends over at Taylor, Tennessee legend. They make the best Tennessee whiskey you could buy. So we're asking everybody for their Tennessee legend boldest take in the sec. Could be Ole Miss, could be anything. SEC related. What's your boldest take entering the season?
[17:20]
B
I think South Carolina is going to win eight games and I know I'm getting. I'm getting a lot of pushback on that, but I really like Lenore Sellers a lot. I think he's. I think he's someone that could be at the next level. Now, we saw him last year and the year before and he had. He's had some struggles, but I like South Carolina getting to eight games and I'm really fascinated. This is not a bull take, but you and I talked about Tennessee. I'm fascinated with Tennessee and Josh Hyple. I don't know what direction they go. I'm not really sure. But uncertainty is at quarterback. But I'm really fascinated by that because Tennessee is a fan base that will not allow mediocrity. They're not going to do it. And so hearing from Hypo earlier this week and making kind of the joke that kind of fell flat about the mustard and that sort of thing, that's a fascinating game for me.
[18:07]
A
That didn't fall flat on Rocky Top.
[18:08]
B
No, it did not. But I'm genuinely fascinated to see LSU and Tennessee just like LSU in Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss. LSU and insert team here. So it's going to be fascinating.
[18:20]
A
All right, Brad, thank you so much.
[18:21]
B
Always a pleasure, man.
[18:22]
A
Before you go, tell our audience how to follow you, how to find your work.
[18:25]
B
Yeah, Ben, Garrett and I have the Talk of Champions Network. You can follow all of our content at Ole Ms. Toc on X& then on Facebook, but mainly everything's at our YouTube channel. And you can hear all of it on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your podcast to listen to that SEC Podcast.
[18:40]
C
Thank you, brother.
[18:41]
B
Thank you, gentlemen.