Image Source: Gray Hardison
Key Takeaways
- Kewan Lacy has reached an NIL agreement with Ole Miss for the 2026 season, marking a significant return for the team
- Lacy’s return means Ole Miss retains an elite running back who can generate yards after contact and avoid negative plays
- The team has also secured commitments from several defensive players, including Sharif Denson, Jonathan Maldonado, and Keaton Thomas
- Ole Miss is still awaiting an NCAA waiver for Trinidad Chambliss, who could potentially join Lacy in the backfield
- The team’s focus will shift to addressing needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle in the coming weeks
Introduction to the Transfer Portal
The world of college football is abuzz with the latest news from the transfer portal, and Ole Miss has been making waves with a string of commitments over the past 48 hours. As one observer noted, "we’re all transfer portal junkies," and the excitement is palpable. The latest development is the news that Kewan Lacy has reached an NIL agreement with Ole Miss for the 2026 season, a move that has significant implications for the team. As the article states, "Lacy’s return is somewhat of a big deal on three fronts." First and foremost, Ole Miss retains an elite running back who "rarely has negative runs and generates a healthy amount of his yards after contact."
The Significance of Lacy’s Return
Lacy’s return is a major coup for Ole Miss, as he brings a unique skillset to the table. As the article notes, "not many backs have his skillset." With Lacy back in the fold, Ole Miss doesn’t have to worry about replacing his production, which was impressive in 2025. Pre-Fiesta Bowl, he had "just shy of 300 carries and turned those into 1,464 yards and 23 touchdowns, while catching 28 passes for 173 yards." While it’s unlikely he’ll match those numbers in 2026, his presence provides a sense of stability and familiarity for the team. As the article wryly observes, "WE AIN’T HERE TO PLAY BEING CHOOSY."
Implications for the Team
Lacy’s return also means that Ole Miss won’t have to face him on the field, assuming he would have ended up at a certain SEC school on the schedule next year. This is a significant advantage, as Lacy’s skills would have made him a formidable opponent. Additionally, the team won’t have to deal with the fallout from a certain "adult baby" who "tried to and still wants to burn everything down in Oxford because he didn’t get his way." As the article snarkily notes, "let’s a get a count of said adult baby’s career playoff wins after coaching a team to an 11-1 record: Is 0 more than 2? Who’s to say?"
Returning Production and New Additions
Ole Miss is also set to return almost every major contributor from 2025, with eligibility remaining for 2026. While there may be some attrition down the depth chart, the team won’t experience a "hemorrhaging of starters or potential starters, as once feared." In addition to Lacy’s return, the team is awaiting an NCAA waiver for Trinidad Chambliss, who could potentially join him in the backfield. As the article notes, "that level of returning production would be weapons-grade IDEAL for Ole Miss." The team has also added several defensive players, including Sharif Denson, Jonathan Maldonado, and Keaton Thomas, as part of its efforts to bolster its roster.
Looking Ahead
As Ole Miss looks to the future, the team’s focus will shift to addressing its needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle. As the article notes, "if Chambliss is denied his waiver, then Ole Miss will need to sign at least two quarterbacks." While the team’s defensive additions are significant, the offense still requires some reinforcements. However, for now, the team can bask in the glow of Lacy’s return and the promise of a strong 2026 season. As the article concludes, "let us not forget that, in two days, we’re in Phoenix (far-ass-away-from-town Glendale) one win away from playing for a national title." The excitement is building, and Ole Miss fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s prospects.
https://www.redcuprebellion.com/ole-miss-rebels-football/40280/will-kewan-lacy-be-back-at-ole-miss-lacy-signs-new-nil-deal-with-ole-miss-for-the-2026-season-retention
