Pete Golding (HC) – Ole Miss enters the Sugar Bowl under new leadership after Lane Kiffin departed for LSU in late November, elevating defensive coordinator Pete Golding to head coach. Golding arrived in Oxford in 2023 and brings nearly two decades of defensive coaching experience, including five seasons as Nick Saban’s defensive coordinator at Alabama from 2018–22. Known for his emphasis on discipline and physicality, Golding’s defensive background will be tested immediately as he prepares his team to face one of the most balanced and efficient offenses in college football.

Trinidad Chambliss (QB #6) – In Ole Miss’ playoff win over Tulane, Chambliss completed 23 of 29 passes without committing a turnover, efficiently managing the offense and sustaining drives. Georgia saw Chambliss’ dual-threat ability earlier this season, when he accounted for three total touchdowns—one passing and two rushing—against the Bulldogs. His mobility allows him to extend plays and create problems when protection breaks down, making containment a priority for Georgia’s defense.

Kewan Lacy (RB #5) – Lacy remains a dominant leader of the Rebels’ offense. Against Tulane, he rushed for 87 yards and scored his 21st touchdown of the season, consistently wearing down defenders. Lacy also found success against Georgia in October, scoring twice in that matchup. If Ole Miss is able to establish the run early, Lacy’s physical style could challenge Georgia’s front, putting an emphasis on the Bulldogs’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and eliminate play-action opportunities.

De’Zhaun Stribling (WR #1) – Stribling has proved himself as one of Chambliss’ most reliable receiving options. He recorded five catches against Tulane, including a 30-yard reception on the first play of the game that immediately set the offensive tone. His ability to stretch the field and win early in routes makes him a constant threat. Georgia’s secondary will need to limit explosive plays and prevent Stribling from gaining early confidence.

Suntarine Perkins (LB #4) – Perkins has been one of Ole Miss’ most impactful defenders throughout the season. He led the Rebels with a season-high 10 tackles against Georgia earlier this year and followed that performance with a strong outing against Tulane, recording 2.5 tackles for loss. In the final quarter of the playoff game, Perkins forced and recovered a fumble to help seal the win. His range and instincts make him a disruptive presence at the second level.

Princewill Umanmielen (LB #1) – Umanmielen anchors the Rebels’ pass rush and has consistently applied pressure off the edge. He recorded 1.5 sacks against Tulane and now has eight total sacks on the season. One of his biggest plays came in the second quarter against the Green Wave, when his sack stalled a promising drive. With Georgia’s offense built on timing and balance, Umanmielen’s ability to disrupt the pocket could prove pivotal in the Sugar Bowl.

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Ole Miss’s most beloved and celebrated player of all-time is the legendary No. 18 Archie Manning, All-American quarterback and NFL standout, primarily for the New Orleans Saints.

Eli Manning, Archie’s youngest son, was a standout signal caller for the Rebels who went on to an outstanding pro career, leading the Giants to a pair of Super Bowl wins over the Patriots.

Prior to his tremendous career with the San Francisco 49ers as a five time All-Pro linebacker, Patrick Willis was an All-American at Ole Miss and the 2006 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.