Ole Miss Rebels Seek National Title Amid Changes and Innovations

The Ole Miss Rebels experienced a notable season but fell short in achieving their ultimate goal of a national title. Kewan Lacy, the team’s star running back, commented on this in a recent interview, saying, “I grade it based off of that – that the ultimate prize wasn’t won.” Despite the hurdles, such as Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU just before the playoffs, the team maintained focus throughout their season.

“We still came up short in the season. The main goal is to get to that national title. But we never really let the outside noise get to us. We just tried to focus on game by game,” Lacy added. The uncertainty during the postseason, with several assistants joining Kiffin at LSU, did not deter the team’s efforts. Lacy emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting, “There’s a business aspect of it, but at the end of the day, we’re on the field and playing football.”

This season, in pursuit of a national title, Lacy will be utilizing the Q-Collar, an FDA-cleared sports equipment designed to protect the brain from repetitive head impacts. Worn around the neck, it applies gentle pressure to limit brain movement during football activities. Lacy’s mother discovered and recommended the Q-Collar, recognizing its benefits after conducting thorough research.

“She found it, she saw other players playing with it, and she brought it to my attention,” Lacy explained. “It’s helped me a lot, just trying to find different ways to protect myself, be as sharp as I can on the field.”

Lacy, already an All-American, sees the Q-Collar as an innovation offering extra protection on the field. With key player Trinidad Chambliss returning and a robust lineup of returning athletes, expectations for Lacy and the Rebels run high. “Going into this year with our new staff we got and all the new pieces we have, I feel like we just got to take it game by game,” he shared.

The Rebels aim to advance further than before, and Lacy believes they can “finish the deal.” As the new season unfolds, the team remains determined to pursue their goal of a national championship.