Ole Miss star makes decision on future amid LSU speculation

Lane Kiffin has already succeeded in convincing a few Ole Miss players to join him at LSU next season, but the Rebels will have arguably their most important offensive weapon back in 2026.

Star running back Kewan Lacy has committed to playing his junior season at Ole Miss, the school announced on Tuesday. There had been speculation that Lacy might follow Kiffin to LSU, with some players already having committed to LSU and others expected to do the same, but new head coach Pete Golding was able to convince Lacy to stay.

Lacy has 1,464 rushing yards this season, which ranks third in the nation. His 23 rushing touchdowns are second in the country behind only North Texas star Caleb Hawkins, who has 25. Lacy was named both a First Team All-American and First Team All-SEC.

Ole Miss is trying to keep its offense together

Ole Miss has already exceeded expectations by advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Rebels dominated Tulane in the opening round of the CFP and then knocked off Georgia with a 39-34 upset on New Year's Day. Lacy ran for 98 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win over Georgia.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is looking to be granted a sixth year of eligibility. If the NCAA lets him return, he has expressed interest in remaining in Oxford. Chambliss is another player who has been linked to LSU and would have plenty of options if he were to enter the transfer portal, but he might choose to remain at Ole Miss now that Lacy is committed and the Rebels are in the middle of a deep playoff run.

While Kiffin will likely poach several top players and star recruits from Ole Miss, Lacy's decision to return to Oxford is huge for the Rebels. That, combined with the postseason success, has Ole Miss' future looking a lot brighter than it did several weeks ago.