As the 2026 college football season kicks off, Ole Miss is poised to make a significant impact, starting with their matchup against No. 24 Louisville on Sunday night. This game marks the only ranked contest in Week 1 of the season, and the excitement surrounding the Rebels is palpable.
The spotlight is firmly on Ole Miss’s dynamic backfield duo, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, who have been the focus of a robust Heisman Trophy campaign. Dubbed the "H6I5MAN" initiative, which cleverly references their jersey numbers—6 for Chambliss and 5 for Lacy—the campaign was launched in July to promote their candidacies for the prestigious award. Both players are coming off impressive 2025 seasons that saw Ole Miss reach the College Football Playoff semifinals, and they are now contenders for various national awards and All-American honors.
Chambliss, who is currently ranked sixth in Heisman Trophy odds according to BetMGM, and Lacy, a preseason first-team All-American, have been receiving significant national exposure. Ole Miss has left no stone unturned in promoting their stars, including a high-profile advertising campaign in major cities. On August 24, the university showcased their Heisman aspirations with billboards in New York’s iconic Times Square. Shortly thereafter, their campaign was also featured at Las Vegas’ Sphere, which boasts an impressive 580,000 square feet of digital screens.
Reflecting on the experience, Chambliss expressed his disbelief at the level of exposure. "Seeing my face and seeing Ole Miss football on the billboards and on the screens in Times Square, and then obviously having The Sphere as well, it’s just unbelievable," he remarked. Chambliss, who previously played at Division II Ferris State and began last season as a backup, had a breakout year, finishing second nationally with 4,464 total yards and accumulating 30 touchdowns, which earned him an eighth-place finish in the Heisman voting.
Lacy, who made a name for himself during his first season with the Rebels after transferring from Missouri, tied the program record with 1,567 rushing yards and set a new school record with 24 touchdowns. His remarkable performance also earned him a spot as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, recognizing the nation’s top running back. Lacy shared his thoughts on the campaign, stating, "It means a lot, just having the opportunity to be in that platform in New York and Las Vegas, it’s just amazing. And being one of the candidates with Trinidad is just a great opportunity."
As Ole Miss prepares for its season opener against Louisville, all eyes will be on Chambliss and Lacy as they aim to carry the momentum from their previous successes into the new season. With their Heisman Trophy campaign gaining traction, the duo is set to be key figures not just for Ole Miss, but in the broader landscape of college football this year.
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