Greg McElroy Names College Football Playoff Team Being 'Criminally Underrated'

April marks the heart of the spring portion of the college football calendar, as programs across the country prepare for the 2026 season through practices, roster evaluations and staff adjustments. Teams are not only developing returning talent but also integrating new coaches and players.

Across the sport, programs are working to position themselves as contenders following the Indiana Hoosiers’ national championship run. Among the teams navigating a significant offseason transition are the Ole Miss Rebels.

Ole Miss enters the spring following a strong 2025 season that included a berth in the College Football Playoff. However, the program experienced a major change shortly after the regular season. Head coach Lane Kiffin departed to take the same position with the LSU Tigers football, leaving a vacancy at a critical time.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) celebrates a play. | Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The Rebels promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding to head coach, providing continuity on one side of the ball while introducing a new leadership dynamic. At the same time, the program faced uncertainty surrounding quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and his eligibility status.

Chambliss sought an additional year of eligibility, citing medical issues during his second season at Ferris State that prevented him from participating in games. The NCAA denied his request on Jan. 9 and upheld that decision on Feb. 5 following an appeal. Ole Miss later submitted a request for reconsideration, but it was also denied.

The situation ultimately shifted in the courts. A state judge, Robert Whitwell, granted Chambliss an injunction allowing him to compete during the 2026 season, determining that he qualified for a medical redshirt. The NCAA’s subsequent appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court was denied, clearing the way for Chambliss to return.

His availability significantly impacts their outlook for the upcoming season. Chambliss provides experience and production at quarterback, giving the Rebels a foundation to build around despite offseason changes.

College football analyst Greg McElroy of ESPN believes the Rebels are being overlooked nationally. Speaking on "Always College Football," McElroy pointed to both returning talent and internal continuity as reasons for optimism.

"Ole Miss is being criminally underrated in the national conversation right now," McElroy said. "Trinidad Chambliss got a chip on his shoulder. Kewan Lacy is probably the best running back in the SEC. You've got some solid synergy on the defensive side with Pete Golding's retention... I think a lot of people are kind of sleeping on the Rebels even though they had a tremendous year last year."

McElroy also highlighted the presence of running back Kewan Lacy and the defensive familiarity under Golding as key factors. The combination of experienced leadership and returning production could position Ole Miss as a contender in the SEC.

While questions remain following the coaching change, the Rebels enter the 2026 season with momentum and a roster capable of competing at a high level. If Chambliss can build on his previous success, Ole Miss may exceed expectations and re-emerge as a factor in the national conversation.