In today’s era of NIL and transfer portals, where money talks, loyalty is hard to come by. However, for Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, that’s what matters most. Despite strong interest and significant NIL money from elite teams like LSU and Texas, his commitment to Pete Golding remained intact.
“A lot of factors came into play,” Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy said on the White House Podcast. “There were a lot of schools and great opportunities. But I just felt like what we built at Ole Miss was remarkable. The people we brought back, we have Trinidad (Chambliss) coming back, the receivers, and then the people we brought out of the gate on defense; I just feel like we’re building something special. I trust Pete (Golding) to lead us in the right direction.”
Advertisement
His trust in Pete Golding makes sense, because even after Lane Kiffin moved to LSU, he took the program to the playoffs that no one expected. Their offensive team left for LSU and abandoned them just a week before the Miami game. However, they gave them a tough fight, with a score of 27-31 against them.
All of these factors add up to Lacy’s trust in him.
Getting Kewan Lacy back on the team is a major win for Ole Miss, especially after former RB coach Kevin Smith left for LSU.
But Frank Wilson’s move to the Rebels certainly gives him hope. He developed top LSU players like Caden Durham and even Harlem Berry, who followed him to Ole Miss.
Advertisement
Along with him, Michigan State transfer Makhi Frazier, Harlem Berry, Southern Utah’s Joshua Dye and LSU’s JT Lindsey are all set to add depth to the backcourt, and that looks solid for the 2026 season.
In today’s era of players making money, moving from program to program just to make sure their bags are full, Lacy stayed at Ole Miss just to develop. According to sources, he will make between $2 million and $3 million this season with the Rebels, but he was lucky to win just like Bryce Underwood, who is making $10.5 million with Michigan.
Ole Miss got major support from Kewan Lacy, as the guy already has recognition as a Heisman candidate. In ESPN’s Mark Schlabach’s 18 Ways to Early Heisman Trophy Candidates, his name and that of Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss are already there. Plus, its production adds another layer.
Advertisement
He finished last year as the second-leading runner, tied with Quinshon Judkins. Lacy recorded 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, which is second most nationally. He’s just 1,494 yards away from becoming Ole Miss’ leading rusher. But with all the hype, there is one major worry that could harm its future.
Kewan Lacy worries about injuries
Ole Miss’ running back room took a major blow against Miami when Kewan Lacy suffered a right hamstring injury while running for a 73-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. After his exit, the last three laps of the track were taken over by Logan Diggs. But this wasn’t the first time Lacy was out due to injury.
Returning while playing against Tulane in their first round playoff game, he left the field with a shoulder injury. Now, these injury issues may make it difficult for him this season. For now, he is healthy, but repeated injuries may affect his playing time.
Advertisement
With a new coach and a new program, Kewan Lacy must first make the most of the spring game. He’s already one of the deadliest playmakers in college football heading into the season, according to CBS Sports, so the confidence is already there around him. Now it’s time for him to come forward and make history.
