Three Ole Miss Players Land On3 Way-Too-Early 2026 All-America First Team

Three Ole Miss standouts earned spots on On3 Sports' way-too-early 2026 All-America first team, a recognition that keeps Oxford and Lafayette County buzzing about next season’s prospects and the local economic ripple effects of a nationally prominent program.

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and placekicker Lucas Carneiro were the Ole Miss selections on On3’s first team. On3’s Chris Low highlighted Chambliss’s dual-threat production and a pending eligibility question, writing: “There’s a caveat. Chambliss still needs to be granted a waiver or court injunction to play in 2026. If so, he’s one of the most dynamic players returning in college football and one of the most difficult to defend with his ability to avoid pressure and make big plays. Chambliss was the only player in the country last season to pass for more than 3,900 yards (3,937) and rush for more than 500 yards (527). He accounted for 30 touchdowns, 22 passing and eight rushing.” Local interest turns on the appeal that Hottytoddy noted was heard “last week” with no announcement made as of the most recent coverage.

Kewan Lacy’s workload and explosive plays earned On3 praise and a first-team slot. Low wrote: “Lacy’s first season with Ole Miss after transferring from Missouri was a huge success and a big reason the Rebels made it to the playoff semifinals. He has breakaway speed (see his 73-yard touchdown run vs. Miami), and he’s also durable (an FBS-leading 307 carries) with 24 rushing touchdowns. Chambliss and Lacy back together in the same backfield is bad news for opposing defenses.” Hottytoddy added that Lacy is “officially returning to Ole Miss next season,” a development that would preserve a high-volume rushing tandem attractive to fans and helpful for season-ticket and tailgate demand in Oxford.

Lucas Carneiro was recognized for his long-range accuracy and clutch kicks. Low wrote: “Carneiro was one of the many stars for Ole Miss in its playoff run to the semifinals after transferring from Western Kentucky. He’s an incredible asset to the offense because any time the Rebels get close to the 40-yard line, he’s in range. He made four from beyond 50 yards in the playoff and drilled the game-winning 47-yard field goal to beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Carneiro was 31-of-35 on the season and made 14-of-17 from 40 yards or longer.” Hottytoddy likewise stated that Carneiro is “officially returning to Ole Miss next season.”

The players’ national recognition arrives amid broader program momentum. Hottytoddy credited coach Pete Golding with revitalizing the locker room and noted that Ole Miss assembled the No. 2 rated Transfer Portal Class in America with nearly 30 signees, a roster-building approach that helps sustain attendance, merchandising and hospitality spending in Lafayette County. For local businesses that rely on game-day traffic in Oxford’s The Square and nearby lodging, continued on-field success typically translates into higher weekend occupancy and retail activity during the fall.

What comes next for readers is confirmation and context: the outcome of Trinidad Chambliss’s eligibility appeal, official roster announcements from Ole Miss athletics confirming Lacy and Carneiro’s return, and box-score verification of the postseason plays cited. Those answers will determine whether Oxford keeps the same core that powered a playoff run and whether local fans and businesses can expect another season of high-stakes home weekends.