Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding confirmed on ESPN that senior running back Kewan Lacy is doubtful to play in the Rebels’ upcoming SEC clash with the Florida Gators on Saturday in Gainesville, Florida. The decision follows a left‑shoulder injury Lacy suffered during the Rebels’ recent victory over LSU.
Injury update and recent performance
Lacy was listed as doubtful on Friday’s SEC injury report after exiting the LSU game in the third quarter. In that contest, he rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown on nine carries before leaving the field. The Rebels defeated the then‑No. 7 Tigers 32‑24, with Lacy contributing a key score.
Through the first three games of the 2026 season, Lacy has amassed 191 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 39 carries. He was a 2025 All‑American and a Doak Walker Award finalist, and he posted 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns in 15 games last season.
Depth chart adjustments
With Lacy’s status uncertain, Golding indicated that sophomore JT Lindsey and Michigan State transfer Makhi Frazier will split the rushing duties against the Gators. Both players have seen limited action this season but are expected to shoulder a larger workload in Lacy’s absence.
“We still have another chapel session, so I’m not giving up yet,” Golding told ESPN, emphasizing the team’s faith‑based preparation and resolve heading into the matchup.
Game preview
The No. 4 Rebels (3‑0, 1‑0 SEC) travel to Gainesville to face the No. 21 Gators (3‑0, 1‑0 SEC) at 3:30 p.m. ET. Both teams enter the contest unbeaten, with the Gators looking to bounce back after a narrow loss to Ole Miss earlier in the season.
Ole Miss will rely on a balanced offensive attack, mixing the passing game with the contributions of Lindsey and Frazier on the ground. Florida, meanwhile, will look to exploit its home‑field advantage and the momentum generated by its early‑season success.
What the loss means for Ole Miss
If Lacy is unable to play, the Rebels will need to adjust their game plan quickly. The coaching staff has emphasized depth and preparation, and the team’s recent chapel sessions reflect a commitment to faith‑centered discipline and perseverance.
Regardless of the outcome, the game offers a chance for the younger backs to showcase their abilities on a national stage and for the Rebels to continue their strong start in SEC play.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
