Ole Miss’ Micah Pettus Named to Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List; ‘I just keep God first and control what I can control’

Outland Trophy is Given Annually to College Football’s Top Lineman

OXFORD – Ole Miss football sophomore offensive tackle Micah Pettus has been named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, as announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

Show the OL some love 😤@micahpettus2 | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/MfZicHgEuU

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 1, 2023

The Rebel Walk visited with Micah after the Watch List was announced Tuesday morning.

Sophomore OT Micah Pettus

The Outland Trophy, the third-oldest major college football award, is a big honor, indeed.

It has been given annually since 1946 to the best lineman (on either side of the ball) in college football.  Pettus is one of 91 linemen and one of 17 total from the SEC to be named to the watch list for the Outland Trophy.

The Pettus Profile

The 6-foot-7, 360-pound Pettus made his mark as a redshirt freshman last season for the Rebels as he helped anchor an Ole Miss offensive line that paved the way for the Rebels to finish No. 1 in the SEC and No. 3 in all of FBS in rushing at 256.6 yards per game.

The Madison, Alabama native was an integral part of an o-line that led to a school record total rushing yards (3,336). The prior record was set all the way back in 1957.

Always love a good snatch-trap technique. Check this out from Ole Miss RT Micah Pettus. Keep his name circled for this upcoming season. Listed at 6-7 and 360 pounds as a redshirt sophomore 👀 pic.twitter.com/XlGmQAFH87

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 12, 2023

Mature beyond his years

When one visits with Micah, it doesn’t take long to realize how focused he is on his goals and that he possesses a maturity beyond his years.

Micah Pettus on his focus

We asked how he developed such a mature outlook on life, and the answer came quickly.

Micah Pettus on his maturity level

Pettus, who has also already been named fourth-team Preseason All-American by Phil Steele as well as a Preseason All-SEC selection by both Phil Steele (second team) and Athlon (fourth team), played in all 13 games for Ole Miss in 2022. He started the last nine games at right tackle and was named third-team Freshman All-American by CFN.

He dominated against Kentucky, earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors in his first career start against the No. 7 Wildcats. He graded out at a phenomenal 94 percent as he helped Ole Miss to a 22-19 victory.

Outland Trophy Info

The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on Jan. 10, 2024.

The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.

For the complete Outland Trophy Preseason Award Watch List, click HERE.

Congrats to Micah! 

Evelyn Van Pelt

Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.