Andrew Jones Embraces Role in Pete Golding’s Ole Miss Defense
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss moved to 8-1 following a convincing win over South Carolina last week, led by the defense, which totaled six sacks, two interceptions, and eight tackles for loss.
Andrew Jones continues to emerge as a key player for Pete Golding’s linebacker room. The senior who transferred from Grambling State this offseason was originally committed to the Rebels’ opponent on Saturday, South Carolina. Instead, he notched four total tackles, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hurries against the Gamecocks.
In Tuesday’s press conference, Jones discussed his performance.
“I feel like I played okay. At the end of the day, coach put in a game plan for the defense to execute. And throughout the week, we made sure everybody in each room was on the same page when we got certain calls and things and whatnot. So just my brothers throughout the week, helping me make sure I’m on the same page as everybody else when my number gets called, is the best thing I can ask for.“
–Â Jones on his performance versus South Carolina
ANDREW. JONES. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pCe7GY0XFK
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) November 1, 2025
Later in the presser, Jones admitted that while it was difficult to prepare for a quarterback like LaNorris Sellers, Pete Golding and the defensive staff do a phenomenal job in their game plans.
“Honestly, we don’t play people. We play game plans, specific schemes, and coach has everything in place. We have a great staff throughout the week. They watch film, help us watch film, and point out key characteristics of things we need to watch out for. They have plays and things that they put into the game plan that we need to make sure we execute on a high level to win in these situations. So it’s really not about the players or what team or anything like that. It’s just us doing our job, executing our game plan, and handling things appropriately.“
– Jones on the Rebels’ defensive preparation
This week, Jones and the defense will have another opportunity against The Citadel, a team that features a heavy usage of the triple option, something the Rebels have barely been exposed to this season.
As always, continue to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk for all of your Ole Miss sports information.
