Kewan Lacy Helps Keep Ole Miss Rolling Toward Playoff Contention
OXFORD, Miss. — The first College Football Playoff rankings of the season will be announced tonight, and Ole Miss football should find itself in the thick of a playoff berth. There’s no underestimating the role running back Kewan Lacy is playing in the Rebels’ success and postseason hopes.
On Saturday, Ole Miss defeated South Carolina Saturday, moving to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the SEC. Next up will be The Citadel at Vaught Hemingway Stadium. In the win over the Gamecocks, the passing offense, which is usually very effective under Lane Kiffin, struggled somewhat. Luckily, Lacy had a career game and that was all Ole Miss needed.
Lacy’s emergence as one of the SEC’s most consistent and explosive running backs couldn’t come at a better time for Lane Kiffin’s Rebels. In an offense built around tempo, balance, and versatility, having a dependable workhorse like Lacy changes everything. His ability to extend drives, wear down defenses, and finish runs with authority gives Ole Miss a crucial edge down the stretch — especially in November, when playoff contenders separate themselves by running the football and controlling the line of scrimmage
The Missouri transfer had a day against South Carolina, rushing for a career high 167 yards on 24 carries, with one touchdown. After the game, Lacy spoke about his form and how he has been preparing throughout the season.
“You know, really just taking every game one game at a time, and being intentional with my preparation. Going out there and doing my 1/11. Throughout the season, I’m just getting better and better through each game.”
Kewan Lacy after a career night vs. South Carolina
During his Monday presser, Coach Kiffin talked about Lacy and his approach to the position.
“…He’s phenomenal in preparation. We say it in here all the time, very low ego, which is refreshing at that position. And he just wants to get better.”
Lane Kiffin on Kewan Lacy
Lacy’s touchdown in the 4th quarter basically iced the game, putting Ole Miss up by three scores with around 5 minutes remaining. He produced a bursting run down the middle, as he made several Gamecocks miss as he raced away for the 54-yard score. It came on the first play after the Gamecocks turned it over on downs.
KEWAN LACY IS ELITE
KEWAN LACY IS ELITE
KEWAN LACY IS ELITE pic.twitter.com/n0BQ8qzHkt— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) November 2, 2025
“My coach (running backs coach Kevin Smith) always preaches just make one defender miss when you’re in one-on-ones. I saw my one-on-one and won it, saw grass, and you know got to the end zone.”
Kewan Lacy
Lacy now sits at 864 rushing yards for the season, and with The Citadel next up, he could have his chances to get close to or past 1,000 rushing yards on the year.
As Ole Miss makes its final push toward a potential College Football Playoff berth, Lacy’s production keeps the offense grounded and unpredictable. Defenses can’t sell out on the Rebels’ passing game when Lacy is breaking tackles and averaging over 100 yards per contest. His physical running style not only sets the tone for the offense but also allows the Rebel defense more time to rest — a hidden advantage that could prove vital in the weeks ahead. Simply put, a confident Kewan Lacy makes Ole Miss a more complete, balanced, and dangerous playoff-caliber team.
If he can keep doing what he is doing over the next three games, Ole Miss could very well be a playoff team!
Jordan Merritt
Jordan is a freelance writer who covers sports, games, and more. A United Kingdom native, he covers everything Ole Miss for The Rebel Walk. He has written for several publications, including Athlon Sports, On SI, Fansided, and others. Away from writing, he loves spending time with his family and watching films and TV series.
