Faith, Family, and Football: How Ole Miss Defensive Lineman Will Echoles Is Changing Lives Off the Field
by Daylan Flowers | Dec 25, 2025 | Football, Ole Miss |
OXFORD, Miss. — When most Ole Miss fans think of defensive lineman Will Echoles, they think of the sophomore phenom who has burst onto the scene this season. But on Christmas Day, his impact feels bigger than football — measured not in tackles or sacks, but in the lives of kids he’s encouraged, supported, and inspired through his faith and selflessness. Away from the field, Echoles is a young man deeply rooted in family, love, and service, and he’s making a tremendous impact on his community.
Recently, Will and with his mother, Regina Lyles-Echoles; his manager, Yolonda Addison; and Glenn Huggins, pastor of Trinity Outreach Center, hosted their first-ever Christmas toy drive in Houston, Mississippi, with Echoles’ foundation, the WILL (Working to Improve Lives and Legacies) Foundation. And what a success it was!
WILL Foundation Mission
The WILL Foundation is guided by faith, service, and a God-given responsibility to lift others. Founded on the belief that blessings are meant to be shared, we work to improve lives and legacies by supporting families, empowering youth, and meeting community needs with compassion and purpose. Inspired by Will Echoles’ prayer to one day give back, we honor God by serving others and creating opportunities that reflect His love.
Trinity has been a home for Echoles throughout his life, making a profound impact on him and giving him a strong sense of community through his involvement at the church.
“This has been my home church for most of my life, and my pastor is on the board of the foundation. They do so much in the community, so it made perfect sense to partner with them and learn from the best. I know how important my community is and how much support means. I’ve always prayed to be in a position to give back and I’m thankful that God has given me this platform and this opportunity.“
Will Echoles on the impact of his church
Will’s mother gave us her thoughts about her son’s role in his community
“It started with the turkey drive that he did during Thanksgiving, and he told me at the drive, that he was going to do something else for Christmas, but it was going to be a surprise. Starting a foundation, helps him be able to help more people, and hopefully next year we can grow bigger and help more people.“
Regina Lyles-Echoles on the inception of her son’s foundation
Will’s ability to give back speaks volumes on the importance NIL can have for athletes, as his story will continue to help uplift his hometown of Houston, as well as other places throughout Mississippi and the country.
During the event, Will gave out numerous toys for young children, including bikes, stuffed animals, and action figures. He also provided meals for all the families in attendance. Will was joined by Ole Miss teammate Kam Franklin who arrived at Ole Miss in the same class as Echoles. The two have been a force to be reckoned with all season long.
Being able to cover this event was monumental for me. Seeing athletes give back and do such good things off the field is one part behind the scenes that makes covering sports so rewarding. Will’s pastor, Elder Glenn Huggins, was also in attendance, and he didn’t hesitate to explain the importance of the event for the community.
“We were grateful to be able to make this happen for our community because there are a lot of needs and underprivileged children as well that are not able to just receive some of the things that we are doing today.“
Pastor Huggins on what the event means to Houston, Mississippi
This is just the start for Will and his foundation; much more is in store for the future as he looks to impact communities to the highest level possible.
“We will be providing year-round programming and not just holiday giveaways. We will have a health fair early next year and be announcing a scholarship for a senior from my high school.“
Will Echoles on long-term goals for his foundation
Echoles has also begun a scholarship fund for seniors located in Houston, Mississippi, and applications are due by April 1, 2026.
Here are some photos from the event, courtesy of Ms. Regina Lyles-Echoles.
Long after the lights fade and the stats are forgotten, this is the legacy that will last — the lives changed and the love shared. On Christmas Day and beyond, Will Echoles is proving that the most meaningful victories don’t always happen on the field.
How to get involved
You can find Will’s foundation, his mission, and ways to help and get involved at: willfoundationms.org
You can watch Will and Kam as they and their Ole Miss teammates take on Georgia in the next round of the college football playoff. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CT at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The Rebel Walk’s Karis Chambliss contributed to this article. (Feature image credit: Regina Lyles-Echoles)
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Daylan Flowers
Daylan is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and currently a junior Journalism major at Ole Miss with an emphasis in sports media and a minor in history. In addition to his work for The Rebel Walk, Daylan is the creator of 'The Daylan Show,' a podcast that shares stories from people all over the sports and media world. He is an avid Arsenal, Cowboys, and St.Louis Cardinals fan. Daylan has a strong passion for photography, including many sporting events and photoshoots.
