‘I Feel Like I’ve Got My Edge Back’: Luke Hasz Embracing Bigger Role in Ole Miss Offense
OXFORD, Miss. — For Ole Miss tight end Luke Hasz, this spring represents more than just another round of practices. It’s a reset — a chance to build off a challenging 2025 season, reestablish his rhythm, and step into what could be a significantly expanded role in the Rebels’ offense under new offensive coordinator John David Baker.
With continuity in the system, improved health, and a deep, talented tight end room around him, Hasz looks like a player more than ready to make an impact.
“It’s been huge. I think getting to have this spring and January with (tight ends coach) Coach (Cody) Woodiel. And then of course, having (OC) Coach Baker in the playoff run last year was big for us. And I mean, we’ve already seen it at practice. We’re going to have to be counted on like on third downs and big-time situations. And I think we got a really deep room this year in the tight end room. So it’ll be nice just with all of us be able to work together.”
Luke Hasz
Growth Through Adversity
Hasz’s path to this point hasn’t been linear. After arriving in Oxford with high expectations following his time at Arkansas, his first season with the Rebels was marked by injuries and inconsistency — something he now views as a necessary step in his development.
“It was a learning experience. It was something that, personally, I hadn’t been through quite yet, but it was something that I definitely needed. I mean, I feel like with everything, with ups and downs, you’re going to be able to take that and learn something. And I feel like I learned a lot last year just with like my situation, but I feel like it ultimately made me stronger and able to deal with adversity and just keep working.”
Hasz on dealing with injury
That perspective has shaped not only how he approaches football, but how he’s handled the challenges that come with it.
Why He Stayed
In an era where movement in the transfer portal is constant, Hasz made the decision to remain in Oxford — a choice rooted more in relationships and belief than anything else.
“Personally, I don’t like leaving, like I had a hard time, even last year, leaving Arkansas. I just feel like you build a relationship with guys, even though, nowadays, people are leaving constantly. That tight end room, those are like my brothers. Since last year, I didn’t want to leave them. And, I just felt something special about this place. And then with Coach Golden coming in, I’ve known him from high school when he was at Alabama, just being able to have a relationship with him. And then just when all the pieces were put in place, it just felt like a no brainer.”
Hasz on staying at Ole Miss
Battling Back from Injury
The biggest hurdle for Hasz last season came in the form of a foot injury that disrupted his momentum and forced him to navigate unfamiliar territory.
“Yeah, I mean of course was frustrating,” Hasz explained. “But I mean it was out of my control. I did the best I could to get back. I probably came back a little too early, but I mean, it was a good experience. Injuries suck. I mean, the best you can do is get in the weight room and just get your body to where it won’t happen. But I mean, they happen. So you just got to fight through it and get back. And that’s what I try to do.”
He really had wanted to play when the Rebels met Arkansas, his former team, in week three on September 13, last season.
“Yeah. It was unique. I mean, I definitely tried to come back early just because I really wanted to play week three, because that was a big game for me, just with friends and family and stuff like that,” Hasz said. “So I mean, I pushed, pushed as hard as I could, but the foot was a little bit different. But I mean, really from like week seven, eight then on and now I feel like my old self again. Like freshman/sophomore year. I feel great.”
Now healthy, Hasz says he’s regained something that defined his earlier play.
“Yeah. I feel like I’ve got like my edge back, which is something that is big for me and I just want to keep that going forward. But it’s been a great spring so far.”
Hasz on being healthy
Learning, Watching, Growing
Being sidelined also offered a different kind of opportunity — one that allowed Hasz to observe, learn, and grow from those around him, including former teammate and fellow tight end, Dae’Quan Wright, who is now preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft.
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, Dae’Quan definitely had some great attributes and I was able to learn from him,” Hasz noted. “And then just with all the other guys in the room. And then it really taught me because I had never been in that situation before, just like the little things with how locked in. When my number’s called, I’m ready to go. And then also another piece for like the next (season) special teams, stuff like that’s something this year, I’m going to try and implement myself more into,” he added.
A Deep, Connected Tight End Room
One of the strengths of this year’s Ole Miss offense could be the depth and chemistry within the tight end group — something Hasz has already seen develop this spring.
“It’s been awesome. I mean, I knew Mike (Mike Smith) from high school and then I knew Brady (Prieskorn) a little bit just from his brother (Caleb). And then of course, we got Hayden (Bradley) Wyatt (Smalley), Jack (Harper), Caleb (Odom), and all the guys who came in that are new. We’ve all meshed really quick. We all get along. We love being with each other. We love the meetings. It’s been great and they work extremely hard.”
Hasz on the tight end room
Continuity in the System
For the first time in his college career, Hasz is working within the same offensive system, albeit with new OC John David Baker, in back-to-back seasons — something that has allowed him to build a deeper understanding of the offense.
“…So it’s been cool to be able to build off of a system that I was in sort of last year. I mean, there’s some wrinkles and stuff that’s different, but it’s been an advantage for me to be able to further my knowledge, like what the quarterback’s reading and things of that nature.”
That familiarity is expected to pay dividends — not just for Hasz, but for the entire offense.
Chambliss’ Leadership
At the center of that offense is quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, whose presence has continued to grow within the program.
“It’’s huge. I mean, Trinidad is still Trinidad, though. Like when he came in, he talks to everyone. He’s a great teammate. You love being around him, but he’s definitely, stepped it up a notch with his presence. You can tell he expects perfection every single day. And that’s something that is huge for us, especially in spring going forward.”
Hasz on Chambliss
Chambliss’ ongoing eligibility situation was something the entire team followed closely — though inside the locker room, there was a sense of confidence about how things would unfold.
“Oh, yeah, it was interesting, especially with making decisions and stuff, but I feel like most of us had a good, strong feeling that Trinidad was going to be here. And then if not, we had great quarterbacks coming in behind him as well.”
Closing thoughts
As Ole Miss continues through spring practice, Hasz stands as a player whose journey has been shaped by both promise and adversity — and who now appears positioned to turn that experience into production. With his health restored, his confidence returning, and his role in the offense expanding, the Rebels’ tight end room may once again become a key piece of what Ole Miss wants to do offensively in 2026.
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. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com
