Lane Kiffin couldn’t save face during his headline-grabbing return to Oxford as his former team, Ole Miss, defeated his LSU squad. However, Kiffin didn’t hesitate to take another shot at his former program, describing the LSU-Ole Miss matchup as the Rebels’ “Super Bowl.”
Kiffin’s comments did not sit well with Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding. During Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Golding pushed back against Kiffin's Super Bowl remark, making it clear that he did not view the September matchup as something that would define Ole Miss’ season.
“I know everybody else had that game circled. I didn't. I mean, there's nothing about winning a game in September that makes your season,” Golding said (h/t Thomas Goldcamp of On3 Sports).
Kiffin has become a public enemy among Ole Miss fans since his controversial decision to leave the program for LSU just before the College Football Playoff at the end of the 2025 season.
Article Continues BelowKiffin even approached Ole Miss about guiding the Rebels during their playoff run, but the program ultimately declined the opportunity. What had once been widespread admiration for Kiffin quickly turned into intense hostility following his departure.
Therefore, when the 2026 schedule brought Kiffin back to Oxford for his third game as LSU’s head coach, the city was filled with tension surrounding his return. On the field, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss helped turn the highly anticipated game into a memorable victory, leading the Rebels to a 32-24 win over Kiffin and LSU.
Golding had served as Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator for several years before taking over as head coach following Kiffin’s departure for LSU. The 2026 season marked Golding’s first season as Ole Miss’ head coach, and so far, the Rebels have remained undefeated under his leadership.
However, the road ahead is far from easy, as the Rebels face one of the toughest schedules in the SEC. Golding’s team will now turn its attention to its next challenge against the Florida Gators on Saturday at The Swamp.