The Ole Miss offensive line entered the 2026 season with uncertainty after losing two of its anchors to the NFL. Seven games into the new season, the Rebels have silenced those concerns, and the offensive line is one of the team’s biggest strengths.
The Rebels dominated up front in their 31-3 win over then-No. 13 Missouri, rushing for 257 yards and averaging nearly seven yards per carry. Running backs Kewan Lacy and Makhi Frazier each surpassed 100 rushing yards, the first time two Rebels have done so in a game since 2022.
The performance earned Ole Miss the highest Pro Football Network offensive line grade among FBS teams for Week 7, scoring 96.6 on the 100-point scale. It also continued a strong start for the trench unit, which has established itself as one of the nation’s strongest offensive lines despite preseason doubts.
Connor Howes’ emergence at right tackle has significantly changed the outlook of the Ole Miss blocking front since he took over for Tommy Kinsler IV. After spending 2025 on the scout team, Howes earned a chance to fight for a starting role.
Howes credited practice reps against the 2025 Ole Miss defensive front with preparing him for game action.
“Being on (the) scout team helped me out a lot,” Howes said in a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 13. “Going against Kam (Franklin) and all those guys last year, (Zxavian Harris) and Will (Echoles) every day — it just made me who I am today.”
Head coach Pete Golding has recognized Howes’ development as a key part of the unit’s success this campaign, naming each of the five linemen as key players in the game against Vanderbilt two weeks ago.
“(Howes has) played his butt off,” Golding said during the Oct. 12 press conference. “We have players of the game every week, and that’s the first game this year that we came out and all five offensive linemen were the players of the game.”
The unit has been getting into a groove this month. With Texas coming up and Georgia on the horizon, the offensive line is clicking at the right time.
“They’re working well together. They’re starting to understand the scheme better,” Golding said. “We’re getting better at the double teams and getting to the second level, but also from a position-blocking standpoint.”
Golding also credited offensive line coach John Garrison with the group’s progress, citing the unit’s communication and continued development as reasons to be optimistic moving forward.
“Coach Garrison does a really good job with that group,” Golding said. “I like the development. We’re getting better and better every week, especially Connor (Howes). The more he plays, the better he gets.”
Howes’ rapid development has been incredible for this Rebel team, which struggled to anchor the right side of the offensive line early on. Plugging in Howes seems to be the ultimate answer.
With another week of preparation, Golding expressed hope that Ole Miss would have additional experienced options available along the offensive line, giving the coaching staff greater flexibility as the season continues.
Left tackle Terez Davis has been key to the unit’s improvement. With Diego Pounds departing for the NFL, Davis has helped provide stability at a position that entered the season with questions.
Golding praised Davis’ development before the Missouri matchup, pointing to his work ethic, athleticism and willingness to learn.
“Very few guys have that pro mindset and come in every day with a chip on their shoulder and go to work and take hard coaching and work extremely hard and say, ‘Yes, sir,’ and ask really good questions,” Golding said.
Golding also highlighted Davis’ footwork and ability to redirect on combination blocks and reach the second level of opposing defenses.
“He’s really athletic, he’s got really good feet, he’s nasty and he’s super consistent,” Golding said. “I think he’s playing at a really … high level.”
Davis has worked alongside an experienced group featuring right guard Patrick Kutas, who won SEC co-offensive lineman of the week last week, center Brycen Sanders and left guard Delano Townsend. Their continued development has helped Ole Miss improve its protection and establish a more consistent rushing attack.
The Rebels’ depth was tested Saturday when Sanders suffered an injury and left the game. Kutas moved to center, while Troy Everett entered the lineup at right guard.
The early adjustment showed the unit’s ability to adapt without Sanders — a key returning factor for the line. Sanders returned in the second half, but Everett’s cameo was incredibly comforting overall.
Kutas’ interior experience and Everett’s ability to contribute gave the Rebels another option when the starting lineup changed.
The offensive line has also limited opposing pass rushes throughout the season. Through six games, Ole Miss has only allowed five sacks.
The Rebels will need that protection and flexibility to continue Saturday when they travel to Austin, Texas, to face the Longhorns. Texas presents a new challenge for an offensive line that has been steadily improving.
