BONUS: Ole Miss, Pete Golding LANDING Kevin Smith incredibly IMPORTANT for 2026

Ole Miss braces for the biggest game in Mississippi football history as coaching staff intrigue heats up. Kevin Smith’s future remains uncertain, affecting superstar running back Kiwan Lacy and recruiting dynamics, while Pete Golding’s strategic staff moves—including notable contract details and new titles for key assistants like Brian Brown—signal a program aiming for sustained College Football Playoff contention.Steven Willis breaks down fan anxieties, the lasting impact of recent coaching maneuvers, and why retaining Kevin Smith is crucial for Ole Miss’s offensive arsenal beyond 2025. The episode explores playoff matchups against Tulane and potential clashes with Georgia and Ohio State, celebrating decades of Rebel highs, heartbreaks, and this season’s historic opportunity. How will Ole Miss handle the distractions and keep its championship vision on track?Ole Miss, Ole Miss Rebels, Ole Miss podcast, Pete Golding, Kevin Smith, John David Baker, Brian Brown, Kewan Lacy, Shakai Mills Knight, Demarius Yates, Lane Kiffin, LSU, Ole Miss football, Ole Miss news, Ole Miss rumors, College Football Playoff, Tulane Green Wave, Georgia Bulldogs, Ohio State, SEC football, Ole Miss recruiting, Locked On Ole Miss, Oxford Mississippi, Ole Miss staff, playoff gamePrimary Segment Timestamps & Topics0:00 — Kevin Smith Coaching SituationDiscussion kicks off with why Kevin Smith staying at Ole Miss (and not showing up on LSU paperwork) is a major detail for Pete Golding and the Rebels, plus ripple effects for top running backs.12:40 — Pete Golding Contract BreakdownDeep dive into Pete Golding’s new contract, including salary figures, assistant coach updates, structure of staff deals, and strategic implications for Ole Miss football.20:03 — Ole Miss Fan Memories & Playoff OutlookReflecting on personal and collective Ole Miss experiences, how the 2025 season represents a fan base “coronation,” and why fans should enjoy the playoff without getting distracted by coach/player drama.For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. JOIN THE EVERYDAYERS CLUBhttps://lockedonolemiss.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Omaha SteaksSave big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale. And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. RugietIf you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time. Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time. Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready. Aura FramesFor a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.