LSU football fell 32-24 to Ole Miss on Saturday. The contest marked the start of the Tigers’ SEC slate and head coach Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford since leaving for Baton Rouge in 2025.
The Tigers’ defense was tested early and struggled to contain quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. He led three touchdown drives in the first half, including one with under two minutes to play before halftime. LSU was stagnant on offense, which left the defense exhausted.
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But LSU came out a different team after the break. The purple and gold outscored Ole Miss 14-0 in the third quarter and kicked a field goal to open the fourth and tie the game. Ole Miss then drove 75 yards in 13 plays, leaving LSU a few minutes to tie or take the lead. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was intercepted on fourth-and-goal, dooming LSU.
The Week 3 contest also marked the return of several former Rebels who followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge. They, along with a few returners on both sides of the ball, shined for LSU in a top-10 showdown.
Here are LSU’s top-five rated players per PFF from the loss to Ole Miss.
No. 1: Jhase Thomas, safety
Thomas ranked as LSU’s top-rated player, earning an 80.1 grade from PFF. The redshirt freshman contributed vital reps off the bench, especially after DaShawn Spears went down in the first half, which left the STAR position empty and forced defensive coordinator Blake Baker to make changes on the fly.
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Thomas made five tackles, four solo, in the eighth game of his collegiate career. He played primarily on special teams in 2025 but carved out a larger role against the Rebels in Week 3.
Weeks maintained a constant presence as a leader with his play against Ole Miss. He turned in a 75.2 grade. He tied for the team lead with eight tackles, including a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. Weeks has played like an All-SEC-caliber linebacker over the first three weeks of 2026.
No. 3: Deuce Geralds, defensive tackle
Saturday marked Geralds’ first SEC game. After a string of impressive showings to start 2026, the true freshman made his presence felt against the Rebels. Geralds got a 74.5 PFF grade. He finished with a solo tackle and a quarterback hurry.
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In his return to his former team, Umanmielen finished with four tackles, including a sack of Chambliss. He got a 72.8 PFF grade. Umanmielen was one of the top-ranked defenders in the transfer portal, and he’s lived up to the billing thus far.
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LSU football climbs ESPN’s FPI rankings despite Ole Miss loss
Tre Brown 2, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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LSU football climbs ESPN’s FPI rankings despite Ole Miss loss
Tre Brown 2, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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LSU defense vs Ole Miss: What went wrong, what went right, what we learned
Whit Weeks 7, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers Head Coach Lane Kiffin, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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Eugene Willson III 3, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) adjusts his helmet during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Ole Miss wide receiver Horatio Fields (11) jumps through the air in an attempt to avoid LSU defensive back PJ Woodland (11) during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green (7) carries the ball during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers reciever Winston Watkins Jr 6 makes a catch to score a touchdown as the The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers Quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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LSU football’s top five graded players vs. Ole Miss
Winston Watkins 6, Tigers Linebacker Whit Weeks 7, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Dilin Jones 13, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers Quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Malik Elzy 88, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers Quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Five takeaways from LSU football’s loss to Ole Miss in “Kiffin Game”
Tigers Head Coach Lane Kiffin, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Malik Elzy 88, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Tigers Quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Dilin Jones 13, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Dilin Jones 13, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Tigers Quarterback Sam Leavitt 10, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Rebels reciever Johntay Cook II 0, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Rebels reciever Johntay Cook II 0, The Ole Miss Rebels take on the LSU Tigers. September 19, 2026; Oxford, MS, USA; at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
(SCOTT CLAUSE/USATODAY Network, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Ole Miss tight end Caleb Odom (4) lunges for extra yards while gettings tackled by LSU safety Ty Benefield (2) as LSU linebacker Davhon Keys (42) and safety Dashawn Spears (10) watch during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin walks off the field after a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU safety Ty Benefield (2) and safety Tamarcus Cooley (0) celebrate during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
The ball rolls on the field as a pass went by LSU tight end Zach Grace (44) during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) passes the ball during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Members of LSU huddle up before a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green (7) carries the ball during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green (7) carries the ball as Ole Miss safety Sharif Denson (7) attempts to tackle him during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU offensive lineman Braelin Moore (61) reacts after a team missed a late game pass in the end zone during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Ole Miss wide receiver Deuce Alexander (1) comes down with the ball for a touchdown during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) passes the ball during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) reacts to a call on the field during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown by dunking a basketball in a hoop during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. (6) catches the ball over Ole Miss defensive back Jaylon Braxton (2) for a touchdown during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin scratches his face while answering questions during a press conference after a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
The ball goes over LSU wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) extends the ball for more yards while carrying it during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
Mississippi linebacker Keaton Thomas (11) celebrates after a play against LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Ayrton Breckenridge, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The best photos from LSU football’s loss at Ole Miss
LSU safety Dashawn Spears (10) attempts to make a tackle while lunging during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Ole Miss defeated LSU 32-24.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledg, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Watkins followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge after one season at Ole Miss. The redshirt freshman caught three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown against his former team. He hauled in a pass from Leavitt as he fell to the ground in the back of the end zone. The score cut the deficit to three in the third quarter.
