Ole Miss news: Why Kewan Lacy spurned LSU transfer after Kiffin’s move

Ole Miss lost their head coach, Lane Kiffin, to LSU in a controversial move. Princewill Umanmielen, TJ Dottery, Devin Harper, and Winston Watkins all left Ole Miss to join Kiffin at LSU. Meanwhile, Kewan Lacy has had very few comments about Kiffin’s move.

Lacy is giving some insight as to why he is still at Ole Miss, speaking to Pete Nakos of On3.

“I just felt like I really didn’t have any reason to hit the portal or do anything,” Lacy told On3. “You know what I mean? I feel like we built a great foundation here at Ole Miss, and you know we’re going to keep building it into next year.”

Lacy transferred in from Missouri after seeing just 23 carries in 2024 with the Tigers. In 2025, he was dominant under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. Lacy ran for 1,567 yards with 24 touchdowns, plus brought in another 177 yards receiving. While Kiffin moved on, Lacy reminded, and has not focused much on Kiffin since.

“It wasn’t really awkward for me; it was just a lot of outside noise going on,” Lacy said. “A lot of people are just moving around, moving pieces. I just stayed focused on doing my job on the field, because that’s all that matters, essentially.”

Lacy was not the only player to return to Ole Miss after making a playoff run in 2025. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted a sixth year of eligibility and chose to remain at Ole Miss. That played a role in Lacy coming back to the Rebels.

“That’s my dog, for sure,” Lacy said of Chambliss. “He played a major role in our success last year and the success we’re going to have next year. I just commend him for stepping up when his number was called, and it’s a blessing playing beside him. I just can’t wait for this year.”

Lacy and Chambliss hit the field on September 6 against Louisville. They will play host to their former coach on September 19, as LSU visits Ole Miss.