The Ole Miss Rebels have a lot that they’re playing for in this College Football Playoff. They’re trying to prove Oxford is not a steppingstone on the way to bigger and better programs. They’re trying to show the world that they’re more than Lane Kiffin. Lastly, and certainly not least, they’re playing for one another, whether they can be on the field or not.
In July 2025, the Rebels were dealt heavy hearts when freshman defensive end Corey Adams was killed in a Memphis-area shooting. Ole Miss has played with Adams on its mind all season long. On Thursday, they played with his mother in attendance. After beating Georgia, defensive tackle Will Echoles shouted out Adams’ mother and their fallen teammate.
“We’ve been dedicating our whole season to Corey Adams,” Echoles said, pointing to the crowd. “His mom’s in the stands over there, so if y’all could give her a round of applause. We do it for C-4!”
The Rebels stand 2 wins away from their first football national championship in more than 60 years because of their 39-34 triumph over the Bulldogs. Ole Miss will face No. 10 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl/CFP Semifinals on Jan. 8.
