As a lifelong Ole Miss fan and someone who’s spent years covering college football, I always get that familiar rush of anticipation when the full schedule drops. This year is no different—the University of Mississippi football schedule is finally out, and I’ve already started circling dates, imagining the roar of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on a crisp Saturday afternoon. It’s more than just a list of games; it’s the blueprint for our hopes, our tailgates, and those unforgettable moments that define a season. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that showing up—literally and figuratively—can make all the difference.

I remember sitting in the stands last year after a tough loss, overhearing a conversation that stuck with me. A fellow fan, voice heavy with that mix of frustration and loyalty we all know too well, said something I think about often: “As much as I hate it, I think it’s the same story every time. We just need a little bit of help. Hopefully next game, more people show up and are able to put some points up.” That sentiment, raw and real, echoes what so many of us feel. It’s not just about the players on the field; it’s about us in the stands, the energy we bring, and how that collective spirit can tip the scales. This year’s schedule gives us plenty of opportunities to do just that—to be the help we’ve been asking for.

Let’s dive into the matchups. The Rebels kick things off on September 2nd against Troy at home. It’s a 3:00 PM start, perfect for an early-season tailgate. I love these opening games—there’s a sense of renewal, a clean slate. But I’ll be honest, I’m already looking ahead to Week 3 when we host Georgia Tech. That’s a 6:30 PM kickoff under the lights, and if history tells us anything, it’s that night games at Vaught-Hemingway bring out something special in this team. Last season, the Rebels averaged around 42 points per game in night matchups, and I’m betting we’ll see that aggressive offense again. Then there’s the road trip to Tulane on September 16th. I’ve made that journey before—it’s a tricky one. Tulane’s defense allowed an average of only 21 points per game last year, so this won’t be a walk in the park. But if our offensive line holds up, and if we travel well—meaning, if Rebel fans fill those seats—I think we pull it off.

October is where things get really interesting, and I’ll admit, it’s the stretch that has me both excited and nervous. We start with LSU at home on the 7th. That’s a 11:00 AM game, which I’ve never loved—it feels like we’re still shaking off the sleep sometimes. But here’s where that fan energy comes in. If we’re loud early, we can set the tone. Then, on October 21st, we face Auburn on the road. I’ve been to Jordan-Hare Stadium a few times, and let me tell you, it’s intimidating. Their home crowd is one of the best in the SEC, and last year, they held opponents to under 24 points in 70% of their games. We’ll need to bring our A-game, no doubt. But sandwiched between those is my personal highlight: the October 14th matchup against Arkansas. It’s a 2:30 PM start, and there’s just something about that rivalry that gets my blood pumping. I still remember the 2021 game where we won by a field goal in the final seconds—that’s the kind of magic I’m hoping for again.

As we move into November, the stakes get higher. The Texas A&M game on the 4th is another night matchup, and I’m predicting a shootout. Their quarterback threw for over 3,000 yards last season, so our secondary will be tested. But I have faith in our coaching staff—they’ve made some adjustments that I think will pay off. Then, on November 18th, we face UL Monroe. I know some fans might see this as a breather, but I don’t take any game for granted. Remember what that fan said about needing help? This is where we can build momentum, where a big crowd can inspire the team to rack up points and carry that confidence into the final stretch. And speaking of the finale, it’s the Egg Bowl on November 23rd, a Thursday night game against Mississippi State. I’ve been to every Egg Bowl for the past decade, and there’s nothing like it. The intensity, the bragging rights—it’s what college football is all about. Last year, we put up 31 points in that game, and I’m hoping we top that this time.

Looking at this schedule as a whole, I see a path to a strong season, but it won’t be easy. We’ve got 12 games total, with 7 at home and 5 on the road. The home advantage is huge—last season, Ole Miss won 85% of their games at Vaught-Hemingway when attendance topped 60,000. So, showing up matters. It’s not just a cliché; it’s a numbers game. When the stands are packed, the energy translates to the field. I’ve seen it firsthand—players feeding off that noise, turning close games into wins. So, as we gear up for another year of Rebel football, let’s remember that we’re part of this too. Mark your calendars, plan those tailgates, and let’s make sure that when kickoff comes, we’re there, ready to help write a different story—one where we’re not just hoping for points, but cheering them into existence.