History is a funny thing in college football. Sometimes you wait decades for a matchup, and when it finally arrives, it’s exactly the kind of chaotic, nail-biting mess you hoped for. That’s basically what we got when the Washington State Cougars football vs Ole Miss Rebels football game finally kicked off in 2025. It wasn't just another non-conference filler; it was a clash of cultures, schemes, and time zones that lived up to the hype.
For the longest time, these two never crossed paths. It's wild to think about. Washington State spent its life in the Pacific Northwest, grinding through the old Pac-12, while Ole Miss became the poster child for the modern SEC’s high-octane offensive revolution under Lane Kiffin. They were like two ships passing in the night—until they weren't.
The 2025 Oxford Battle: A Game of Inches
When the Cougars rolled into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 11, 2025, the atmosphere was electric. Most experts figured the Rebels, then ranked No. 4 in the country, would just steamroll the visitors. That didn't happen. Honestly, the Cougars played with a massive chip on their shoulder.
They took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter. The stadium got quiet. Real quiet.
Ole Miss eventually found their rhythm, but it was a slog. Trinidad Chambliss, the Rebels' quarterback, had to use every bit of his athleticism to navigate a Cougar defense that was surprisingly disciplined. He finished 20-of-29 for 253 yards, but those numbers don't tell the whole story. It was his 17-yard scramble late in the third that actually kept the Rebels' undefeated season alive.
Wazzu’s quarterback, Zevi Eckhaus, was efficient. He went 24-of-31 for 218 yards and two scores. He didn't have the deep-threat speed that Ole Miss possessed, but he moved the chains. Tony Freeman was his go-to guy, hauling in 9 catches.
Why the Final Score Stung
The Rebels escaped with a 24-21 win. That’s it. Three points.
Washington State actually had the ball with a chance to win or tie in the final minute. Imagine that. A program that’s been through the ringer with conference realignment nearly took down a top-five SEC powerhouse in their own backyard.
Kewan Lacy was the unsung hero for the Rebels. He carried the rock 24 times for 142 yards. Without that ground game, Ole Miss probably loses. Lane Kiffin admitted as much afterward, moving his personal record against Washington State to 2-1 (counting his old USC days).
The Strategy: Air Raid vs. SEC Speed
The tactical battle in Washington State Cougars football vs Ole Miss Rebels football is what nerds like me love. Washington State has always been associated with that "Air Raid" identity, even as they've shifted through different coaches like Jake Dickert. They rely on spacing. They rely on making a defense cover every blade of grass.
Ole Miss, under Kiffin, is a different beast. It’s fast. Like, "don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-the-next-snap" fast.
In their 2025 meeting, the Cougars actually won the possession battle. They kept the Rebels' offense off the field. By limiting Ole Miss to just 2-of-10 on third downs, Wazzu turned a potential blowout into a classic. It proved that the gap between the "Power Four" leftovers and the SEC elite isn't always as wide as the TV talking heads want you to believe.
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Looking at the Future: Will They Meet Again?
Right now, the 2025 game was a "one-off" contract. It’s a bummer for fans who want a home-and-home. While Wazzu has a series scheduled with Mississippi State (travelling to Starkville in 2030 and hosting them in 2031), the Rebels don't have the Cougars on the immediate horizon for 2026 or 2027.
The 2026 schedules are already pretty much locked in:
- Ole Miss 2026: They open against Louisville in Nashville, then face a brutal SEC slate including Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma.
- Washington State 2026: They've got the Apple Cup against Washington on September 5th, followed by a trip to Kansas State and a home game against Arizona.
Scheduling these cross-country games is getting harder. With the SEC moving to a nine-game conference schedule and Washington State helping rebuild the Pac-12, the windows for these non-conference "mega-matchups" are shrinking.
What This Matchup Taught Us
If you’re a betting person or just a die-hard fan, there are a few takeaways from the Washington State Cougars football vs Ole Miss Rebels football saga.
First, never underestimate a West Coast team traveling East. The "body clock" excuse is mostly garbage when the talent is motivated. Second, Lane Kiffin’s offenses can be slowed down by disciplined, "bend-but-don't-break" defensive schemes.
Most importantly, the 2025 game showed that college football is better when we step outside of the traditional conference bubbles. Seeing the crimson and gray in Oxford was weird, but it was also fantastic.
If you want to keep up with how these programs are trending for the next season, keep an eye on the transfer portal. Both schools have become heavily reliant on "reloading" rather than just "rebuilding" through high school recruiting.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official WSU Cougars site for 2026 season ticket drops, as the Apple Cup is moving back to early September.
- Monitor the SEC availability for the 2027 season if you're hoping for another Rebels vs. Pac-12 matchup; rumors suggest Ole Miss is looking for another West Coast opponent to fill a late-September slot.