There is a special kind of buzz surrounding the Ole Miss football program before its 2026 season gets underway, and it stems from having a team full of players who have the potential to make Vaught-Hemingway Stadium one of the noisiest stadiums in all of the NCAA. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34. Will Echoles, DTJul 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles (52) speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Echoles is already on the radar for the NFL as the 2026 draft nears, and Rebels fans will see a player who dictates whole game plans against Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThomas comes to Ole Miss from Baylor with 99 tackles and All-Big 12 honors, and Ole Miss' defensive coordinator Bryan Brown has not failed to note his relentless work ethic in practice.