HOUSTON, September 21, 2026 — Ole Miss head football coach Pete Golding has been named Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week following the No. 8 Rebels’ 32-24 win over No. 7 LSU on Saturday evening in the Magnolia Bowl.
The first top-10 matchup between Ole Miss and LSU since 1962 saw Golding lead the Rebels to their 14th consecutive home win, tying for the second-longest active streak in FBS.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor Coach Bryant’s legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
The emotionally-charged win saw Ole Miss charge out to a 24-7 halftime lead, before LSU came charging back with three scored to tie the game at the 11:21 mark of the fourth quarter. However, Trinidad Chambliss scampered for a 14-yard touchdown run with 6:14 to play to give Ole Miss the game-winning score.
The Tigers threatened again late, driving all the way to the Ole Miss six-yard line, however, Jaylon Braxton intercepted a Sam Leavitt pass in the end zone to seal the Rebels’ victory.
Chambliss completed 33 of 48 passes for 363 yards and two scores as the Rebels outgained the Tigers 426 to 330, picking up 17 first downs through the air along the way.
In just six games as a collegiate head coach, Golding has now faced a ranked opponent in five of those contests; with a 5-1 career record overall. Three of those teams have been top-10 opponents.
The Rebels return to action on Saturday, Sept. 26, traveling to Gainesville, Fla. for a Southeastern Conference matchup against No. 21 Florida.
Each week through the remainder of the season, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards will recognize a coach for leading their team to an exceptional victory. The Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week is chosen by a committee of national college football media members. Golding’s selection follows previous selections of Oklahoma State Eric Morris, Western Michigan’s Lance Taylor and Memphis’ Charles Huff.
Fans can follow the lead up to January’s annual Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards Ceremony at facebook.com/bryantawards, x.com/bryantawards or Instagram.com/bryantawards or the hashtag #BryantAwards. To attend the exclusive, VIP experience visit bryantawards.org.
###