Rivalry Renewed: Tulane vs. Ole Miss

Photo By: Tulane Athletics

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On September 20, 2025, the Tulane Green Wave and the Ole Miss Rebels met again at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. What unfolded was not just another non-conference matchup, but the continuation of a rivalry that stretches back more than a century. Ole Miss came away with a dominant 45-10 victory, extending their winning streak in the series and reminding fans why this game carries so much history and emotion.

A Rivalry Rooted in History

The Tulane–Ole Miss rivalry dates all the way back to 1893, when the two schools clashed in New Orleans. Since then, the programs have crossed paths dozens of times, though Ole Miss has held the upper hand for decades. Tulane last beat the Rebels in 1988, and entering this contest, Ole Miss carried a 13-game winning streak against the Green Wave. For Tulane, this game was an opportunity to rewrite history. For Ole Miss, it was about protecting their home field and proving that their SEC firepower remains on another level.

First Quarter: A Statement Start

From the opening whistle, Ole Miss set the tone. Backup quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, filling in for the injured Austin Simmons, wasted no time showing he could handle the moment. The Rebels marched downfield on their first possession, capping the drive with a short touchdown run from Kewan Lacy. Tulane struggled to gain traction against a Rebel defense that looked sharp and disciplined. By the end of the quarter, Ole Miss already led 14-0, and the energy in the stadium suggested that Tulane would be in for a long night.

Second Quarter: Rebels Take Control

Tulane finally put points on the board with a field goal, but Ole Miss responded quickly. Chambliss connected with his receivers for two touchdown passes, exploiting Tulane’s secondary and spreading the ball with confidence. The Rebels’ offensive line also began to wear down Tulane’s front, opening running lanes for Lacy and keeping drives alive on third down. By halftime, the scoreboard read 28-3, and Ole Miss had full control of the game. Tulane’s offense, led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, looked rushed and inconsistent, unable to find the big plays needed to close the gap.

Third Quarter: No Letting Up

The third quarter erased any remaining doubt about the outcome. Ole Miss’s defense tightened further, shutting down Tulane’s attempts to spark a comeback. Chambliss continued to manage the offense efficiently, adding another scoring drive that ended with a rushing touchdown. The Green Wave tried to adjust with quicker passes and outside runs, but the Rebels’ speed on defense cut off most opportunities before they could develop. Tulane finally found the end zone late in the quarter, but the damage was already done. Ole Miss entered the final period up 38-10, the game all but out of reach.

Fourth Quarter: Finishing Strong

Even with the game decided, Ole Miss refused to ease up. Their second-string players entered the mix, but the level of play hardly dropped. Another touchdown drive pushed the score to 45-10, sealing a statement win. Tulane showed fight, but Ole Miss’s depth and physicality proved overwhelming. The Rebels ran out the clock with their ground game, leaving Tulane with little chance to chip away at the margin.

Key Takeaways

Ole Miss’s 45-10 victory spoke volumes. The Rebels proved they could adapt, winning comfortably without their starting quarterback. Chambliss not only managed the offense but thrived, throwing two touchdown passes and commanding respect in the huddle. Running back Kewan Lacy was equally important, powering through Tulane’s front seven and finishing drives with authority. On defense, Ole Miss smothered Tulane’s playmakers, holding them to minimal gains and controlling the red zone.

For Tulane, the loss highlighted both progress and gaps. The Green Wave entered undefeated and confident, but this game revealed how far they still need to go to compete with top-tier SEC programs. Retzlaff showed flashes of ability, but Tulane never found rhythm offensively, and their defense wore down as the game went on.

Looking Ahead

For Ole Miss, this win pushes them to 4-0 and gives the program momentum heading into the teeth of their SEC schedule. It also demonstrates that their depth at quarterback could be a difference-maker later in the season. For Tulane, the challenge will be bouncing back. This was a measuring-stick game, and while the Green Wave came up short, their season is far from over. How they respond could determine whether they remain in the hunt for an American Athletic Conference title.

Final Thoughts

Tulane vs. Ole Miss may not hold the national spotlight of some SEC matchups, but it remains one of those games that connects history to the present. On this night, the Rebels reminded the college football world of their dominance, while Tulane was left to regroup and prepare for the battles ahead. The 45-10 final wasn’t just a score; it was another chapter in a rivalry that continues to shape the story of Southern football.