Ole Miss Dominates Tulane in CFP Debut Amid Coaching Changes
Ole Miss secured a decisive 41-10 victory over Tulane in the College Football Playoff (CFP) first-round game held at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, on December 20, 2025. The win advances Ole Miss to the CFP quarterfinal against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.
This game marked the beginning of a new era for Ole Miss as head coach Lane Kiffin had departed for LSU prior to the playoff. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter denied Kiffin's request to coach through the playoffs, leading to Pete Golding's promotion from defensive coordinator to head coach.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was briefly sidelined in the first half after being evaluated for a concussion but returned in the third quarter to contribute with one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns.
Tulane's quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 306 yards and one touchdown. Despite his efforts, Tulane's CFP record against Power Five teams fell to 0-3 this year. James Madison remains the only non-Power Five team in the playoff.
Tulane coach Jon Sumrall, who has been hired by Florida to replace Billy Napier, was permitted to continue coaching the Green Wave through this game.
The matchup was described as potentially the most significant in the history of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, symbolizing Ole Miss's fresh start under Golding following Kiffin’s departure.
