Full Breakdown
Ole Miss and Syracuse Alumni Shine in NFL Super Bowl LX
2/12/2026, 6:38:13 AM
Ole Miss Players Celebrate Super Bowl Success
Three former Ole Miss football players—safety Chris Paul Jr., and linebackers Jared Ivey and AJ Finley—secured Super Bowl rings following the Seattle Seahawks' victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. This win marks a significant achievement for the trio, with Paul Jr. in his third NFL season and Ivey and Finley in their rookie years. The Ole Miss football program has a robust presence in the NFL, with nearly 40 alumni currently in the league, and the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is expected to add more Rebels to this roster.
Five Ole Miss players have received invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled to take place from February 23 in Indianapolis. The invitees include wide receivers De’Zhaun Stribling and Harrison Wallace III, tight end Dae’Quan Wright, defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, and offensive lineman Diego Pounds. Stribling and Wallace were instrumental in Ole Miss's run to the College Football Playoff semifinals, with Wallace recording 61 catches for 934 yards and Stribling achieving 55 catches for 811 yards. Pounds, recognized as SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice, played a pivotal role in the offensive line, while Harris contributed significantly on defense with 58 tackles and three sacks.
Trinidad Chambliss's Eligibility Battle
A notable absence from the combine invite list is quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who is currently seeking an additional year of eligibility to play for Ole Miss in 2026. A court hearing is set to determine the outcome of his request, with expectations leaning towards a favorable decision for Chambliss.
Syracuse Alumni's NFL Season Review
The 2025 NFL season also saw notable performances from former Syracuse players, particularly those from the 10-win 2024 team. Courtney Jackson, who spent the season on the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad, received a Super Bowl ring despite not being on the active roster. Riley Dixon, the longest-tenured Syracuse player in the NFL, completed his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Sean Tucker had a career-high eight touchdowns.
Zaire Franklin continued to excel with the Indianapolis Colts, starting all 17 games and recording 125 tackles. Rookie Oronde Gadsden made a significant impact for the Los Angeles Chargers, totaling 49 catches for 664 yards. Other Syracuse players, such as Andre Szmyt, who overcame early-season struggles to finish strong with the Cleveland Browns, and Alijah Clark, who made strides with the Dallas Cowboys, also showcased their talents.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, both Ole Miss and Syracuse alumni are poised to make their mark. The outcomes of the combine and the upcoming NFL Draft will likely influence the future of these players, with hopes of expanding their presence in the league.
