Ole Miss bans LSU football fans from student section for Lane Kiffin's return

OXFORD — Ole Miss athletics announced in an email sent to students Sept. 17 that fans supporting LSU would not be allowed into the student section for Lane Kiffin 's return in Week 3.

"Effective immediately, no person wearing an opposing team's gear or colors will be allowed entrance into the student section," the email said. "Additionally, anyone found to be wearing opposing team apparel or colors in the student section will be removed."

The No. 9 Rebels (2-0) are hosting the No. 7 Tigers (2-0) on Sept. 19 (6:30 p.m., ABC) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The drama around the matchup is expected to create a memorable environment. Kiffin, LSU's coach who left Ole Miss before the College Football Playoff in 2025, is public enemy No. 1 in Oxford .

What happened between Ole Miss, LSU fans

There is some recent history involving Ole Miss and LSU fans.

Lane Kiffin, LSU football coach returning to Ole Miss for Week 3 game

A video surfaced of an incident during an Ole Miss vs LSU baseball game April 11 at Swayze Field that involved an LSU fan in the bleachers in right field, which is a general admission section where Ole Miss students sit.

A man wearing a bright yellow LSU jersey and purple LSU hat was being led out of the section. A drink was sprayed at him as he had his back turned.

As a security guard tried to get between the LSU fan and where the drink was thrown, the LSU fan charged in and punched a man with his left hand. He punched him on the ground before the scuffle was broken up.

What fans can expect at Ole Miss-LSU football game

ESPN's "College GameDay" will feature the Ole Miss-LSU football game with guest picker Morgan Freeman . There are some additions to the game atmosphere that Drew Ingraham, Ole Miss' Senior Associate AD for External Engagement, and his team have worked to create.

There will be two flyovers. Two C-17 planes, large military transport aircraft, will pass over Vaught-Hemingway during the national anthem. There will also be a flyover at 8 a.m. for "College GameDay." That will be done by two military helicopters.

There will be two drone shows at the game as well. Ole Miss is has introduced a "Code Powder" segment this season between the first quarter and the second quarter. It's reminiscent of the "Code Red" light show Ole Miss holds between the third and fourth quarters.

A drone show will accompany both periods. Ole Miss is partnering with SkyWorx for the show.

Fans will also be provided with flashing wristbands. It's something the Rebels did for the 2025 College Football Playoff game vs Tulane — the first game after Kiffin left — and got rave reviews.

Between the bracelets, flyovers and drone shows, Ingraham said this game hits a trifecta. The fireworks will also be enhanced.

"Obviously team success plays a huge role in all of this," Ingraham said. "Our goal is just to support that. It's to provide additional in-game enjoyment that is in support of team performance and team success."

"College GameDay" will last from 8-11 a.m. in The Grove. The Walk of Champions is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the national anthem is at 6:25 p.m.

"I think the one thing that we are trying to message to folks is give yourself some extra time and arrive early," Ingraham said. "This is what seems is going to be an all-day affair with GameDay starting at 8 and going to 11, and then you know we just don't anticipate too many folks leaving campus after that."

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_