MISSISSIPPIAN
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Behind the scenes of Oxford’s biggest party: Double Decker
HALLIE DAVIS
A&C Staff Writer
The 28th annual Double Decker Arts Festival, scheduled for Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, announced the 2025 musical artist lineup on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Lee Ann Stubbs, who has been the Double Decker Arts Festival Coordinator and special events coordinator for the past 10 years, explained the process for choosing performers.
Double Decker plans to continue its tradition of hosting a country-focused lineup for Friday night, with four bands performing including headliner Charley Crockett.
Saturday has a diverse lineup that aims to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, ending with headliner Grace Potter.
“Given our finite budget, we focus on finding artists who can deliver a fantastic performance while staying within those financial constraints,”
Stubbs said. “What many peo -
ple don’t realize is that booking fees for musicians vary depending on the type of event.”
Stubbs explained that Double Decker’s free admission policy limits the amount of funds artists can receive.
“For ticketed events, the booking fee is often lower because artists can also earn a share of ticket sales. However, for free festivals like Double Decker, those fees are significantly higher since there’s no additional revenue from ticket sales to supplement the artist’s income,”
Stubbs said. “This dynamic plays a big role in shaping the lineup each year.”
As a result, the festival’s funding relies heavily on sponsorships, which comprises 60% of the total budget.
Stubbs recognized the loyalty of Double Decker’s sponsors.
“Double Decker offers sponsors greater exposure compared to smaller events, making it an excellent opportunity for local businesses to engage with the community,”
Stubbs said. “Over the years, the festival’s budget has naturally grown due to rising costs, which is reflective of the increasing expenses in
BASKETBALL
Ole Miss men’s and women’s basketball enter this weekend with ranked opponents on their slate. SEE PAGE 6
Steve Holland stars in Jesus Was a Democrat
NATE DONOHUE
Staff Writer
A&C
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture’s SouthTalks series will screen “Jesus Was a Democrat” at 4 p.m. today in the Barnard Observatory.
The documentary follows Steve Holland, a former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from Plantersville, as he moves out of his office in the State Capitol at the end of his political career.
Center for the Study of Southern Culture Director and McMullan Professor of Southern Studies and English
Kathryn McKee offered a brief summary of the documentary.
“(‘Jesus Was a Democrat’) is about the unusual combination of two careers — state legislator and funeral home director — and the unexpected confluences between them,” McKee said. “The film’s subject, former Mississippi State Representative Steve Holland, will also be known to viewers as a central figure in the recently released Netflix documentary ‘The Kings of Tupelo’ and as the man who suggested, long before President Trump, that
SeatStock provides student ticket transfer service
Professor of Management Richard Gentry and SeatStock co-founder Josh Cohen
RUSS EDDINS
Assistant Sports Editor
When college students decide not to go to sporting events, many try to sell their tickets on platforms such as Snapchat, GroupMe or Facebook. SeatStock, an up-and-coming ticket site for college students, is seeking to make the process of student section ticket resales safer for buyers and sellers.
SeatStock founders Brady Stein and Josh Cohen came up with the idea for the website in their freshman year of college at the University of Iowa. Now in their junior year, the two have found significant success at their own college as well as Ole Miss and 56 other colleges throughout the country.
“(Ole Miss and the University of Iowa) are our biggest two markets so far. But other than that, the universities have all said they don’t mind us doing this unless they don’t allow secondary resale,” Stein said. “Ole Miss is one of our favorite spots.”
Stein and Cohen’s motivation for starting the company came when they were scammed trying to sell tickets.
In Stein’s freshman year, he sold his Iowa vs Iowa State ticket valued at $150 on Facebook; however, he never received a Venmo payment for his ticket.
“A lot of kids either don’t know where to sell (tickets) or just don’t trust where they sell,” Stein said. “If you were to sell them on the Snapchat story or someone outside your network, outside of your fraternity or one of your friends, you’re dealing with people who might not Venmo or Zelle you on the other side.”
UM Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics
Keith Carter is happy with the additional layer of security SeatStock provides.
“As we’ve gone into the digital world of ticketing, there are a lot more ways for nefarious things to happen in the
Trombone Shorty performs at Double Decker in April 2022.
ASHLYNN PAYNE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
SeatStock CFO Adam Hasen, Chair and
PHOTO COURTESY: BRADY STEIN
Maggie Rogers performs at Double Decker in April 2022.
ASHLYNN PAYNE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Fewer young people pursue farming careers: U.S. agriculture in jeopardy
“The world has changed tremendously since I was a kid, and the only way to get kids to work on farms again is to find the certa in ones who are interested and let them lead the charge.”
-
KAM WICKER News Contributor
The future of agriculture in the Southern United States is facing uncertainty as fewer young people pursue careers in farming, raising questions about the sustainability of the workforce.
The decline in young farmers mirrors a global trend.
According to 2022 data from the World Bank Group, only 26% of the global population is employed in agriculture, a number steadily decreasing since the early 1990s.
Jon Sparks, a 39-yearold chicken farmer in Water Valley, Miss., finds the trend concerning.
“That’s why I raise my own chickens,” Sparks said. “It’s a source of food for me and my family but also something I hope others will get back to.”
In the U.S., only 9% of farmers are under 35 years old, amounting to just 296,480 across the nation, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. In Lafayette County, just 20 out of 614 farmers are under 35.
“I’m actually surprised that the age is as young as it is,” Soil Health Academy Vice President Eric Fuchs said.
“Most anybody that is staying on the farm is either inheriting the land or coming back into it that direction.”
Sparks, who grew up on a farm in Kentucky, has seen the changing landscape of farming firsthand.
“Kids these days want better paying careers, so they move away into metro areas,” Sparks said. “The world has changed tremendously since I was a kid, and the only way to get kids to work on farms again is to find the certain ones who are interested and let them lead the charge.”
One of the main challenges young farmers face is the rising cost of land. Fuchs said that many young people are discouraged from farming because they cannot afford to purchase land.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Re
search Service found that the average price per acre in the U.S. rose 7.4% from 2022 to 2023 to $4,080 per acre.
“Farm policy dictates what’s grown, land prices, overvalued land prices.
… The youth have to see the ability to be able to actually make a living on a farm. If they can’t, then that’s truly the problem,” Fuchs said.
Urbanization is worsening the problem, with fewer traditional farms remaining in rural areas.
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Mississippi release shows a steady decline in Mississippi farms, with at least 300 farms disappearing each year between 2013 and 2023.
“With the amount of kids coming from big cities, families moving in to retire or be close to their kids, there just isn’t any traditional
farmland left,” Sparks said. “Eventually, I could see Oxford as a place where there is little to no farming for a 10-mile radius or more.”
Allen Williams, co-founder of the Soil Health Academy with a Ph.D in livestock genetics, is working to connect landowners with aspiring young farmers.
“That’s a big part of our mission in what we do at Understanding AG and the Soil Health Academy,” Williams said at a screening of the agricultural documentary “Roots So Deep” at the Malco Theatre in Oxford. “Matching up landowners with young people who want to get a start (is what we do).”
The Soil Health Academy began with a focus on sustainable farming. However, professionals like Williams have expanded to address youth involvement in agriculture by providing scholarships for those who apply.
“We try to show a different way of farming, a less conventional method of how we can make a smaller farm better or even make it bigger,” Fuchs said. “Through scholarships, our training is the same whether you’re 8-years-old or 80-years-old.”
Carson Ferguson, a 24-yearold farmer from Monroe, La., has never met a farmer his age.
“I’ve met some in their 30s, but it seems like someone has to have family ties for young people to get into farm life,” Ferguson said.
Like many farmers, Ferguson joined the field through family connections.
“I was raised around farms like this, but I know plenty of people — young kids included — that just need mon -
ways be a need for crops and livestock. I don’t see a day where farming disappears.” Organizations like the National Young Farmers Coalition and the Soil Health Academy are addressing these
“Yes, we have a lack of interest in this field more than ever before, but there will always be a need for crops and livestock. I don’t see a day where farming disappears.”
ey and have nowhere else to go,” Ferguson said. “I think I see more kids 15, 16 years old coming to find a job here more than I see 30-year-olds.”
Despite the challenges, Ferguson is hopeful about the future of farming.
“Farming isn’t going anywhere if that is what people are scared of,” Ferguson said. “Yes, we have a lack of interest in this field more than ever before, but there will al -
challenges by helping new farmers secure land, resources and support while advocating for changes to farm policy. Sparks, Ferguson, Fuchs and Williams conclude that the future of farming depends on inspiring and supporting the next generation as they take the reins.
Chickens farmed by Jon Sparks
PHOTO COURTESY: KAM WICKER
Jon Sparks chicken farmer from Water Valley, Miss.
Jon Sparks’ chickens in a homemade coop
PHOTO COURTESY: KAM WICKER
- Carson Ferguson farmer from Monroe, La.
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Latina sorority Lambda Theta Alpha explores establishing first Mississippi chapter
AIDAN PONIATOWSKI News Staff Writer
The University of Mississippi may welcome its first Latina-based sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha. Jazmyne Mendez, the Tennessee Area One orientation coordinator of the sorority, led an orientation for interested students in the union on Monday, Jan. 27.
Founded in 1975 at Kean University, N.J., LTA is the first and largest Latina-based sorority in the United States. If established at UM, this chapter would be the first of its kind in Mississippi, joining a national network of more than 150 undergraduate chapters.
“During the expansion process, interested members will talk about how there’s a need on campus for the organization and the support it provides for this demographic of people,” Mendez said. “It’s a great way to provide social, charitable and educational programs and promote diversity on campus.”
Mendez also discussed the sorority’s philanthropic efforts, including its work with
DOUBLE DECKER
continued from page 1
hosting an event of this scale. This means I’ve had to work even harder to close the gap and ensure we can continue delivering a memorable event while keeping it sustainable.”
This year’s festival is presented by Ole Miss Athletics, the University of Mississippi Museum and Rowan Oak. Public feedback and reaction is also an important part of selecting future lineups, Stubbs said.
“The public reaction to the music lineups over the past two Double Decker festivals has been overwhelmingly positive. While our headliners have received great feedback, one of the most rewarding aspects is hearing how much people enjoy discovering smaller, upand-coming acts,” Stubbs said.
“Many attendees have told us they became fans of opening acts they wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. This kind of feedback reassures us that we’re striking the right balance
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and with relief for communities affected by hurricanes.
Mendez explained that the comprehensive six-phase expansion process began with an official expression of interest. The next step is to gather at least eight students — six of whom must not be graduating from the university within the year — to form an official interest group and present a detailed student portfolio. Then, if approved, the group progresses through additional phases to establish the chapter.
“The students reached out first,” Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at UM Sedric Scott said. “We had some students who didn’t see a home in our Panhellenic Council, and so they reached out to various Latino student organizations, and LTA contacted them back.”
Scott has been closely involved in the expansion of the new chapter.
“LTA was fervent about understanding our policies and what we have in place at our university, and I thought they would be the best fit for our campus as a new organiza-
and curating performances that resonate with our community.”
Stubbs described some of the non-headlining performances attendees can expect.
“One special highlight is the Rust College A Cappella Choir, who I first heard at Thacker Mountain Radio Hour. Their performance will add a unique and inspiring touch to the day,” Stubbs said. “Throughout Saturday, attendees can look forward to a variety of genres. Cedric Burnside will deliver his signature Hill Country blues, Seratones bring a dynamic mix of rock and soul and Water Liars represent indie rock.”
Sophomore communications sciences and disorders major Christiana Davis is excited to enjoy the festival with her friends while also seeing art expressed in different ways.
“As one of (the museum’s) employees, it’s really cool to see that the campus museum gets to be so involved with the lineup and art aspect of the event,” Davis said. “I can’t wait to go, and I know it’ll live up to the hype.”
Sophomore music education major Kalie DeSherlia re -
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tion, being one of the largest sororities, as well as having a support mechanism, especially with a chapter right up the street in Memphis,” Scott said.
With Hispanic undergraduate enrollment exceeding 1,175 students — more than 5% of the student body for the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the UM Office of Institutional Research, Effectiveness and Planning — students felt a need for a space for their community.
“If you look at those numbers, there is a need for a Hispanic organization on campus,” Scott said.
“Every year our Latino population steadily rises. It just shows the growth of our university.”
According to the 20232024 UM Office of Institutional Research, Effectiveness and Planning, the Hispanic/Latino population at the university has gradually increased from 219 to 1,175 since 2009.
Mendez shared how the sorority helped her embrace her roots while achieving her academic goals.
“When I was a senior, I went to the University of Memphis
calls Grace Potter as a nostalgic voice of her childhood, making her even more excited to attend.
“I love the texture of her voice and what it adds to her music. I just realized she sings ‘Something That I Want’ from the ‘Tangled’ soundtrack, so I really loved what I was hearing,” DeSherlia said.
Sarah Buzzell of Tupelo, Miss., holds the honor of being the official artist for the 2025 Double Decker Arts Festival.
“I always love using bright colors and jamming a lot of imagery into a piece. I took inspiration from an I-Spy book because I used to love those as a kid,” Buzzell said. “Art is my entire world, and this is such an honor to be recognized in this way.”
The full Double Decker Arts Festival lineup can be found online at the festival’s official website.
on a campus tour, and they had a presentation on Greek life. And I was really drawn into LTA because I have a Hispanic background and because I wanted to grow closer to a different culture that I wasn’t able to grow up with,” Mendez said.
For UM students interested in bringing LTA to campus, momentum is key.
“The students usually come to our organization or come to their university leadership and they let them know about a group of peo-
ple, which is usually Latina women, although anybody can help in this process,” Mendez said. Gaining interest is crucial during the new chapter expansion process. Any students interested in helping start the Ole Miss chapter of LTA can contact Jazmyne Mendez at aoc_tna1@lambdalady.org.
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Jazmyne Mendez gives a presentation on Lambda Theta Alpha in the student union on Jan. 27.
REESE JOHNSON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
The official art Sarah Buzzell created for the 2025 Double Decker Arts Festival
PHOTO COURTESY: LEE ANN STUBBS
we rename the Gulf of Mexico.”
McKee clarified that Holland was only teasing when he suggested the rebranding of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
After the screening, McKee will interview Holland in front of audience members.
“I have known Steve Holland … for a long time,” McKee said. “I’m interested in hearing Steve talk about what it’s like to see his story on the screen. I’d like to know if watching it shows him elements of his own experience that he might not recognize otherwise.”
Rex Jones, the producer of the documentary, will also attend the event. Jones, an assistant professor at Mississippi State University, said that it was a joy to work with Holland.
“Steve Holland is a gracious Southern gentleman and interviewer’s dream given his loquacity,” Jones said. “I knew very little about him going into the project, but I found him to be an open book and embodi -
ment of the sacred and profane. You never knew which side you were going to get, but he was completely earnest in both.”
Jones and McKee acknowledged that the documentary has an inflammatory title, though they hope that viewers can look past this and take the film for what it is.
“The film’s title obviously attracts attention, but the film itself is much more wide ranging than that single line suggests,” McKee said. Jones echoed McKee’s sentiments.
“We live in a time of great political polarization,” Jones said. “It is my hope that the film, despite its provocative title, can effect a little bit of positive change in bringing people together across ideological divides by revealing some universal truths that unite us: We all have hopes, dreams and fears, and we all have suffered disappointment and loss. Through it all, we each must try to be a blessing and not a curse.”
UM student Jacob Manrique, a freshman business and finance double major from Houston, also commented on the title of the documentary.
“I don’t know anything about it, but it sounds like an interesting and complex topic,” Manrique said.
McKee encouraged audiences to attend the event.
“This film is fun to watch,” McKee said. “Steve Holland is an entertaining storyteller but also a man who invested 35 years of his life in working for
MJ Lenderman and The Wind blow Proud Larry’s away
MEREDITH ANDERSON A&C Staff Writer
Along with his touring band The Wind, MJ Lenderman will take the stage at Proud Larry’s on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Lenderman’s stop in Oxford is one of many on his tour, “MJ Lenderman and The Wind,” that continues through the beginning of March. The tour spans the United States, British Columbia and the United Kingdom.
After rock band opener Wild Pink, concert attendees can expect to hear Lenderman and The Wind play songs from their most recent album, “Manning Fireworks.” The band released their newest album, “Dulling the Horns,” in October 2024.
Kesler Smith, a junior psychology and Southern studies double major from Oxford, discovered Lenderman’s music through social media and is looking forward to hearing his blend of genres.
“I first heard about MJ Lenderman after someone posted his song ‘Someone Get the Grill out of the Rain’ on their Instagram story. I think I was drawn to his music because of his voice and the fact that he kinda genre bends,” Smith said.
According to The Bitter Southerner writer Jewly Hight, Lenderman adds a unique sound to the indie rock scene.
“The self-important idealism and ambition of the ’60s and grand glam and theatrical gestures of the ’70s and ’80s give him setups for knowing jokes,” Hight said. “The defiant unkemptness and ironic underpinnings of ’90s indie rock and alt-country are a frequent jumping-off point, and he’s been belatedly delighting in the
galvanizing, economical classic rock riffing of Tom Petty.”
Smith is not the only one looking forward to hearing Lenderman’s music live on Saturday, as the concert is sold out across many ticket platforms.
“I want to see him in concert to experience his work live. Live music can change one’s perspective on an artist and open up new feelings towards certain pieces,” Smith said. “His voice is very distinct, and he has all of these interesting musical elements going on at the same time. They layer really well together.”
Ellis Farese, a senior creative writing major from Oxford, is a fan of Lenderman’s lyricism and authenticity.
“I love the folk-rock genre, and I found MJ Lenderman through similar artists. I find his lyricism witty and impactful,” Farese said. “I like what he writes and sings about. It feels
real and authentic, not cliche, romanticized and overdone.”
Farese recommended his music to anyone who appreciates music with intricate storytelling.
“I would recommend his music to others, especially people who enjoy folk-rock and appreciate thoughtful storytelling in music,” Farese said. “His work feels genuine, and his word choice impresses me. I like how he sings about mundane, seemingly overlooked things. It feels human — putting regular, funny, depressing or invigorating anecdotes against music.”
the people of Mississippi. It’s fascinating to watch the closing days of that career. Plus we get an inside look at both the Capitol and a coffin. Where else are you going to find that?”
Jones agreed with McKee’s endorsement of the documentary.
“If you’ve never heard Steve Holland live and unfil -
tered, this is a perfect chance to witness his formidable oratorical skills and meet a civic leader who, although you may not agree with his politics, has always put the least, the last and the most vulnerable (first),” Jones said.
Steve Holland
PHOTO COURTESY: UMPR
“Manning Fireworks”
PHOTO COURTESY: 2024 ANTI
ELMNT CYCLE ignites Oxford’s inner fire
PALEIF RASPBERRY
A&C Staff Writer
ELMNT CYCLE, a new boutique and cycle studio located at 201 Merchants Drive, is set to have its grand opening on Saturday, Feb 1. The studio, founded by Virginia native Hannah Eddins, will be the first rhythmbased cycle studio in Oxford.
ELMNT’s 8:30 a.m. inaugural class is sold out, as are the rest of the classes offered over the course of its first weekend in business.
“Our classes are done to the beat of the music, and we focus on your entire fitness experience from the minute you walk in the door,” Eddins said. “My main focus was to prioritize the client experience with lots of thought in the little details.”
Eddins has been cycling for eight years, since she was 17, and instructing spin classes for seven years. Her journey began when a physical therapist suggested that she start cycling as a form of rehabilitation when she was in recovery from back surgery. It was soon after that
she fell in love with the activity.
“The best way to describe our classes is fun,” Eddins said. “Clients will get an intense workout that can be adjusted to what they need, but our instructors are trained to use positive motivation and create a fun atmosphere where you enjoy showing up to challenge yourself for 45 minutes. Group fitness is a form of therapy, and we’re striving to make sure all of our clients have the best experience they can at ELMNT.”
Eddins moved to Oxford two years ago to be with her fiance, Brad Creamer, the assistant coach for the Ole Miss Rebel Volleyball team. ELMNT was conceived in 2023, and Eddins has been working toward its opening for about a year.
Eddins has been documenting the journey of creating and preparing ELMNT for its opening on the studio’s TikTok and Instagram social media platforms. In the videos she posted, Eddins gave frequent updates about the progression of the physical studio, from finding a washer and dryer for the
studio to featuring clips from instructor training classes.
Liz Bouchillon, a senior psychology major from Tupelo, Miss., heard about the studio from Eddins’ social media.
“I honestly don’t know too much about it. I followed them when I saw their founder posting a lot about it on TikTok and sharing the process of getting it open,” Bouchillon said.
Aidan Waters, a junior mathematics and secondary education double major from Hendersonville, Tenn., also discovered ELMNT on social media.
“I found out about (ELMNT) through a TikTok on my ‘For You Page.’ I am interested in trying a class but don’t have any set plans as of right now,” Waters said. “I’m so glad we have a cycling studio in Oxford now because I’ve heard so many great things and can’t wait to learn more.”
Using the ELMNT CYCLE app, interested riders can book their first class for $10 and have seven different membership and package plans to choose from after that, ranging from $25 for a Drop-In Class
up to $350 for a 20 Class Pack.
Sophomore psychology major Ava Frederickson, a Newport Beach, Calif., native, is signed up for the 8:30 a.m. class on Saturday. Frederickson is excited for what a new type of group fitness class will bring to Oxford.
“I think opening a cycle studio will offer a new, intense workout that brings a differ-
Kiffin and Golding strike again: Rebels build elite 2025 transfer class
ent type of energy than pilates or yoga,” Frederickson said. “I am looking forward to the community that will be built around the cycle studio, as it is a place that brings people together in such a special way.”
LUKE DUNAVANT Sports Staff Writer
Just behind SEC opponent LSU, Ole Miss boasts the No. 2 transfer class, with 25 commits from the portal as of Jan. 27.
Head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding addressed most of the team’s weaknesses, adding six players to help secure both the offensive and defensive lines. They also added four players in the defensive secondary and three linebackers. Additionally, 12 skill players were added to the Ole Miss roster, including a kicker and a quarterback. Most of the players from this class have multiple years of eligibility left.
Trace Bruckler, TE (New Mexico) - Bruckler has only 421 yards in his career so far, but when he does catch the ball, his radius is anywhere around him. And he may be an even better blocker. He is almost an extension of the offensive line and could very easily slide into the blocking tight end role and make an impact on day one.
Harrison Wallace, WR (Penn State) - As the top available player in the portal, Wallace was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions offense. This past season, he caught 46 passes for 720 yards, with four touchdowns — making him one of Penn State’s best wide receivers. For a pass-oriented offense like Ole Miss’, Wallace will fit right into the Rebels wide receiver room.
Da’Shawn Womack, DE (LSU) - Womack is a player best known for being fast off the edge. The true sophomore has had limited snaps in two years with the Tigers, but he made the most of them, with two-and-a-half sacks and multiple pressures as
well. He should add some depth to a strong edge rusher room.
PJ Wilkins, OL (Charlotte) - Wilkins is the nephew of legendary NBA player Dominique Wilkins. Coming in at 6 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 375 pounds, he should be an anchor for the Rebels. Wilkins will come to Ole Miss as a redshirt freshman.
Patrick Kutas, OL (Arkansas) - Kutas was a force on the line for the Razorbacks, coming in at 6 feet, 5 inches tall and 315 pounds. Playing 25 games over three years with Arkansas, he did not allow a single sack. He might be considered a better guard, but he also offers positional versatility.
Jaylon Braxton, DB (Arkansas) - Braxton played only two games last season, with a knee injury keeping him out most of the year. In the sophomore’s lone complete season, Braxton had 21 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. He should add depth in the secondary.
Luke Hasz, TE (Arkansas) - Standing at 6 feet, 3 inches and 241 pounds, Hasz is seen as a true tight end. Last season for the Razorbacks, he had 26 receptions for 324 yards and four touchdowns. Hasz should play the same role for Dae’Quan Wright that Wright did for Caden Prieskorn last season.
Princewill Umanmielen, DE (Nebraska) - Umanmielen, the younger brother of Princely Umanmielen, comes in at 6 feet, 5 inches and weighs 245 pounds. In two years, he has 35 tackles and one-and-a-half sacks. The obvious comparison is his older brother, as they have similar play styles off the edge.
Kewan Lacy, RB (Missouri) - In limited playing time last season, Lacy had 18 carries for
85 yards. He is a very fast back who should add some depth to a nearly new running back room.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR (Oklahoma St.) - Stribling has some of the best hands in the portal, recording more than 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He is a physical receiver who makes plays on the ball and should be a good outside receiver for QB Austin Simmons.
Antonio Kite, S (Auburn) - Kite has the tools to be a great safety for Coach Pete Golding’s defense. After recording six tackles, a fumble recovered for a touchdown and an interception, he has proven himself to be a player with a ton of potential. He should have an impact from day one in the Rebel secondary.
Caleb Odom, WR (Ala-
bama) - Coming in at 6 feet, 5 inches and weighing 227 pounds, Odom is an athletic phenomenon. He resembles former Ole Miss great DK Metcalf when he was in college, winning jump balls by out muscling the corner.
Delano Townsend, IOL (UAB) - The 6 feet, 4 inches and 315 pound freshman has the ideal size for a guard. Townsend is a young player with a lot of potential, but his role for the Rebels has yet to be fully determined.
Jaden Yates, LB (Marshall) - Yates was a part of the mass exodus from Marshall after its head coach left for Southern Miss. He had 115 tackles and half a sack as the man in the middle for the defense. This upcoming season, he could either be very good depth or be the
second man with TJ Dottery. Sage Ryan, DB (LSU)Ryan is best known for being a hard hitter. He has been decent during his time with LSU, with 43 tackles, one sack and an interception last season. Ryan was interested in a change of scenery, and Golding’s Rebel defense will be the perfect fit. his final season of eligibility.
Tahj Chambers, LB (Missouri State) - Chambers is making the jump from the FCS level to SEC competition after tallying 88 tackles. He is a player who leaves it all on the field every time.
ELMNT CYCLE studio
ANTONELLA RESCIGNO / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin celebrates after the Ole Miss defense stops Texas A&M’s offense on a second down play on Oct. 29, 2022.
ticketing world. So we want to make sure that tickets are secure,” Carter said in an interview with The Daily Mississippian. “We want to make sure that those are valid and they’re not getting scammed and those types of things. So I think any measures we can put in place to do that have been good.”
UM students have been concerned about ticket scams. “I was really nervous about
getting scammed, especially with the high ticket prices this season because of the lack of student tickets,” Susan Larue, a psychology major from Newport Beach, Calif., said. “I had to ask the people I got tickets from for their student ID to make sure it was real, and I had to FaceTime some of them to make sure they were real.”
SeatStock is auction based.
To purchase a ticket, users can place bids on tickets for a game and the highest bidder will secure the ticket.
SeatStock only sells tickets for student sections and only
students have the option of selling or buying their tickets on SeatStock. Buyers and sellers must have an “edu” domain email to verify that they are a student. To ensure ticket safety, SeatStock also does not send the seller the payout until they know the buyer has the ticket.
“(There are) about 8,000 to 12,000 seats, sometimes even more, at every stadium that are just for students. And there isn’t really a dedicated marketplace for this. So that’s why we started SeatStock,” Stein said.
As of Jan. 29, tickets for the USC at Iowa women’s bas-
ketball game on Feb. 2 are going for as low as $65 on the site. The company is considering making tickets cheaper by promoting coupon codes.
“Typically the tickets are like $40 to $80. Some SEC schools are more. Some Big 10 ones are lower. It just depends on the school,” Stein said.
SeatStock’s staff has expanded to four people, and they now have a system in place for customer service. A chatbot, powered by Intercom, will facilitate direct contact with one of the four company members.
“This was really big in our
early stages, because obviously when you first get something on the market, there’s a lot of customer support and there are issues, but we were always making sure the customer’s happier when they leave rather than when they first get there,” Stein said. “And sometimes we’ll even give them a coupon code, refunds of course and everything that the customer needs.”
Ole Miss basketball gears up for ranked weekend
Rebel basketball is entering another weekend of SEC competition. The men’s team will host No. 1 Auburn on Feb. 1, and the women’s team will travel to Nashville on Feb. 2 to face No. 23 Vanderbilt.
Both teams are reaching the halfway mark in conference play and control their fate as tournament play approaches.
The Ole Miss Men’s Basketball team suffered three consecutive losses against Mississippi State, Texas A&M and Missouri after their huge road upset over then No. 4 Alabama, leaving their NCAA Tournament status up in the air.
Guard Sean Pedulla has been an asset to the team since his addition to the Ole Miss roster, leading the team in points per game, averaging 14.3. Alongside Pedulla is forward Malik Dia, who leads the team in rebounds, averaging 6.2 rebounds per game.
Head coach Chris Beard and the Rebels must overcome costly turnovers and shooting struggles — which plagued them in their losses — in order to secure another ranked win and another conference win.
Hosting the No. 1 team in the nation will be no easy task for the Rebels. Auburn holds the most ranked wins in Division I basketball this season. Notable wins include No. 6 Tennessee, No. 4 Houston and No. 5 Iowa State.
Paving the way for the Tigers is forward Johni Broome. The 6-foot-10 senior from Plant City, Fla., leads the team in points
and field goal percentage, shooting an average 53% from the field and earning 17.6 points per game. In their win over Missouri, Broome shot 69% from the field and contributed 24 points.
Another asset to the Tigers’ fiery offense is guard Chad Baker-Mazara, who has been with Auburn for two seasons. Mazara averages 12.8 points per game on top of a solid 49.7% shooting average from the field.
If the Rebels can make a strong impression early and play lockdown defense right out of the gate, Ole Miss can make a solid game out of it and give the best team in the nation a struggle.
The men will host No. 1 Auburn on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m and can be streamed on ESPN.
As for the Lady Rebels, who
also have faced recent defeat, the upcoming game against Vanderbilt should be a win. The Lady Rebels’ recent heartbreaker against No. 5 Texas, losing in the final seconds 61-58, slowed their winning momentum, but the NCAA Tournament still should be within reach. The women will travel to Athens, Ga. to play Georgia today at 5 p.m. and can be streamed on SEC Network.
Ole Miss is currently eighth in SEC play and remains unranked in the AP Top 25 Poll. Despite their recent loss against the Longhorns, Rebel players still provided solid performances.
Guard Madison Scott contributed 17 points and five rebounds and star freshman guard Sira Thienou added 14 points and three steals.
At No. 23, the Commodores are in the AP Top 25 for the first time in 11 years. The Reb-
els need to keep an eye on sophomore forward Khamil Pierre. Pierre leads the team in points per game, averaging 21.9. Another star for Vanderbilt is guard Mikayla Blakes. The freshman from Somerset, N.J., led the Commodores to a 66-64 win over Alabama with 33 points, five rebounds and three steals.
If Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her team can effectively defend standouts like Blakes and limit the Commodores’ shooting percentage,
they have a strong chance of securing another SEC
The women will first
at Georgia today
can be
The Vanderbilt game begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2 and can be streamed on SEC Network.
Editor’s Note: This article was published prior to the Ole Miss Men’s Basketball team’s Jan. 29 match against Texas.
HOW TO PLAY
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 with no repeats.
win.
play
at 5 p.m. The game
streamed on SEC Network.
TEDDY KING Sports Editor
Jaylen Murray follows through after shooting a three-point shot during a game against Oral Roberts on Nov. 21, 2024.
DANIEL LAUBHAN / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Football seniors look to build NFL Draft potential at Reese’s Senior Bowl
LUKE DUNAVANT
Sports Staff Writer
Six Ole Miss Rebel football players received coveted invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The match includes 139 players divided into American and National teams and will take place in Mobile, Ala. The game was first played in 1950 in the Gator Bowl Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
The Senior Bowl is designed to help NFL prospects improve their draft stock. Since its inception, 93 Ole Miss Rebels have been invited to this event, including Evan Engram, Shay Hodge, Dexter McCluster, Michael Oher and Patrick Willis.
All six of the players representing Ole Miss this year are a part of the American team, with Cleveland Browns Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Bubba Ventrone serving as head coach.
Jaxson Dart (Quarterback)
Dart is coming off of a stellar season, throwing for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns. He is viewed as a day two to day three pick in the NFL Draft. A good Senior Bowl performance could put him into first-round conversations.
Competition for the QB1 spot will be fierce. Dart will have to beat out Riley Leonard, who is coming off a National Championship appearance for Notre Dame and Jalen Milroe from Alabama. Of the three quarterbacks, Milroe is the most talented, but Dart holds
the edge due to his greater reliability.
Princely Umanmielen (Defensive end)
Umanmielen is coming off a 10-anda-half sack season as a part of a loaded Rebel defensive line. He is viewed as a fringe first rounder to most, and a strong performance in the Senior Bowl could possibly solidify his first-round status.
Players fighting for a starting spot off the edge include fellow teammate Jared Ivey, Kyle Kennard from South Carolina and Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M. Umanmielen has a quick first step, giving him an early advantage against other players.
Walter Nolen
(Defensive tackle)
Nolen is coming off of a six-anda-half sack season from the interior defensive line. Nolen is viewed as a very comfortable first rounder, with a good showing potentially catapulting him to the top of the first round.
Competing with Nolen are Deone Walker from Kentucky and Omarr Norman-Lott from Tennessee. Nolen stands above the two, but there is room for one of them to push him back with good days of practice.
Jared Ivey (Defensive end)
Ivey is coming off of a seven sack season, playing everywhere along the
defensive line. Ivey is currently mocked as a day two to day three pick, with some mocks having him go in the third round. Ivey is a joker along the defensive line, being able to move along it and contribute at a decent level.
Just like Umanmielen’s, Ivey’s competition is tough. However, his Senior Bowl performance should have even more impact than Umanmielen’s.
Trey Amos (Defensive back)
Amos was quietly one of the best corners in college football last season, with three interceptions and 13 pass break ups. Amos is projected to go anywhere between the first and third round. He is a great corner who might not get the interception numbers you would expect from a top corner, but he is one of the best in the draft when it comes to breaking up a pass.
Caden Davis (Kicker)
Davis is coming off an inconsistent year, having an 82.8 field goal percentage. The Senior Bowl process for special team players is a bit different, as very few ever get drafted. If Davis can be consistent throughout the process, he should put himself in a good spot to make a team.
The 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl will kick off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb.1 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala., and can be streamed on NFL Network.
Opinion: Double standards for Trump’s new administration
“If executive overreach is acceptable as long as it serves one’s political agenda, what stops future administrations from pushing even further?”
EDWARD WILSON Opinion Contributor
Donald Trump has once again laid bare the contradictions within American conservatism. His flurry of executive orders during his first week back in office represents not only an alarming embrace of the “imperial presidency” but also exposes a deep hypocrisy among conservatives who champion his unilateralism while condemning the same actions by Democratic presidents.
For years, Republicans have decried the overreach of executive power. Barack Obama was frequently labeled a “tyrant” for his use of executive orders, especially on contentious issues such as immigration and health care. Yet Trump’s 2025 return has been celebrated within the same circles
that once wrung their hands over constitutional boundaries. This hypocrisy is not only glaring but also dangerous, as it undermines any principled opposition to the erosion of democratic norms.
In his first week alone, Trump signed a staggering number of executive orders that reshaped policies on immigration, climate, diversity and civil rights. Among these, his aggressive immigration orders stood out as a direct affront to constitutional values and human rights. By allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to target schools, churches and hospitals and by attempting to restrict birthright citizenship — a move quickly blocked by a federal judge — Trump demonstrated a willingness to wield presidential power with little regard for legal precedent or moral consequence.
Similarly, his rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the guise of creating a “colorblind” society was less about principle and more about pandering to the grievances of his base. By dismantling decades-old civil rights protections and requiring federal employees to report colleagues who might circumvent these bans, Trump’s actions resembled authoritarian measures more than democratic governance.
The conservative celebration of Trump’s orders reveals
Opinion
a stark hypocrisy. For decades, Republicans have decried the centralization of power in the executive branch, often invoking James Madison’s warnings against tyranny. Yet under Trump, those concerns evaporate. Instead of adhering to their professed principles of limited government and checks and balances, conservatives have embraced Trump’s heavy-handed tactics because they align with their ideological goals.
For example, when Obama acted unilaterally on issues like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Republicans labeled him an autocrat. Yet Trump’s sweeping orders — which go further in centralizing power and undermining democratic institutions — are lauded as “decisive leadership.” This selective outrage not only erodes the credibility of conservative arguments but also sets a dangerous precedent. If executive overreach is acceptable as long as it serves one’s political agenda, what stops future administrations from pushing even further?
Trump’s willingness to shatter norms is not new, but his 2025 actions show an acceleration of his disregard for institutional integrity. From withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization to pardoning over 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Trump’s orders reflect an unsettling consolidation of power. Such actions raise
questions about the long-term health of American democracy.
If every president seeks to outdo their predecessor in bypassing Congress and governing by decree, what remains of the separation of powers? Trump’s legacy is not just his policies but also the standard he sets for future leaders — a standard where unilateral action is the norm and bipartisan deliberation is an afterthought.
Criticizing executive overreach shouldn’t be partisan. If conservatives value constitutional principles, they must hold Trump accountable as they did Obama. Without consistency, opposition becomes mere political theater. An unchecked presidency threatens democracy, eroding institutions, trust and unity. Trump’s actions show the dangers of executive overreach, yet Republicans embrace what they once condemned. Will they uphold their principles or submit to Trump’s agenda? Americans of all parties must demand accountability before partisan hypocrisy further weakens democratic norms.
Edward Wilson is a sophomore public policy leadership major from Jackson, Miss.
CONTACT
Caden Davis takes a glance at the crowd during his final game as a Rebel on Nov. 29, 2024.
MAIA DUSSELDORP / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
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