Ole Miss Rebels Football History and Retired Jersey Numbers

Ole Miss football has a rich history dating back to 1893, and with that history comes a select group of players whose contributions stand out above the rest. As of today, December 28, 2023, four jersey numbers have been officially retired:

18 - Archie Manning (1968-1970): "The Golden Boy" revolutionized Ole Miss and the SEC with his passing prowess. He led the Rebels to two bowl appearances and holds numerous school records. His legacy as a leader and talent cemented his number's retirement in 1971.

38 - Chucky Mullins (1989-1990): This inspirational figure not only excelled on the field but also persevered through a life-changing injury. After a devastating paralysis in 1989, Mullins returned to school and became a motivational speaker, leaving a lasting impact on the community. His number was retired in 1992.

10 - Eli Manning (2000-2003): Archie's son followed in his footsteps, leading the Rebels to their first SEC Championship in 33 years and winning the Mackey Award as the nation's top quarterback. His success and legacy within the Manning family solidified his number's retirement in 2014.

74 - Ben Williams (1972-1975): In 2022, Ole Miss made history by retiring the number of Ben Williams, the first black player to ever play in a varsity game for the program. His courage and talent paved the way for future generations and earned him this prestigious honor.

It's important to note that other iconic players, like Charlie Conerly and Archie Moore, were honored posthumously and have their numbers permanently displayed in the stadium but are not technically retired.