Ole Miss Rebels History

Ole Miss Rebels

The name REBELS as Ole Miss' official athletic nickname emerged in 1936. Suggested by Judge Ben Guider of Vicksburg, it was one of five entries submitted to Southern sports writers for final selection from a list totaling more than 200 proposed nicknames. The promotion was a contest sponsored by The Mississippian, student newspaper. Of the 42 newsmen contacted, 21 responded. "Rebels" was the choice of 18. The University Athletic Committee made the name official with the Committee chairman, the late Judge William Hemingway, stating: "If 18 sports writers wish to use ‘Rebels', I shall not rebel, so let it go ‘Ole Miss Rebels.'"

Two years later, the yearbook appeared as "The Rebel Number" with "Colonel Reb" making a new entrance as the publication's leading illustration. The University of Mississippi is the owner of all rights, title and interest in the "Colonel Rebel" indicia.

School Colors
Red and Blue (from the crimson of Harvard and the blue of Yale)

Mascot
Colonel Rebel

Alma Mater

Way down South in Mississippi, There's a spot that ever calls
Where among the hills enfolded, Stand Old Alma Mater's halls.
Where the trees lift high their branches, To the whisp'ring southern breeze
There Ole Miss is calling, calling, To our hearts fond memories.


With united hearts we praise thee, All our loyalty is thine,
And we hail thee, Alma Mater, May thy light forever shine;
May it brighter grow and brighter, And with deep affection true,
Our thoughts shall ever cluster 'round thee, Dear Old Red and Blue.


May thy fame throughout the nation, Through thy sons and daughters grow,
May thy name forever waken, In our hearts a tender glow,
May thy counsel and thy spirit, Ever keep us one in this,
That our own shall be thine honor, Now and ever, dear Ole Miss.

Fight Song Lyrics

FORWARD REBELS
Forward Rebels, march to fame, Hit that line and win this game, We know that you'll fight it through, For your colors Red and Blue -- Rah, Rah, Rah.

Rebels you're the Southland's pride, Take that ball and hit your stride, Don't stop 'till the victory's won For your Ole Miss. Fight, fight for your Ole Miss.