Ole Miss stages eye‑catching Heisman promos on Times Square billboards and at the Las Vegas Sphere

Ole Miss is taking its Heisman Trophy push beyond the usual campus posters and social‑media hype, splashing the names of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy across two of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks. According to ESPN, the school commissioned a massive digital billboard in Times Square that loops highlights of Chambliss’s arm strength and Lacy’s breakaway runs, while a separate display inside the Las Vegas Sphere showcases a 360‑degree montage of the duo’s biggest plays.

The campaign marks a departure from the traditional approach most programs use—primarily local advertising, alumni events and modest social‑media teasers. By placing their athletes in the heart of New York City and the neon‑lit entertainment hub of Las Vegas, Ole Miss hopes to generate national buzz that could sway Heisman voters, many of whom travel to watch marquee games and attend related events. The school’s athletic department says the effort also serves a recruiting purpose, signaling to prospective players that the program is willing to invest in cutting‑edge promotion.

Historically, Heisman campaigns have leaned on a mix of highlight reels, press conferences and regional media tours. In recent years, a handful of schools have experimented with more flamboyant tactics—such as projected images on stadium façades or viral TikTok challenges—but few have ventured onto the world’s busiest pedestrian thoroughfare. The Rebels’ decision follows a broader trend in college football where branding and fan engagement are increasingly intertwined with on‑field performance.

The timing aligns with the Rebels’ strong start to the 2026 season, during which Chambliss has already posted a 4‑0 record as a starter, throwing for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns, while Lacy has rushed for 850 yards and six scores, according to the program’s statistics. ESPN notes that the heightened visibility could also help the players secure endorsement deals under the new Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules, which allow college athletes to profit from their personal brands.

If the campaign succeeds, Ole Miss could set a new benchmark for Heisman marketing, prompting other programs to explore high‑profile venues in future seasons. Whether the billboards translate into votes remains to be seen, but the spectacle has already put the Rebels’ star players on the national conversation.