Lane Kiffin loves the spotlight. It’s likely why, in part, his decision to either stay at Ole Miss or leave for its SEC rival LSU Tigers, has taken this long.
As things currently stand, the Rebels have pushed back a team meeting that was originally scheduled for 10 a.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET. Said report came from ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Marty Smith, the latter of whom has been on the ground in Mississippi throughout the weekend, attempting to relay the most up-to-date information on Kiffin's forthcoming decision.
Sources: Lane Kiffin Ready to Leave for LSU, CFP Run Hinders Decision
Smith was at the Egg Bowl on Friday in Starkville as Ole Miss took down Mississippi State 38–19 to notch its first 11-win regular season in school history. He then traveled to Oxford to spend his Saturday at the Rebels’ athletic facility, providing updates across ESPN's platforms throughout the day's slate of college football.
Kiffin met with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and chancellor Glenn Boyce on Saturday for more than three hours, and a decision was expected soon after. However, no move has officially been finalized, and an announcement is now expected at some time on Sunday.
Through all the hoopla, Smith persevered, spending over 14 hours at the Rebels' facility and at one point texting Kiffin: “Will there be a resolution tonight? Please God in Heaven tell me yes.”
In turn, the veteran reporter—not Kiffin—has become the star of the saga, and the college football world had a field day turning him into a meme across social media.
College football world loved Marty Smith’s updates from Ole Miss amid Lane Kiffin saga
Here’s a look at some of the best posts about Smith’s Saturday spent in Oxford:
Marty is still being held hostage in the Ole Miss facility. pic.twitter.com/nfMILmKj4N
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) November 30, 2025
Hello, my name is Marty Smith and I miss my family dearly, please let them know I will return as soon as Lane Kiffin makes up his damn mind. pic.twitter.com/iSHVgG9Lgp
— MyBookie - Bet With The Best (@MyBookie) November 30, 2025
The year is 2044
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 30, 2025
Lane Kiffin has still not made his decision. Marty Smith has not seen his wife or kids in 19 years
Akron has won back to back Nattys pic.twitter.com/aks4wXCcL2
Please send some positive vibes to Marty Smith.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 30, 2025
Nothing wrong with him, he just hasn’t been able to move from this exact position since 10am. pic.twitter.com/FkniKUDyxa
Marty Smith at Ole Miss’ facility https://t.co/GzZtGhFncW pic.twitter.com/sztOYo8uNu
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) November 30, 2025
Marty Smith was clean shaven when he was first put on the Kiffin watch https://t.co/gP8CRAq3XB
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 30, 2025
ESPN waking up Marty Smith to cover Lane Kiffin for another 24 hours: pic.twitter.com/LRNPvAX8eP
— Owen Schmitts Burner (@runawaybeertrck) November 30, 2025
I’m sending a rescue team to evacuate Marty Smith.
— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) November 30, 2025
This is becoming a dire situation pic.twitter.com/FZyuQN0DVL
This is basically Marty Smith’s current situation in Oxford while we all wait on Lane Kiffin’s decision pic.twitter.com/SX7507XatQ
— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) November 30, 2025
Carrie Underwood waiting all day for Sunday night pic.twitter.com/JfeG73ihbW
— Molly (@FSUmollz) November 30, 2025
.@MartySmithESPN has been at Ole Miss for so long that he now has squatters rights and is the interim coach for their playoff game. https://t.co/VsE4HfJ4wF
— Ludakit (@Ludakit) November 30, 2025
If I send you this, it means I have no idea why I’m still here & I’m ready to go home now. pic.twitter.com/wY1WFKHMgX
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) November 30, 2025
A true pro, Marty Smith is.
More College Football on Sports Illustrated
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lane Kiffin Ole Miss-LSU Saga: How ESPN’s Marty Smith Became the Unlikely Star.
