Chris Beard has now led four schools to NCAA Tournament wins during his coaching career, but it did not take the path he expected. Legal troubles from a domestic dispute cost him a dream job and left questions about his ability to return at the top of college basketball.

"We're at Ole Miss for a reason. We believe in this place, and we love this place," said Beard. "We're just getting started. This is the early days in Oxford." Beard's statement is music to the ears of Rebels fans,

The Michigan State Spartans and Ole Miss Rebels will go head-to-head on Friday night in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With an Elite Eight berth on the line, both teams are trying to join Alabama, Florida, Duke, and Texas Tech as teams just one win away from a trip to San Antonio.