BREAKING: Tre Harris Launches ‘A Hope Rising Foundation,’ Redefining Impact Beyond the Gridiron
In a move that has sent ripples of inspiration across the college football landscape, Tre Harris, the dynamic freshman wide receiver for the Ole Miss Rebels, has announced the launch of “A Hope Rising Foundation”, a nonprofit initiative that will serve as a beacon of hope for children with disabilities across the state of Mississippi. The announcement came earlier this week in a heartfelt press conference held on the University of Mississippi campus, where Harris shared his vision of creating real, lasting change far beyond the confines of the football field.
A Mission of Compassion
The foundation, which has been in development for the past year, aims to provide educational resources, adaptive sports programs, healthcare access, and mentorship opportunities for children living with physical and developmental disabilities. Harris, only 19 years old, stood in front of a crowd of university officials, local families, and media members, visibly emotional as he described what inspired the endeavor.
> “This isn’t about me scoring touchdowns or becoming famous,” Harris said. “This is about giving every child—no matter their challenges—a chance to dream, to grow, and to rise.”
He shared that the inspiration for the foundation came from his younger cousin, Jalen, who was born with cerebral palsy and has faced numerous obstacles throughout his life.
> “Jalen never let his disability define him. He smiled through pain, he pushed through limits, and he taught me more about strength than football ever could,” Harris added.
Programs and Initiatives
The A Hope Rising Foundation will roll out with three core programs:
1. “Rise & Learn” Initiative – Offering scholarships, tutoring services, and assistive learning technologies for children with disabilities who often fall behind in mainstream education systems due to a lack of adequate support.
2. “Play Without Limits” Adaptive Sports Program – Creating opportunities for kids with mobility challenges to participate in sports through specially designed equipment and trained volunteers. Plans are underway for an inaugural adaptive football and wheelchair basketball camp to be hosted in Oxford in early 2026.
3. “Healing Hands” Health Access Partnership – A collaborative effort with regional hospitals and clinics to ensure children in rural Mississippi have access to necessary medical care, rehabilitation services, and mental health support.
Harris emphasized that all programs are free of charge to families, many of whom face financial strain due to the high cost of medical care and specialized education.
Support from Ole Miss and Beyond
The response from the Ole Miss community has been overwhelming. Head coach Lane Kiffin praised Harris not just for his leadership on the field, but for his integrity off it.
> “Tre is the kind of young man every coach dreams of mentoring. He’s got heart, talent, and now he’s proving that his legacy will be far greater than football,” Kiffin said.
University President Glenn F. Boyce announced that Ole Miss would be donating $150,000 from its Community Engagement Fund to assist with the startup costs of the foundation. In addition, the school’s medical center will partner with the foundation for the health access initiative.
Community Reaction
Social media has been buzzing with praise for Harris’s selflessness. Parents of children with disabilities have reached out, thanking him for creating a platform that finally sees their kids.
One mother, Angela McDougal from Tupelo, shared:
> “My son Eli has Down syndrome, and this is the first time I’ve seen someone of Tre’s age care so deeply and act so boldly. What he’s doing is nothing short of heroic.”
Former Ole Miss players and NFL stars such as DK Metcalf and Eli Manning also expressed admiration. Manning posted on Instagram, “Proud to see young Rebels using their influence for something that truly matters. Bravo, Tre!”
A Lasting Legacy
Tre Harris is only just beginning his journey at Ole Miss, where he is already being touted as one of the most promising wide receivers in the SEC. But his efforts off the field have already cemented his place in the hearts of many.
Harris concluded the press conference with a powerful statement:
> “If one child can look in the mirror and say, ‘I matter,’ because of what we’re building here, then every drop of sweat I’ve poured into this is worth it.”
With “A Hope Rising Foundation,” Tre Harris is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete in today’s world. Not just through stats and highlight reels, but through empathy, action, and an unwavering commitment to humanity.
As Harris continues to shine under the lights at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, it’s clear that his most important plays are happening off the field—and they’re changing lives.