Lane Kiffin addresses replacing RB Quinshon Judkins

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The Flagship: What to expect in this new era of Ole Miss football

In January, former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins committed to Ohio State, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. During the 2024 SEC Media Days, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin addressed how his team will adjust to Judkins’ absence in the 2024 campaign.

“Quinshon Judkins is a great player, one of the best players in college football,” Kiffin said. “We’re in an NFL world where it’s not like you just go to the portal and you get everybody and nobody comes to get your guys. I mean, it’s free agency. We wish him the best. That’s very hard to replace.

“We have a number of guys that we’re excited about. Some that have some health issues that we’re going to have to work through through training camp and even into the season. We’re just always going to try to find the best way to win. And for those of you that covered our teams over the years, or even our offenses at places over the years, they can look very different year to year.”

Judkins spent two seasons with Ole Miss, amassing 26 appearances and 19 starts. In his two years with the Rebels, Judkins collected 545 carries for 2,725 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns. He also recorded 281 receiving yards and three scores.

Judkins was a 2023 Coaches All-SEC First-Team selection. In only two seasons, Judkins tied Deuce McAllister for the Ole Miss all-time record in career 100-yard games with 14. Additionally, Judkins already boasted the second-most career rushing touchdowns in program history.

Who will fill the gap left by Quinshon Judkins?

While Judkins will be difficult to replace, Ole Miss will still have plenty of talent in the backfield next season. Ulysses Bentley IV is back for another season in Oxford after notching 540 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season.

Additionally, the Rebels added several running backs via the transfer portal, including Rashad Amos, Henry Parrish and Logan Diggs. Kiffin is confident his offense can adjust to any obstacles thrown its way.

“We’ll always evolve as coaches to work our offense and our systems around the players so that we perform the best to win the most games, even if that doesn’t look the same,” Kiffin said.

Fans can expect to hear more on Ole Miss’ upcoming season throughout the week. The 2024 SEC Media Days will conclude on Thursday. Ole Miss will kick off its 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 in a showdown against Furman.