Lane Kiffin confirms Isheem Young no longer with Ole Miss football

On Saturday, Lane Kiffin confirmed Ole Miss fans’ fears. After the Rebels’ narrow 38-35 win over Texas A&M, Kiffin addressed safety Isheem Young’s absence.

“Isheem is not part of our program and we wish him the best,” Kiffin said. “We’re just trying to get the guys ready that are here.”

Young last appeared in Ole Miss’ 28-21 win over Auburn on Oct. 21. In the victory, Young only recorded one tackle. In seven appearances this season, Young amassed a mere 14 total tackles. His lackluster campaign is a harsh contrast from last season.

After transferring to Ole Miss last year, Young saw action in all 13 games with nine starts at safety. The Philadelphia native finished the season with 66 total tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. Young was expected to be a significant contributor for the Rebels this season. Instead, his role seemingly diminished with each game.

Ole Miss moves on without Isheem Young

Fellow starting safety John Saunders apparently isn’t concerned with Ole Miss’ decision to part ways with Young.

“I feel good about (the depth),” Saunders said after Ole Miss’ win on Saturday. “We all play multiple positions, so it’s going to be just like a next man up mentality. We’re just going to need everyone in the room now to step up and play a bigger role, even though they may not have been playing at the beginning of the season. But we’re definitely going to be good and just keep it rolling.”

The Rebels’ secondary certainly wasn’t spectacular against Texas A&M. The team allowed 305 passing yards. For reference, Ole Miss typically gives up 228.4 passing yards per game. Perhaps Young played a larger role than his statistics show.

As of now, Ole Miss has not released the reason Young is no longer with the program. Kiffin was simply proud his team walked away with the win.

“I know that team was only 5-3, but as you saw, those guys have great players,” Kiffin said. “Credit to A&M coming back in a game that was headed one direction. We actually scored to go up 21-0, then had a holding and then a 10-point turnaround on a blocked field goal instead of getting a field goal, and give them seven. Really proud of the way our guys battled.”

Despite any depth chart changes, the Rebels will march on. On Saturday, the team will face off against No. 1 Georgia.