Lane Kiffin details boost that players returning gives Ole Miss

Ole Miss players enjoyed this season so much that they decided to run it back next year. On Tuesday, head coach Lane Kiffin revealed how players opting to return, instead of transfer or enter the NFL Draft, affects the program.

“I’m very pleased with how many guys came back,” Kiffin said. “A lot of the guys who were ‘tweener’ guys going back and forth would have been draft picks but maybe not as high as they’d like.

“It’s really neat that they feel that way about the program and feel that way about the locker room that they would choose to come back. A lot of times that doesn’t happen because their dream is to play in the NFL. To put that on hold for a year says a lot about the culture in the locker room.”

Ole Miss will return most of its production for the 2024 campaign, including standouts such as TE Caden Prieskorn and WR Tre Harris. Prieskorn ended the 2023 regular season with 20 receptions, 313 yards, and two scores, which earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors and a selection on the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List. Not to be outdone, Harris amassed 47 receptions, 851 yards, and eight touchdowns in the regular season.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart is eligible for the NFL Draft, but is undecided whether he will test the professional waters. Nonetheless, Dart admitted his fellow Rebels’ choices certainly are affecting his decision.

“That’s definitely a huge aspect of what I’m looking for and a big part and definitely a factor,” Dart said about his decision. “It sets up for an exciting time.”

A new age at Ole Miss

No matter what decision Dart makes, Kiffin will be on the recruiting trail. After all, the 48-year-old head coach believes he has no choice.

“This is a new era of college football,” Kiffin said. “This used to be more of a post or after-the-bowl-game decision with guys deciding to come back.

“Nowadays, when you need to figure out your roster faster, I think that’s sped that up. If you wait that long and you have a bunch of guys go off and declare for the draft, you’re going to struggle to replace them because a lot of these portal guys have already signed to other places.”

Before they can look ahead to next season, the Rebels must deal with the task ahead. On Dec. 30, Ole Miss will square off against Penn State at noon ET in the Peach Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.