Lane Kiffin offers injury update on Ole Miss DL Zxavian Harris

Lane Kiffin offered a brief injury update on Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris on the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday, sounding hopeful about a potential return. Harris has missed the last two contests.

Kiffin reiterated that Harris’ absence was entirely medical related. And he added that the defensive lineman could possible be ready to play by this weekend against Texas A&M.

“Completely medical. And hopefully he’ll be cleared this weekend,” Kiffin said.

Harris, a sophomore, played in all 13 games as a true freshman and was playing a significant roles in 2023, one that Kiffin evidently hopes the lineman can resume. Harris has one sack and 2.5 tackles for loss in six games. Harris was a top recruit in the 2022 signing class, ranking No. 112 nationally in the On3 Industry Rankings as one of the top defensive linemen.

Kiffin is ready for a serious challenge vs. Texas A&M

Ahead of the game, Kiffin praised the Aggies, explaining that Texas A&M is going to be a challenge thanks to a roster that is chock full of NFL talent throughout the lineup.

“A huge challenge this week,” Kiffin said. “These guys are absolutely loaded. It’s kind of a mind-blowing collection of talent. As you watch them offensively, defensively, return game, special teams? I mean it really is like an NFL roster.”

Over the past couple of seasons, Texas A&M has struggled with inconsistency as a team. However, that wasn’t because of a lack of talent. The Aggies have had plenty of recruiting success in recent seasons under head coach Jimbo Fisher. That includes the top-ranked recruiting class in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

“I mean height, weight, speed, explosiveness. Receivers that can score at any time, great running backs, defense is playing as well as anybody in the country. The collection at defensive line has to be one of the best ever. Linebacker is playing like the SEC Player of the Year,” Kiffin said.

“This will take a great week of practice, great preparation, great scheme to play these guys. So, this is a huge challenge. They’ve done a phenomenal job of getting a collection of players that are extremely elite, talented players — even better than a year ago. This is a big challenge.”

Since getting to Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin has played Texas A&M twice, winning both games. That includes a close 31-28 win last season in College Station.