Ole Miss dismisses transfer wide receiver Chris Marshall from program

Ole Miss has dismissed Texas A&M transfer wide receiver Chris Marshall from the program for a violation of team rules, the Rebels announced Saturday. Marshall was one of the highest-profile transfer additions this cycle.

“Chris Marshall has been dismissed from the Ole Miss football program for violation of team rules,” the program said in a statement, via OM Spirit’s Ben Garrett. “We wish him good luck in his future plans.”

Marshall was a highly touted recruit before arriving at Texas A&M last year as part of the Aggies’ No. 1-ranked recruiting class. He came in as a five-star recruit and the No. 24-ranked recruit in the nation from the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. However, he was one of four freshmen suspended for a game by head coach Jimbo Fisher for a violation of team rules.

Marshall totaled 11 receptions for 108 yards in six games in 2022. He then entered the transfer portal after the season and committed to Ole Miss after becoming the No. 33-ranked transfer to hit the portal this cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin once again dove head-first into the portal to address the Rebels’ needs at wide receiver, especially after losing Jonathan Mingo to the 2023 NFL Draft. Marshall was one of three wide receivers Kiffin brought in, along with Shane Hooks out of Jackson State and former Louisiana Tech standout Tre Harris.

Chris Marshall got some high praise from Lane Kiffin, Walker Howard during the spring

In the Grove Bowl spring game last month, Marshall had four receptions for 89 yards. During spring practice, though, Kiffin discussed the need to teach Marshall to “do things our way” while also, apparently, taking a shot at Fisher and Texas A&M.

“Instead of a program where you huddle and wait 35 seconds to snap it, we’ve got to get him to get the ball to the official … we’ve got to teach him to do things our way,” Kiffin said, via Saturday Down South’s Connor O’Gara.

Walker Howard — another big portal addition for Kiffin and the Rebels — also spoke highly of Marshall during spring ball. He talked about Marshall’s playmaking ability, and he sounded more than impressed with his athleticism.

“He’s a freak,” Howard said. “It’s pretty nice throwing the ball to him, making big plays.”