Zach Evans explains why he did not opt out of Texas Bowl

Zach Evans was one of the crown jewels of Ole Miss’ haul in the transfer portal last offseason. However, was less effective this season than anticipated due to injuries that slowed him down as well as the emergence of freshman running back Quinshon Judkins.

Still, Evans wanted to prove a point by choosing to play in the Rebel’s appearance in the Texas Bowl against Texas Tech. He said during his media availability today that he still has plenty to show himself and his teammates about who he is.

“I’ve still got a lot to prove to myself. And not only to myself but to my teammates,” said Evans. “I know I missed a couple games this year and there’s no excuse for that. But I still got a lot to show out there.”

After transferring in from TCU following his time as the nation’s No. 1 RB recruit in 2020, he arrived in Oxford to help lead the Rebel’s high-powered rushing attack. In his 11 appearances this season, he rushed for 899 yards and eight touchdowns on 136 attempts.

Still, after all that this season, Evans feels healthy enough now and wants to make a statement in his last outing with Ole Miss this season. We’ll see what he’s really wanting to prove come 9 p.m. EST on the 29th in Houston when his Rebels face off with the Red Raiders.

Lane Kiffin says Evans is still uncertain about his future

Zach Evans‘ first season at Ole Miss wasn’t what anyone expected it would be. No one foresaw true freshman Quinshon Judkins bursting onto the scene as one of the nation’s top running backs, and Evans had to play second fiddle to the true freshman at times.

So, what to do now? Evans has three options: enter the 2023 NFL Draft, which he is reportedly contemplating, trade minutes with Judkins for another season, or enter the NCAA transfer portal for the second consecutive year. Head coach Lane Kiffin said he has not made a final decision, to his knowledge, as of now.

“He’s still figuring that out. We have talked and he’s still weighing his options,” Kiffin said during his 2023 National Signing Day press conference.

Only time will tell Evans’ ultimate decision in the end.