Ole Miss RB Zach Evans will reportedly play vs. Kentucky

Similar to Kentucky, Ole Miss is getting its top rusher back in time for Saturday’s Top 15 showdown in Oxford. Chuck Rounsaville from On3’s Ole Miss Spirit reports Zach Evans will suit up and play against Kentucky.

Zach Evans suffered a hip pointer last week in the Rebels’ win over Tulsa. One of the most sought after players in the transfer portal, the former TCU running back was Ole Miss’ leading rusher when he suffered the injury. In his absence freshman Quinshon Judkins starred, tallying 140 yards and two touchdowns against the Golden Hurricane.

Ole Miss is also expected to have its fastest wide receiver back in the lineup, UCF transfer Jaylon Robinson. The Rebels have a couple of big bodies on the outside, but Robinson is their only burner, bringing big-play potential in the play-action passing game.

Even though the skill players are back, Ole Miss will likely play without starting center Caleb Warren. He has not practiced all week after suffering a knee injury against Tulsa. Rounsaville reports he is going to try to play and may end up being a backup, emergency option. Ole Miss had some snapping problems when Warren went out in the second half.

Ole Miss is expected to have one of its biggest bodies on the defense back for the game against Kentucky. Auburn transfer J.J. Pegues should be lining up across from the Big Blue Wall for the top 15 showdown.

The return of Zach Evans is significant. Ole Miss deploys the nation’s fourth-ranked rushing offense (280.75 yards per game). Judkins has been a pleasant surprise, but he cannot be expected to carry the heavy load all by himself against an experienced Kentucky defense.