Caden Prieskorn’s unique college football journey comes to an end in the Gator Bowl
The glorious Ole Miss send-off season for tight end Caden Prieskorn never really materialized.
He was shelved with injuries for much of the year. He ended up with fewer catches (24), yards (375) and touchdowns (three) than last season as a result and despite two more games. Ole Miss missed the playoffs, too.
Prieskorn was hoping for more — especially after a breakout performance in last year’s Peach Bowl. He had a career-high 136 yards in a win over Penn State. He scored twice.
“We’ve had a pretty good year,” Prieskorn said Wednesday after a recent practice for the Gator Bowl. “Battled through a little bit of injuries that kind of set us back a little bit, but I feel like we’ve had a really good year.
“We have a chance to get 10 wins. If we win this game we’ll be over 20 wins in two years here. That’s hard to do in college football these days with the transfer portal (and) new guys in every year.”
No. 14 Ole Miss (9-3, 5-3 SEC) takes on Duke (9-3, 5-3 ACC) on January 2, 2025. The Gator Bowl will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
“A lot of us just know it’s our last time really getting to throw an Ole Miss jersey on,” Prieskorn said. “All of us really just want to go out there and ball, honestly. Just show everybody who we are as a team and who we are as individuals.
“Really just enjoy it. Just enjoy being around my brothers and everybody in this building because it’s the last time we get to go out and show everybody who we are as a team. I just can’t wait. I’m excited for that opportunity.”
Prieskorn transferred to Ole Miss from Memphis.
He was a walk-on and converted quarterback with the Tigers. Prieskorn had 102 receptions, 1,426 yards and 14 touchdowns over his last three seasons.
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“It’s been pretty crazy (and) a cool journey with a lot of ups and downs,” Prieskorn said. “Being a walk-on and working your way up then transferring. Other stuff like getting hurt and losing my dad has just been such an up-and-down roller coaster.
“I’m so thankful for everybody in this building (and) everybody I’ve come across throughout my journey in college football. I’m just blessed.”
Every meaningful contributor for Ole Miss this season other than linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul is expected to play in the Gator Bowl.
There wasn’t even a question with third-year star quarterback Jaxson Dart. Prieskorn racked up 824 receiving yards with Dart under center.
“It’s definitely grown so much since I’ve gotten here,” Prieskorn said of his relationship with Dart. “Just him being an unbelievable friend, helping me grow on and off the field. He’s such a great leader. He’s pushed me on and off the field — always in the building working his butt off, trying to win sprints. First one in the building and the last out.
“He’s here at night every week game-prepping. You don’t see many people like that in college football. He kind of helped push me and keep me going along the way. I’m so thankful for that.”
