Ole Miss Rebels breakout players to watch for as Week 1 of the 2024 College Football season kicks off
The Ole Miss hype has been building all off-season long. Lane Kiffin and company are coming off an 11-2 season that ended with a Peach Bowl victory over Penn State. They added another bevy of top tier transfer talent. There's a real shot they make the 12-Team Playoff and push for even more. But if […]
The Ole Miss hype has been building all off-season long. Lane Kiffin and company are coming off an 11-2 season that ended with a Peach Bowl victory over Penn State. They added another bevy of top tier transfer talent. There's a real shot they make the 12-Team Playoff and push for even more. But if they're going to do that, some new breakout players need to star right away. Who's going to stand out in Week 1 and beyond for Ole Miss? Let's dive in.
Suntarine Perkins' Versatility Should Shine
This former five star talent jumped into a significant role Ole Miss last year, logging nearly 350 snaps, but didn't produce a ton. And down the stretch last year he just seemed lost in run defense at times. This off-season he's reportedly added weight, strength, and has some solid veterans alongside him to learn from like Florida transfer Princely Umanmielen (who pressured quarterbacks on nearly 20% of his pass rushes last season).
Umanmielen likely slides in as the starting "jack" linebacker who primarily rushes standing up, outside the offensive tackles. However, Perkins could line up opposite him on passing downs, and even play a little more off-ball linebacker if necessary to utilize his next level athleticism. Perkins' potential is too high for him not to break out this season in a more versatile role. He might not have to do much in Week 1 against Furman, but it will be great to see what exactly his role looks like this season in year two for him. His success could raise the Ole Miss defense to greatness if he pans out like his potential suggests.
Ole Miss trying to flip elite five star recruit from Alabama and land future quarterback in big Week 1 visit weekend
Lane Kiffin hoping to flip 5 star WR this weekend
Antwane Wells Jr. Could Go Off if Healthy
Just a few short years ago Antwane Wells Jr. was an FCS All-American wide receiver ahead of transferring to South Carolina. His first season with the Gamecocks he went off for nearly 1000 yards, but missed almost all of last year. Now that he's with Ole Miss and an elite QB like Jaxson Dart he could absolutely go off.
Unfortunately, as of this writing he is still questionable for the game against Furman, so we might have to wait for his breakout to come to fruition. However, whenever he does see the field he should immediately prove to be the most explosive wide receiver on the Ole Miss roster. If he does miss time again we might see more of a breakout from sophomore Ayden Williams alongside starting wide receivers Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins.
Dominant Running Back Trio
Quinshon Judkins might be gone, but the Ole Miss Rebels still look like they have a potentially great running back stable. Ulysses Bentley IV returns for his sixth collegiate season coming off his 627-yards-from-scrimmage performance in 2023. He might be the lead back this year, but there are two other running backs who could breakout and surpass him.
Ole Miss fans will remember Henry Parrish Jr. who left for Miami following the 2021 season. He's back again in year five looking ready to be a steady contributor as both a receiving option and runner. But the highest upside running back on the roster might actually be newcomer Rashad Amos.
Amos began his career at South Carolina without much production, but dominated last season as the feature back for Miami (OH) with over 1100 yards and 13 total scores. At 6'2", over 220 pounds he's a bruiser with speed and excellent balance. Look for Amos to destroy any Furman defender that gets within arm's reach if he gets significant work on Saturday.
Potential star Ole Miss wide receiver denied eligibility and ‘will not be a part’ of the Rebels program for 2024 season
Ole Miss star transfer denied eligibility. Will not be part of team in 2024.
Be looking for more Ole Miss coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to get pumped about Antwane "Juice" Wells Jr.'s potential breakout 2024 season for Ole Miss just watch his 2022 season highlights when he was fully healthy.
