Ole Miss has several potential transfer portal entrants that Notre Dame should have interest in following Lane Kiffin’s exit
Ole Miss players that Notre Dame should have some interest in if they enter the Transfer Portal.
With the recent news of Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss to become the LSU Tigers’ new head coach, the Rebels must now do their best to retain top talent under Pete Golding. Whenever there are coaching changes in the wonderful world of NIL and the transfer portal, heavy roster turnover typically follows. Teams across the country would be smart to see which players do become available and to do their research for fits that make sense.
When it comes to head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football, there aren’t a ton of players on the Ole Miss roster that make sense. There are, however, some that should bring intrigue if they opt for the portal. Here are some Ole Miss players to keep tabs on if they make the move elsewhere.
Fits that could make sense for Notre Dame
RB Kewan Lacy (So.)
While Jeremiyah Love is the best running back in college football, Lacy is on that next tier below him. After beginning his career with Missouri, Lacy became a national name this season for the Rebels, rushing for 1,279 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Even if the fit doesn’t make sense academically or financially, Notre Dame should absolutely inquire to see if he decides to enter. With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price likely off to the NFL, Gi’bran Payne being a strong transfer option, and Kedren Young coming off an injury, there are some real questions in the backfield.
PK Lucas Carneiro (Jr.)
Barring an insane run down the stretch from freshman kicker Erik Schmidt, I’d be surprised if Notre Dame didn’t at least do its due diligence in the portal, once again.
Carneiro has one year of eligibility remaining and is among the most accurate kickers in the country. He has made 22 of 25 field goal attempts this season with a long of 54 yards. The former Western Kentucky transfer has also recorded 73 touchdowns on 82 kickoffs this season.
WR Cayden Lee (Jr.)
After Carneiro, there isn’t anyone that Notre Dame should overpay for, but that doesn’t mean it can’t poke around to see if there are any more fits that make sense.
Lee only has one year of eligibility remaining, and he has been productive over the last two seasons. The Georgia native has managed to haul in 95 receptions for 1,525 yards and seven touchdowns in his career. At worst, the 5-11, 180-pound pass catcher would bring some speed and insurance to the table.
Very unlikely, but make the call
EDGE Kam Franklin (So.)
Franklin coming to Notre Dame is very, very unlikely for several reasons, but the kid is too talented not to at least call about.
While he does most of his damage off the edge, Franklin is a massive defender at 6-5 and 290 pounds. He would potentially play on the interior long term if a team needed him there and would bring playmaking upside to multiple positions.
DT Will Echoles (So.)
With two years of eligibility remaining, Echoles will be a high priority for many teams in the portal. At 6-3 and 310 pounds, he is a nice mover from the interior who also possesses the strength to work at the point of attack.
Like Franklin, the fit with Notre Dame wouldn’t make sense, but you never know unless you try.
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