When it comes to the transfer portal, Ole Miss has been on fire, sitting atop the team rankings. Lane Kiffin, on the other hand, is still seeking for the next Rebel pledge.
Coming off an emphatic win over Penn State in the Peach Bowl yesterday, the buzz around Ole Miss is not slowing down. Lane Kiffin still had his recruiting pants on during the post-game press conference. Could the below players be heading to Oxford before the transfer portal closes in two days?
Zarian McGill, IOL
A day after the Peach Bowl, Lane Kiffin took to ‘X’ to write a post mentioning going fishing while tagging in offensive line coach John Garrison.
The offensive line still has question marks, which showed up in the Peach Bowl with Jaxson Dart getting knocked around a little too much. Could Mississippi native Zarian McGill be one of the answers for John Garrison?
McGill entered the transfer portal after one season with Louisiana-Monroe, after two seasons in Junior College. McGill was an honouree mention in the All-Sun-Belt Conference defensive team this season. He started all 12 games at centre for the Warhawks, committing just three penalties across the season..
It would be a question mark as to whether McGill could make the starters job during the off-season. Worst case, he would be a solid swing option across the the inside line positions.
Daequan Wright, TE
Current Ole Miss tight end Caden Preiskorn showed how important he will be in 2024 for the team. However, despite him being the clear number one in the room, they still need bodies.
Ole Miss pair Michael Trigg and Kyirin Heath both hit the transfer portal. The Rebels do have freshman Jayvontay Conner they need at least one more talented tight end.
Daequen Wright had an official visit to Oxford a few weeks ago. The Virginia Tech transfer had 44 catches for 510 yards across his two seasons with the Hokies.
It would be a solid commitment for Lane Kiffin if they were able to secure Wright’s services. It would add stability to the Rebel’s tight end room.
Jaheim Thomas, Linebacker
Ole Miss have already seen a top linebacker from Arkansas commit from the transfer portal in Chris Paul Jr. Could they add another in redshirt senior Jaheim Thomas?
Thomas recorded 90 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two pass break-ups during the 12 games he featured in this season. The Arkansas defense are known for hard-hitting linebackers who tackle well, something Ole Miss needs.
Thomas has only just entered the transfer portal, so it’s unlikely he will commit to a team before the cut-off on January 2nd. However, it could be something to watch when the next transfer portal opens again in 2024.
