SMU All-Conference Running Back Ulysses Bentley IV announces transfer to Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin continues to solidify his status as the Portal King following the announcement by SMU running back Ulysses Bentley IV that he is joining the Rebels.
Bentley, who led the American Athletic Conference in rushing in 2020 and started 14 games over the past two seasons, declared via Twitter his plans to play for Ole Miss. He joins Coach Kiffin’s 2022 transfer class that is ranked No. 1 in the nation.
@OleMissFB 😈 Let’s gooooooo…. pic.twitter.com/OTwHoyRVHj
— Ulysses Bentley IV (@BentleyDoo) March 17, 2022
Bentley, who graduated from King High School in Houston, rushed for 610 yards and nine touchdowns on 96 carries last year for the Mustangs. He also notched 21 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown.
Although he dealt with an ankle injury in 2021, it’s easy to see what a playmaker Bentley was for SMU.
In spite of being limited because of the injury, he still started eight games and finished second on the team in rushing yards. For his efforts, he earned second-team All-AAC honors.
Here’s a glimpse at Bentley’s abilities.
Oh, hello Ulysses Bentley IV pic.twitter.com/WfCh3MScqY
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) November 13, 2021
One of my favorite 2023 RB Ulysses Bentley! Battled some injuries this season but he’s a talented ball carrier.
He’s an IZ & OZ fit with a tough run style. An explosive speed cutter. pic.twitter.com/UiEtAsQlpb
— Damian Parson (@DP_NFL) March 1, 2022
Bentley, a three-star recruit in 2019, redshirted his first year at SMU. He impressed in his redshirt freshman campaign in 2020, carrying 170 times for 913 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
He led the American Athletic Conference in rushing that season, earning first-team all-conference honors as well as being named AAC Co-Rookie of the Year.
17 carries, 199 yards, 3 TD and a long of 84 yards. Have yourself a day Ulysses Bentley IV! pic.twitter.com/vNE0Pv26t7
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) September 20, 2020
Simply put, Bentley brings huge game-breaking ability to the Rebels’ offense.
Bentley will be a junior entering the fall. He played at SMU under coach Sonny Dykes who left in late November to become the head coach at TCU.
(Feature image graphic: Lee Ann Herring, The Rebel Walk)
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
