Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins announces he will return for final season
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss received some very welcome news when wide receiver Jordan Watkins announced earlier this afternoon he will be returning to Ole Miss with one year of eligibility remaining.
Well, okay, Watkins didn’t use the exact words, “I’m returning;” however, what he posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, seems to leave little room for doubt. Watkins posted a video that shows highlights of his play — and at the end it cuts to a clip from the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street. In that movie, Jordan Belfort, the character played by Leonardo DiCaprio, says to those gathered around him, “I’m not leaving.” So it’s likely safe to infer that Watkins is, indeed, not leaving Ole Miss.
— Jordan Watkins (@jordantwatkins) December 9, 2023
Not only did Watkins, a transfer from Louisville, lead the Rebels in receptions, but he also handled punt returns and played a crucial leadership role in the receiving room.
Jordan finished the 2023 regular season with 741 yards, averaging 14 per catch.
His return became even more important after Dayton Wade announced last week that he would declare for the NFL draft. Watkins will provide depth, explosiveness, and, again, leadership in one of the best wide receiving rooms in the country.
He is the ultimate team player. Watkins broke his hand earlier this season during the Rebels’ bye week. As Ole Miss headed into the Auburn game on the road, there were strong doubts he could play as he was coming off surgery. But he had other plans. He talked about it after the win at Jordan-Hare.
“I knew I was going to be limited going into the Auburn game. Just really wasn’t thinking about it, really. I was more focused on the team and just coming out with a huge win on the road. Place like Jordan-Hare (Stadium) it’s a crazy, crazy environment so I was focused on helping the team and getting a win. If I felt like I could help the team, which I could, then I was going out there and playing… I think just me being in a role where guys look up to me and playing a huge impact on the offense, I just felt like it would be better if I was out there with my guys instead of just sitting on the sideline or being sent home watching the game. It wouldn’t feel right to me. I don’t think I’ve ever missed a college game my whole career, and I wasn’t going to start that day. That was kind of my mindset going into it.”
Jordan Watkins
With the playoffs expanding to 12 teams next season, these are the type of players you simply have on your roster to give yourself a chance to win a championship.
Rebel fans, stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all of your transfer portal content, recruiting news, and any updates in regards to the decision of Tre Harris or other key Ole Miss players. Hotty Toddy!
Zach Moreth
Zach is a freshman at Ole Miss and is studying Sports Administration. Outside of watching and playing sports, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones and being active. I’m excited to help cover our amazing Ole Miss sports teams!
