Ole Miss WR Jordan Watkins looks ahead to the Peach Bowl: ‘We have a chance to do something really, really special this year’
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who recently announced his return to the Rebels for his final year of eligibility in 2024, met with media Friday to talk about the upcoming Peach Bowl.
This season, his second as a Rebel, Watkins hauled in 53 receptions for 714 yards and three touchdowns. He spent two seasons at Louisville before arriving at Ole Miss through the transfer portal.
The Rebels have a chance at making history in the upcoming Peach Bowl. A win over Penn State would mark the first 11-win season in program history.
Watkins talked about this when discussing his decision to return.
“We have a chance to do something really good, really really special this year with winning 11 games with the bowl game. Potentially with the way the college football playoff is set up next year, I think we have a really good shot at being able to make a run at it next year. I just wanted to be a part of that.”
Jordan Watkins
Much has been made about the current culture within the Rebel football program; head coach Lane Kiffin is centering it around a pro mindset and winning.
After a 10-win regular season, fellow teammates such as Tre Harris, Caden Prieskorn, JJ Pegues and Jared Ivey announcing their return, along with the addition of some talented portal players and incoming recruits, the sky is the limit in 2024.
“Obviously, guys talk, just with us being so close on the team and things like that, especially in the receiver room,” Watkins explained.
“We talk every day, so obviously with it being an elephant in the room, you obviously want to talk about it amongst your peers and that’s kind of what we did. It was just really cool to see all of us on the same page and add some additions in the transfer portal as well. That’s been going good for us. We’re really excited.”
Jordan Watkins on returning for 2024
While there is a lot of hype around players announcing their return for next season, the transfer portal frenzy, and high school recruiting, the Rebels do have a big game coming up at the end of the month.
Penn State has one of the best defenses in the country, and it features a lot of talented players.
Watkins spoke on the matchup against the Nittany Lions saying.
“I feel like we’re one of the best offenses in the country, and they’re one of the best defenses in the country. And anytime you have one of the best go up against each other, obviously it’s going to be cool to watch. I have great confidence in our team and what we’re able to do on offense. Just having this break is getting a lot of guys back that weren’t healthy for the last little stretch that we were on. That’s going to be really fun. I think it’s just going to be a really cool game in Atlanta.”
Jordan Watkins
Game info:
Ole Miss and Penn State kick off in the Peach Bowl on Saturday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Nick Filipich
Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.
