With Ole Miss’ Quinshon Judkins announcing plans to enter portal, what’s next for the Rebels’ RB room?
OXFORD, Miss. — News broke earlier today that Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins has plans to enter the transfer portal, with Judkins later confirming that on social media in the following post.
— Quinshon Judkins (@qaj4_) January 4, 2024
“I have loved my time here at Ole Miss and am grateful for the opportunity to grow as a football player and person within this program.
“To the fans, I want to say thank you for welcoming me and my family and for all the love and support. To my brothers, who will forever be a part of my family, I am forever thankful for the relationship we’ve built while I’ve been here.”
“To Coach Kiffin, Coach Smith and the entire coaching staff, thank you all for believing in me and developing me into a better football player. After long talks with my family and hard prayers, I have decided to enter into the transfer portal. This decision to enter into the transfer portal was not made lightly, but I believe it is the best decision for my personal and athletic growth.
“I hope you understand and respect my choice. Love you all and wish nothing but success.”
Quinshon Judkins
What comes next?
This news is shocking to many Ole Miss fans who expected Quinshon to join what is going to be a 2024 Rebel team with so many players returning, one that has every sign of going deep into the playoffs.
So in what direction does Ole Miss go now?
First, running back Ulysses Bentley IV has a year of eligibility remaining. While he has not yet announced his plans, the SMU transfer has more than 2,000 career rushing yards with the Mustangs and the Rebels. In 2023, he carried 95 times for 540 yards and notched five total touchdowns. It would make sense that securing his return would become a top priority.
Untouched. 👌@BentleyDoo pic.twitter.com/G8uwZbCkU8
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 17, 2023
Ole Miss RB Ulysses Bentley IV brings toughness, team-first attitude to Rebels: ‘I know my role on this team…I’m just ready to go.’ @kam_wicker has more on Ulysses. ⤵️ https://t.co/tdHhe3depQ
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 19, 2023
Ole Miss also has a talented former four-star running back Kedrick Reescano on the roster. The 6-foot-0, 210-pound Reescano committed to Ole Miss in the 2023 class after flipping from Michigan State.
The Rebels also have Oregon State transfer RB Jam Griffin on the roster; however, we have been told he intends to enter the transfer portal.
But, there can be little doubt that Coach Kiffin, known as the “portal king,” is keeping his eye on the transfer portal for a running back who fits into his system and his culture. (Click here to see the list of running backs currently in the portal.)
Kiffin no doubt already has contingency plans. Here’s what RealTree’s Tyler Jordan posted earlier today on X.
Our HC thrives in moments and times like these. This is when he’s at his best.
Let the man cook 👨🍳 https://t.co/lQaEmcZita
— Tyler Jordan (@TylerJordan) January 4, 2024
While we don’t yet know what will happen, we can tell you Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith is one of the best in the business. We feel confident he and Coach Kiffin will have the Rebels’ ground game firmly under control moving forward. There are already reports Ole Miss has its eye on a transfer running back. Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all your updates!
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
