Transfer Defensive End Chris Hardie Commits to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels
OXFORD, Miss. — Head coach Lane Kiffin, defensive coordinator Pete Golding, and defensive line coach Randall Joyner are just piling on now — piling on to a defense that could be next-level this coming season. Jacksonville State defensive lineman Chris Hardie is transferring to Ole Miss as confirmed by his representatives Sunday.
Jacksonville State first-team All-Conference USA defensive lineman Chris Hardie is committing to Ole Miss 🦈 pic.twitter.com/3cgT5heQbq
— A&P Sports Agency (@APSportsAgency) May 26, 2024
Wellcome to the Sip, Chris Hardie!
Watch this 💥 😳 pic.twitter.com/Rs06vHfZxg
— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) May 26, 2024
With the addition of the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Hardie, the Rebels’ ridiculously talented defensive front just became more of a problem for opponents, adding to a unit that already boasts spring transfers Walter Nolen (Texas A&M) and Princely Umanmielen (Florida). Oh, and Ole Miss already returns Jared Ivey and JJ Pegues on the line.
When he announced his intent to transfer, Hardie quickly became quite the rising prospect, also catching the attention of programs like UCF and OU where he recently visited. In fact, Zac Alley, Hardie’s former coach is now the defensive coordinator for the Sooners. But the Rebs made a lasting impression on Hardie, and they have now added another top-tier portal player to the mix.
Special thank you to the coaches and staff at Ole Miss for having me on visit.
I enjoyed my time in Oxford this weekend! 🦈 @Lane_Kiffin @LetsGo_Bo5 @CoachGolding @trin4131 pic.twitter.com/3s4hZc8jMX— Chris Hardie (@ChrisHardie_7) May 19, 2024
After redshirting his first season for Jacksonville State, Hardie played in 47 games — quickly becoming one of the top players at his position in the Football Championship Subdivision.
His 2023 campaign was Jacksonville State’s first year at the FBS level and Hardie did not disappoint. He recorded 60 total tackles (33 solo), 8.5 sacks and one interception. These numbers were good enough to earn him First-Team All-Conference USA honors last year.
Chris Hardie led Conference USA in tackles for loss pic.twitter.com/i30cZZDbvk
— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) May 26, 2024
Hardie, who entered the portal in April, has recorded 101 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks across his career.
Proverbs 3:5-6 🙏🏽💫 pic.twitter.com/blFQgL8PAk
— Chris Hardie (@ChrisHardie_7) April 23, 2024
He will have one year of eligibility remaining when he arrives in Oxford.
Stop The Run!
Grad Transfer
1 Year of Eligibility !!
Career: 46 TFL’s 21.5 Sacks
23’ stats: 16 TFL’s 8.5 Sacks pic.twitter.com/nLNMt3OxLy— Chris Hardie (@ChrisHardie_7) April 24, 2024
Welcome to the Sip, Chris!
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.
