BREAKING: Lane Kiffin Confirms Former LSU and No. 1 JUCO Wide Receiver Deion Smith Not Eligible to Play for Rebels this Fall
OXFORD, Miss. — On the Wednesday SEC Coaches Teleconference, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was asked about the circulating rumor that the nation’s No. 1 JUCO wide receiver, Deion Smith, is ineligible to play this season for Ole Miss.
David Eckert of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger queried Coach Kiffin about Smith’s eligibility.
“Today, I was told that he will not be part of our program. So, seems to be the case. We wish him the best of luck. Wish it would have worked out.“
Ole Miss head coach on JUCO No. 1 WR Deion Smith
BREAKING | Coach Kiffin on transfer WR Deion Smith NOT being eligible for Ole Miss: “Today, I was told he will not be part of our program. So, wish him the best of luck. Wish it would have worked out.”
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 28, 2024
There were numerous reports, albeit now erroneous, that indicated Smith would be joining the team. Smith has been described as a “generational talent” by former Ole Miss wide receiver and trainer, Shay Hodge. At Holmes Community College last season, Smith tallied 1,063 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games.
As an LSU Tiger his freshman year, Smith caught 11 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
But if there is one area where Ole Miss absolutely excels in talent it’s the wide receiver room. With Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, Juice Wells, Cayden Lee, Ayden Williams, and others holding down the fort, quarterback Jaxson Dart has many options from which to choose.
Up Next
Ole Miss kicks off the 2024 season at Vaught-Hemingway at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, August 31, against the Furman Paladins.
Hotty Toddy!
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.
