3 Ole Miss football players we want to see back for the 2025 season

Ole Miss brought back plenty of starters from the 2023 season, thanks to Jaxson Dart pulling the strings for the last dance. Some players will be heading for the NFL draft, meaning plenty of holes to fill for Lane Kiffin.

Several players have the option to stay for another season. Players like Walter Nolen have eligibility remaining, but after putting up impressive tape, he and others will likely head for the NFL. Kiffin hopes to persuade some players to head to the pros or the transfer portal. It would be huge for the Rebels if they could bring back these three players.

Chris Paul Jr. - Linebacker

Chris 'Pooh' Paul Jr. arrived at Ole Miss this past off-season from Arkansas via the transfer portal. The Rebels knew they were getting a top player, and even when he was not named a starter, he made big plays when he was rotated in.

The partnership that Paul and TJ Dottery formed in the middle of the defense was a big part of why the defense functioned so well during the season. The Arkansas transfer flew all over the field, making important plays, most of them huge hits that set the tone early. His ability to shed blocks and get down to the line of scrimmage to stop running plays was a crucial part of why the Rebels were one of the best defenses against the run.

Paul was also a leader on and off the field, a calm voice when needed, and a hype man at the correct times. Ole Miss will lose plenty of veterans, so keeping Chris 'Pooh' Paul Jr. on the roster will help the new wave of players. On the flip side, the Butkus Award Finalist could easily make an NFL roster, making it a tough decision.

Diego Pounds - Offensive Tackle

The offensive line is set to lose most of its starters and several rotational players, so keeping hold of big left tackle Diego Pounds is crucial for the offensive line room. A transfer from North Carolina in the off-season, he was one of the best OTs in the class, which showed for the Rebels.

It took some time for Pounds to get up to speed, but once he did, he was arguably the best player across the offensive line. Protecting Jaxson Dart's blind side well against some of the best edge rushers in the nation. Despite the run game being a low point for Ole Miss, Pounds was not the problem, and he made some good plays during games.

Ole Miss has some outstanding freshman offensive linemen from the 2025 class. Pounds would be another good veteran to lean on, just like Chris Paul Jr. Pounds has the option to head to the NFL, and his tape and abilities would get him drafted, but starting another season in the SEC against top-tier pass rushers would help even further.

Zxavian Harris - Defensive Tackle

The trenches will look depleted for Ole Miss before Lane Kiffin utilizes the transfer portal. Walter Nolen, JJ Pegues, and Akelo Stone were at the interior defensive line. Zxavian Harris was rotated in over the season, seeing no drop-off when he played snaps. Harris can head to the next level but could be a key contributor in 2025, helping boost his draft stock.

Harris finished the 2024 season with 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. When he was rotated in, he disrupted the opposition's offense, especially against the run. This led to him seeing much more time on the field and plenty of praise from the media.

This isn't me being biased. Harris has the opportunity to push himself into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft if he sticks around for another season. He is one of the biggest DTs in the nation, but he moves like he's much lighter. It would be huge for defensive coordinator Pete Golding if he stays for one more season.