Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week

The Ole Miss Rebels started the 2025 season with a thrashing of Sun Belt opponent Georgia State. It was a lopsided affair in which the Rebels cruised to a 63-7. Ole Miss was able to break in a ton of new pieces, whether it be transfers or younger guys getting to step up.

One spot on the field that looks almost entirely different is the defensive line, which saw four players join the NFL ranks following last season. However, there is one familiar face and that is Senior DT Zxavian Harris. Last year, Harris was the third DT behind Walter Nolen and JJ Pegeus, but now he is the anchor along the defensive line and a leader for the team.

Zxaviah Harris has a great start to the 2025 season, in which he looks to be a major contributor for the Rebels and set himself up to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Against Georgia State, Harris totaled five tackles, 1.5 for loss, and a sack. He also recorded another QB hit and an additional QB hurry. In total, Harris played 33 snaps, the most out of the interior d-lineman.

He also made an incredibly athletic play, dropping back into coverage a bit and getting up into a passing lane to record an interception.

The interception led to a hilarious moment as the big man went for his dunk on the famous Ole Miss basketball hoop they bring out to the sidelines for celebrations. The 6'8, 320-pound defensive tackle went up for the slam, and the hoop came down with him.

For his efforts, Harris received honors from the Southeastern Conference as the league named him a Co-Defensive Lineman of Week 1.

Harris and the rest of the Rebels' defense will look to continue their performance this upcoming Saturday, as they travel to Lexington, Kentucky, for the first SEC matchup of the season.