Ole Miss has again addressed the quarterback position during the spring transfer portal, bringing in a second player at the position. Oklahoma State transfer Maealiuaki Smith has transferred to the Rebels, joining FCS transfer Trinidad Chambliss in the room.
Smith was a 2024 recruit, ranked the No.31 QB and No.36 player in California. The freshman appeared in four games for the Cowboys, with significant snaps against Colorado and Texas Tech. He finished with 44 completions from 74 attempts, going for 489 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Ole Miss had three guys in the room heading out of spring practice. However, despite reports that AJ Maddox had a strong practice, looking like he was cemented in as the No.2 behind Austin Simmons, he suffered a hand injury. It resulted in Lane Kiffin adding a dual-threat FCS talent in Chambliss.
The likely No.3 quarterback in the room, Pierce Clarkson, entered the portal on April 24, meaning Ole Miss went and picked up Smith. This could mean that Maddox's injury was more significant than we had thought. Even if he misses the early parts of the season, he will need time to get back into the swing of things, so Kiffin could be safeguarding for that by making it a three-guy room.
There is plenty of excitement around Simmons as the starter, but nothing is wrong with competition heading into the fall. Also, the worst-case scenario is that the two new guys have a handle on the scheme if Simmons goes down. Given what we know about Kiffin, don't be surprised to see him use Chambliss in rushing plays due to his explosiveness as a runner.
If Smith develops nicely, he has multiple years of eligibility, which also makes it a positive pickup. It puts Kiffin's mind at ease heading into the fall with his QB numbers.