Three Ole Miss Football players who will battle for their job in spring practice

Jeremy James, OL

Veteran offensive lineman Jeremy James has been a fixture along the Ole Miss offensive line over the last four seasons. James committed to the Rebels in 2019. However, he can use his final season of eligibility as a super senior, given to players due to the COVID season in 2020.

James offers versatility across the offensive line, able to play right guard and right tackle. The Georgia native has started 49 consecutive games for the Rebels, an amazing stat for an offensive lineman.

James played mainly at right guard last season alongside starting right tackle Micah Pettus, who is also returning for the 2024 season. The offensive line play was questionable last season for the Rebels, especially in pass protection.

Lane Kiffin and offensive line coach John Garrison have looked to strengthen the offensive line using the transfer portal. They did just that, bringing in four key players, two of whom were part of the 2023 Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football.

Washington transfer Julius Buelow can play at left and right guard, with the majority of his play on the right in 2023. With two other OL transfers in, Gerquan Scott and Nate Kalepo, both likely to play on the left, Buelow will likely compete for the right guard job.

Jeremy James will have to battle for the right guard job, possibly the right tackle job with Micah Pettus. If James can't recapture the starting job, he will still be an important backup player, bringing experience if injuries occur.