Zakhari Franklin to Enter Transfer Portal After Turbulent Time at Ole Miss

Ole Miss wide receiver Zakhari Franklin has entered the transfer portal. The former UTSA player spent one season in Oxford.

It's been a relatively quiet spring for Ole Miss in terms of players entering the transfer portal. However, on April 29, wide receiver Zakhari Franklin, rumored to be heading for the 2024 NFL Draft, entered the transfer portal.

Franklin transferred from UTSA during the 2023 spring transfer portal. It was seen as an excellent commitment, and Franklin put up great seasons with the Roadrunners. During the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Franklin had over 2,000 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns.

He looked set to be a big part of the Ole Miss passing game heading into the 2023 season. However, coming off an injury picked up in fall camp, Franklin struggled to see the field.

Controversial Time for Franklin With Ole Miss in 2023

After missing the first three weeks with his injury, Franklin could not carve out a significant role with the Rebels. It likely did not help that Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and Dayton Wade were playing at a high level.

Franklin featured in just three games, catching 4 receptions for 38 yards and adding a touchdown in the Auburn game. A few weeks after the Auburn game, Franklin made a decision that made it difficult for him to return to the program.

The former UTSA player decided he would not play in the Georgia game, which head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed in a later press conference.

"He did make the trip," Kiffin said. "I don't know the plan for him the rest of the year. So, he ended up ‒ by his decision ‒ not playing. So, you'd have to ask him."

It was the last time we heard anything of Franklin since the incident until today's transfer portal news. Franklin will look to find a fresh start with his remaining year of eligibility.