The 2025 college football season is inching closer, but it is still far off. Ole Miss has seen many talented starters head to the NFL, leaving plenty of holes. As always, Lane Kiffin had an excellent transfer portal, bringing in exciting prospects and talented 2025 recruits. However, Kiffin is thankful to see some players return for next season. Here are the top 5 players who were crucial returns to the roster.
Virginia Tech transfer Dae'Quan Wright came into the team to assist Caden Prieskorn during the 2024 season. The fan base was intrigued by his tape, and he did not disappoint, catching 27 receptions for 396 passing yards and four touchdowns. He will be important again with a new partner in the Arkansas transfer, Luke Hasz. Wright may be a tight end, but he is very athletic and caught some key passes, including the Austin Simmons touchdown against Georgia.
The losses of Walter Nolen and JJ Pegues to the NFL are huge, but Zxavian Harris did a fantastic job when rotated last season, especially in run defense. Harris finished the 2024 season with 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He is quick off the line, filling those running lanes, and has similarities to the departed Nolen. His experience is vital with other returning defensive tackles, either freshman or sophomore players.
One of the best players from the 2024 season, but still not as talked about as much as others. This feels like the year Suntarine Perkins can show the nation why Ole Miss fans love him so much. There were rumors he may have hit the portal, but those look false. That was excellent news for Kiffin and his staff.
He has had two strong seasons after playing significant snaps as a true freshman in 2023. Perkins tied for the lead in team sacks with 10.5 and had 60 tackles, and don't forget about the interceptions. The Mississippi native can do it all, and if he takes another step in 2025, it's another NFL first-round draft pick for the Rebels.
Ole Miss lost one of their outstanding starting linebackers in Chris Paul Jr but did keep hold of TJ Dottery. After transferring, the Clemson transfer had to sit out a year in 2023 due to NCAA regulations, but he showed on the field why Pete Golding wanted him at Ole Miss. He finished with 76 tackles and two sacks; he was a fast and physical player when getting to the line to stop the run. Dottery will be considered one of the leaders on that defense in 2025, and don't be surprised to see him embrace that.
Wide receivers Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and Antwane Wells have all departed, three of the top four ranked players in receiving yards in 2025. Kiffin has brought in some mouth-watering playmakers, but the fact that they have Cayden Lee coming back is vital as the only significant returning production at wide receiver from 2024. Lee had 57 receptions for 874 yards and two touchdowns. He may only have seen two scores, but numerous times, he put the offense in good positions, especially regarding slant routes. He will be key for Austin Simmons, having worked with him for the last season on the practice field.