The Ole Miss Rebels haven't experienced any major losses in the transfer portal this offseason, but Quinshon Judkins' departure to the Ohio State Buckeyes was arguably the biggest blow the team took in that area.
However, the move led to some creativity from head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff. To complement returning rusher Ulysses Bentley IV, the Rebels pulled several names from the transfer portal, helping to, in the words of the film, “comprehensively rebuild Judkins.” Moneyball.
It seemed to work, at least on paper.
pro football focus We recently released a list of the highest-rated SEC returning running backs, and not only did Revell top the list, but Ole Miss came in at No. 3 in the top 10. You can see where these bucks ranked below. Grades from PFF are listed.
1. Ulysses Bentley IV — 87.4
8. Logan Diggs — 78.2
9. Henry Parrish Jr. — 78.1
Diggs (LSU) and Parrish (Miami) came to Ole Miss via the transfer portal this offseason, but Parrish is already familiar with Oxford, having spent two seasons with the Rebels earlier in his career. However, given Diggs' injury status, it is unclear when he will be cleared to play.
Diggs underwent knee surgery this offseason, but Kiffin admitted in March that he didn't know when he would be able to use his hip again.
“Our hope is that he can help at some point during the season,” Kiffin said. “How fast? I don't know. So it could be a blessing. … When someone comes back from an injury and it's late in the season, they have fresh legs. Sometimes it's really bad. Could be a good thing. “
Either way, it speaks volumes that Ole Miss is the only SEC school with multiple returning schools on this list. Even with the loss of Judkins, the Rebels still have hope that they can become a talented rushing team in 2024 that can match QB Jackson Dart's passing ability.