Analyzing Three Big Portal Grabs for Ole Miss Football on Offense
Ole Miss football has long been known for its potent offensive schemes, but under head coach Lane Kiffin, the Rebels have become a force to reckon with, particularly through their savvy utilization of the NCAA Transfer Portal. In a sport where roster turnover is inevitable, Kiffin has shown an uncanny ability to not only find the right pieces to plug into his high-powered offense but also to elevate the overall talent pool through key acquisitions. For the 2024 season, three significant additions stand out in terms of their potential to reshape Ole Miss’s offensive dynamic: quarterback Spencer Sanders, wide receiver Tre Harris, and running back Ulysses Bentley IV. Each player brings a unique skill set that, if maximized, could elevate Ole Miss’s already explosive offense to even greater heights.
1. Spencer Sanders (Quarterback)
Background: Spencer Sanders, a former starting quarterback at Oklahoma State, transferred to Ole Miss to bring both experience and leadership to the Rebels’ quarterback room. Sanders played four seasons for the Cowboys (2019–2022), earning a reputation as a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. Over his career, Sanders accumulated over 9,500 passing yards, 67 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions, along with more than 1,500 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. While inconsistent at times, Sanders showed flashes of brilliance and was instrumental in leading Oklahoma State to a Big 12 Championship appearance in 2021.
What He Brings to Ole Miss: Spencer Sanders’ experience and dual-threat capability are immediately beneficial for Ole Miss’s offense. Kiffin’s offense, which relies heavily on tempo, adaptability, and balance, will fit well with Sanders’s skill set. As a quarterback who can extend plays with his legs, Sanders adds a dimension that enhances the running game while also keeping defenses guessing with his ability to attack downfield. His experience playing in high-pressure games will also be crucial, especially in big SEC matchups, where poise and decision-making are paramount.
One of the key attributes Sanders will bring to Ole Miss is his ability to manage the offense while making explosive plays when needed. Although he has had some inconsistencies in terms of passing accuracy, his ability to create yardage with his legs will help offset any concerns regarding his arm. In Kiffin’s system, which prioritizes quick strikes and open-field playmaking, Sanders can thrive as both a passer and a rusher.
Impact on Ole Miss: With Jaxson Dart returning for another season, the competition at quarterback is bound to intensify, but Sanders’s addition gives Ole Miss flexibility. Whether Sanders takes over as the starting quarterback or plays a key role in the rotation, his presence will push Dart to elevate his play and solidify the Rebels’ signal-calling for 2024. If Sanders wins the starting job, he will offer a balanced, dynamic weapon in Kiffin’s offense, complementing the Rebels’ talented skill position players.
2. Tre Harris (Wide Receiver)
Background: Tre Harris, a 6’2”, 210-pound wide receiver, comes to Ole Miss from Louisiana Tech, where he was a standout in the Conference USA. Harris amassed over 2,000 receiving yards in his three seasons with the Bulldogs, including 20 touchdown receptions. His final season at Louisiana Tech was particularly impressive, as he registered 1,100 yards and 9 touchdowns in just 10 games. Harris possesses excellent size and speed, coupled with the ability to separate from defenders with his crisp route running and solid hands.
What He Brings to Ole Miss: Harris’s size and athleticism will immediately improve Ole Miss’s receiving corps. With the departure of key contributors like Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath, the Rebels need to find a reliable go-to receiver who can stretch the field and create mismatches. Harris is exactly that type of player. His ability to win contested catches down the field will help diversify Ole Miss’s offense, especially in situations where they need to take the top off the defense.
In Kiffin’s offensive system, which features multiple receiver sets and a heavy emphasis on explosive plays, Harris’s deep threat ability and big-play capability are invaluable. His route-running is nuanced enough that he can work in both short and intermediate areas of the field, while also being a reliable red-zone target. Given his physicality and ball-tracking skills, Harris could be an immediate contributor in both the passing and deep-ball game.
Impact on Ole Miss: The addition of Tre Harris provides Ole Miss with an experienced, highly productive receiver who can step in and contribute from Day 1. Whether he plays a role as a number one receiver or an integral piece in a deep rotation, Harris will add a level of versatility to Ole Miss’s offense. Pairing him with the explosive playmaking of tight end Michael Trigg and fellow wide receivers, Harris will be key in maintaining Ole Miss’s reputation as one of the most dynamic offenses in the SEC.
3. Ulysses Bentley IV (Running Back)
Background: Ulysses Bentley IV is a graduate transfer from SMU, where he was one of the most productive running backs in the American Athletic Conference. Bentley amassed over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career with the Mustangs, demonstrating both his speed and vision. A versatile back, Bentley can break tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and serve as a feature runner in a system that utilizes a lot of zone-read concepts. He missed part of the 2023 season due to injury, but when healthy, Bentley proved to be one of the most explosive running backs in the conference.
What He Brings to Ole Miss: Bentley brings a wealth of experience and explosive ability to Ole Miss’s backfield. In Kiffin’s offense, which frequently utilizes a dual-threat approach in the run game, Bentley will complement an already talented stable of backs, including Quinshon Judkins. Bentley’s experience as both a feature back and a complementary piece in a committee will help bring balance to the Rebels’ attack. His quickness, lateral agility, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield will open up new opportunities for Ole Miss’s offensive playcalling.
Bentley’s ability to work in space is particularly important, as Kiffin’s system often involves using running backs as mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His speed on the perimeter and ability to break tackles in the open field will add a new dimension to the Rebels’ running game. Additionally, Bentley’s leadership and experience could help guide younger running backs like Judkins, further deepening the depth of the position.
Impact on Ole Miss: Bentley’s addition significantly strengthens Ole Miss’s already-loaded backfield. Paired with Quinshon Judkins, one of the top young running backs in the country, Bentley provides a one-two punch that will be difficult for SEC defenses to slow down. The combination of power, speed, and versatility in the backfield will give Kiffin the flexibility to attack defenses from a variety of angles. Bentley’s presence could also help take some of the load off Judkins, allowing both backs to stay fresh and be maximized throughout the course of the season.
