Three Ole Miss Rebels Make ESPN’s List of Top 100 College Football Players in 2024-25

The University of Mississippi, often referred to as Ole Miss, has long been a program that consistently produces talented football players who make an impact on the national stage. As the 2024-25 college football season approaches, ESPN released its much-anticipated list of the top 100 players in college football. Among the notable inclusions were three standout players from Ole Miss who earned recognition for their exceptional talents and contributions to the game. These players are a testament to the strength of the Ole Miss football program and its growing prominence in the college football landscape.

1. Quinshon Judkins – Running Back (Ranked #12)

One of the most exciting and dynamic players in college football, Quinshon Judkins, earned a spot at number 12 on ESPN’s Top 100 list. As the heart and soul of Ole Miss’ offense, Judkins has proven to be a game-changer, capable of taking over games with his explosive playmaking ability.

Judkins burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2022, finishing the season with over 1,500 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive running backs in the country. His sophomore season only solidified his place among the elite running backs in college football. His combination of speed, vision, balance, and toughness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether it was breaking off long runs or grinding out tough yards in short-yardage situations, Judkins proved to be a versatile and consistent weapon for Ole Miss.

What stands out most about Judkins is his ability to make plays in critical moments. Whether it’s a fourth-quarter drive or a key third-down conversion, Judkins seems to rise to the occasion, showcasing his poise and leadership in clutch situations. His 2024-25 season is expected to be even better, as he has now matured into one of the most complete backs in college football.

Judkins’ success can be attributed to his combination of natural ability and work ethic. The former 4-star recruit has taken full advantage of his opportunities and has built an impressive resume. His vision and agility allow him to slip past defenders with ease, while his powerful running style and ability to break tackles make him difficult to bring down. NFL scouts are already keeping a close eye on Judkins, as he is expected to be one of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Ole Miss offensive line, which has been known for its ability to open up running lanes, has played a big role in Judkins’ success. However, it is clear that the running back himself is a special talent who can create plays even when the offensive line does not give him the perfect holes. His vision, patience, and ability to read defenses allow him to maximize every carry and give Ole Miss a consistent, game-changing threat in the backfield.

As the 2024-25 season kicks off, Judkins will be looking to continue his rise as one of the top running backs in college football. If he can stay healthy and maintain his high level of play, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him climbing even higher on future rankings and solidifying his status as one of the best players in the nation.

2. Jaxson Dart – Quarterback (Ranked #46)

Jaxson Dart, the starting quarterback for Ole Miss, was another Rebel who earned a spot on ESPN’s Top 100 list, coming in at number 46. Dart’s inclusion on the list highlights his impressive skill set and the pivotal role he plays in Ole Miss’ offense. A dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs, Dart has been one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC since transferring to Ole Miss from USC prior to the 2022 season.

Dart’s first season with Ole Miss was a solid one, as he helped lead the Rebels to a 10-win season and a victory in the Sugar Bowl. Despite being new to the program, Dart quickly developed chemistry with his receivers and demonstrated poise in high-pressure situations. He finished the season with over 2,900 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, all while adding another 500 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to stretch the field with both his arm and his legs made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

In 2023, Dart took his game to another level. He improved his accuracy, reduced his turnovers, and became even more dangerous in the open field. His mobility allowed him to escape pressure and make plays on the move, while his strong arm enabled him to make throws all over the field. Whether it was connecting with his top targets on deep passes or throwing precision strikes on intermediate routes, Dart proved to be a versatile and highly capable quarterback.

What stands out most about Dart is his ability to remain calm under pressure. In a league like the SEC, where the competition is fierce and the stakes are high, Dart has shown time and again that he can lead his team through tough situations. His leadership and confidence have been key components of Ole Miss’ success over the past two seasons.

Dart’s future in college football is bright. With another year of experience under his belt and a talented supporting cast around him, Dart has the potential to push Ole Miss into the upper echelon of college football programs. If he continues to progress and refine his game, he could make a serious push for the NFL Draft in 2025. For now, though, he remains one of the top quarterbacks in college football and one of the key players to watch in the upcoming season.

3. Troy Brown – Linebacker (Ranked #71)

Troy Brown, the standout linebacker for Ole Miss, rounds out the trio of Rebels featured on ESPN’s Top 100 list, coming in at number 71. Brown has been a dominant force in the middle of Ole Miss’ defense since arriving on campus, and his inclusion on this prestigious list is a recognition of his skill, leadership, and consistency on the field.

Brown’s journey to Ole Miss was an interesting one. After spending two years at the junior college level, he transferred to Ole Miss and quickly became one of the best linebackers in the SEC. His ability to read plays, diagnose offenses, and make tackles all over the field has made him a key piece of the Rebels’ defense. Brown’s sideline-to-sideline speed, strong tackling ability, and football IQ have made him one of the most feared linebackers in the conference.

In 2023, Brown had a breakout year, leading Ole Miss in tackles and proving to be a disruptive force in both the run and pass game. His ability to play in space, cover tight ends, and rush the passer made him a versatile player who could impact the game in a variety of ways. He finished the season with over 100 tackles, 5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, making him one of the top linebackers in the nation.

Brown’s leadership on the field has been equally important as his on-field production. As one of the captains of the Ole Miss defense, he has taken on a mentoring role for younger players and has set a standard for effort and discipline. His work ethic and determination have earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

With another year to refine his skills, Brown has the potential to become one of the best linebackers in college football. If he continues to improve and maintain his high level of play, he will likely be one of the top defenders to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft. For now, though, he will look to continue to lead the Ole Miss defense as one of the top players on the team.