It's hard to blame Lane Kiffin for taking a promotion. The LSU Tigers are a college football powerhouse, owning a pipeline of NFL talent, a knack for high-level recruiting, and an undeniable stamp on the sport's culture. This is a better job on a bigger stage than the Ole Miss Rebels can consistently provide; the cash doesn't hurt, either.
And yet, Mississippi is a victim of the NCAA schedule. Kiffin, on some level, chose his next job over his current College Football Playoff push.
The Rebels have every right to feel scorned and betrayed, and losing a coach of this magnitude will have a significant effect on the team's short- and long-term success. While the CFP will take precedence, Mississippi could also lose legitimate talent to the 2026 NFL Draft. Those prospects could play their final collegiate game without the head coach who got them there.
Top Ole Miss NFL Draft prospects
Trinidad Chambliss, QB
Chambliss might be Kiffin's most impressive success in Oxford. A transfer from Ferris State, Chambliss came out of nowhere to light up college football's most prestigious conference.
Despite the raw perception of his game, there are statistical indicators to suggest his low-level pass attempts accelerated real development. According to Pro Football Focus, his 5.6% Big-Time Throw percentage is impressive, and his 1.8% Turnover-Worthy Play percentage showcases a willingness to keep the ball out of harm's way, often by relying on his legs. His mobility makes his 15.8% pressure-to-sack rate intuitive, and he ran for 470 yards and six scores on the ground.
Like Jaxson Dart before him, Chambliss has a significant schematic hurdle waiting for him at the next level. Kiffin's offense is among the most successful in college football, but it is quite far from prototypical Sunday operations.
That will sprinkle some doubt on Chambliss' profile. More pressing, though, is a 6'0", 200-pound frame. He compensates with elite athleticism, but one season of high-level competition might not be enough to get him drafted. Perhaps a strong playoff performance could change evaluators' minds.
Dae'Quan Wright, TE
The best draft-eligible player on this offense might be Wright -- even if Kiffin's offense prioritized several other talents. It's built on the perimeter, and Wright's ability to win in-line may be better used elsewhere.
At 6'3", 255 pounds, Wright has enough size to stick as a versatile offense that can be competent in-line and proficient in the slot. His athletic profile is fairly similar to draftnik-favorite Ben Sinnott, and it is easy to see him stepping in as a second tight end before eventually becoming a starter.
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Wright's sub-4.70 speed makes him a viable receiving threat. He's averaging 11 yards after the catch and has just a single drop in 2025. He's reliable in pass protection, too, with flashes in the ground game that inspire growth his frame is capable of.
Despite never posting 500 yards or five scores in a season, Wright looks the part of an early-Day 3 selection who has a role in Year 1.
Suntarine Perkins, EDGE
Mississippi is rarely known for its defensive prowess, but there are multiple draftable talents on this unit. Chief among them is Perkins, although his path to playing on Sundays might require a position change.
Currently, Perkins is lining up along the edge over 80% of the time. I'm more interested in the 50 snaps he has played at linebacker.
Perkins is listed at 220 pounds. That number will increase during the pre-draft circuit, but if he is playing at that weight, he's operating as an outlier, without elite production to compensate. There's a position change to off-ball 'backer waiting for him with his congratulatory NFL Draft phone call, and there's reason to believe he can make the switch.
He is used fairly often in coverage already, and has half as many interceptions (one) as sacks (two) in 2025. His five passes defended are encouraging, and he has played well against high-level SEC competition.
Zxavian Harris, DT
Harris' collegiate career tells a story of continued progression from experience and physical maturity. A four-year contributor in Oxford, Harris barely played as a freshman but has seen his playing time increase each autumn. His effectiveness has followed suit.
His sack and tackle-for-loss totals have followed a similar path. While Harris has moved across the defensive line, his most likely role at the next level is at nose tackle. Listed at 6'7", 330 pounds, it is easy to see why.
Harris is a strong run defender who moves well for his size, but isn't the type of athlete to produce real pass-rushing numbers in the NFL. His mass, though, doesn't slump. That utility makes him useful, and there's enough proficiency in his profile to feel comfortable with regular early-down reps.
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