How Does Quinshon Judkins’ Departure Impact Ole Miss’ 2024 Momentum?

The Ole Miss Rebels lost a star at running back on Thursday, but how does it affect the trajectory of the program entering next season?

The Ole Miss Rebels and Quinshon Judkins have parted ways, and a new era at the running back position will soon begin in Oxford.

Judkins, who entered the transfer portal on Thursday, has been a key piece of Ole Miss' offense since he arrived for the 2022 season, but how much does his departure affect the current momentum on the roster entering 2024?

In short, not much. At least, it shouldn't, anyway.

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The Rebels return a vast majority of their offensive talent from this season, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, wide receivers Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins and tight end Caden Prieskorn. Lane Kiffin-coached teams also have a tendency to be successful on the ground regardless of whether or not a superstar is in the backfield. Since Kiffin arrived at Ole Miss, the Rebels have averaged 215.5 yards per game on the ground, and while talent is obviously a key part of that, there is no reason to believe that this staff won’t find a suitable answer at tailback.

If Ulysses Bentley returns next season, Ole Miss currently has two capable running backs on its roster in the forms of him and Kedrick Reescano. That's not a bad place to start, but something tells me that this staff in particular will seek an additional answer in the transfer portal in the days ahead.

It’s evident that this staff can successfully navigate the portal, and with Judkins now looking for a home elsewhere, this may be the opportunity for a running back already in the college ranks to make his skills known in this offense.

It shouldn’t be believed, however, that Judkins’ loss is no matter at all. It’s never great when a supreme talent leaves your roster, and that’s what Quinshon has proven to be at Ole Miss.

Instead, this is just not a time to panic for Ole Miss fans by any means. Judkins’ departure does not derail what this program accomplished in 2023 and what it can still accomplish in 2024. 

The Rebels entered Thursday as College Football Playoff contenders for next year, and they will exit Thursday in the same way. 

'Grateful!' Judkins Posts Departure Message to Ole Miss After Entering Transfer Portal

In short, these things happen, especially in the current “professionalized” era of college football with NIL and the transfer portal. But what has also been shown to happen in recent years is that Kiffin & Co. have found a way to make it work through adversity, and with all the momentum that is heading into 2024, there’s no reason to believe that all their goals aren’t still on the table after this announcement.