Lane Kiffin Confirms Cedric Johnson Peach Bowl Opt-Out

Cedric Johnson is headed to the NFL after a dominant final season in Oxford.

Before travel plans were set in motion to Atlanta, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin said there were no expected opt-outs for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. 

That plan has now changed. 

Kiffin confirmed that edge rusher Cedric Johnson would not play against No. 10 Penn State on Saturday in Atlanta as he intends to enter the NFL draft. The fourth-year Rebels coach said he was "surprised" by the announcement after having previous conversations with players earlier in the week. 

Ole Miss Rebels defensive end Cedric Johnson  / Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report

“I probably jinxed myself by saying that,” Kiffin said Tuesday. “Wish him the best of luck. We’ll miss him. He was a really important part of this team but everybody has to make their own decision nowadays. Kids think about things differently and so it is what it is, but everybody else is here.”

The 2023 Chuck Mullins Courage Award recipient, Johnson posted 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries in 12 games this season. He finished tied with Jared Ivey for the team lead in sacks and pressures. 

"Ced is a valuable piece of our defense," said Rebels linebacker Ashanti Cistrunk. "It's gonna hurt us a lot, but next man up mentality. We're gonna get the next man in, and he's gonna perform and do what he's gotta do.”

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Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. The Rebels will look to clinch their first 11-win season in program history.