Ole Miss Rebels' Spencer Sanders 'Odd Man Out' in Quarterback Competition?

Spencer Sanders transferred to Ole Miss with aspirations of starting in his final year of eligibility.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels are entering fall camp with four quarterbacks on their roster, but some believe that that number could possibly dwindle as the regular season approaches.

Quarterback Spencer Sanders transferred to Ole Miss this offseason with hopes of starting in his final year of eligibility but was limited during spring practices due to injury. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin updated reporters on his injury at the 2023 SEC Media Days last Thursday and explained that Sanders is back to full speed after not being "100 percent" during spring practices.

Despite no longer being hampered by injury, 247Sports expects Sanders to be the odd man out this fall.

"Ole Miss entering the season with four scholarship quarterbacks is unlikely," 247Sports writes. "Those close to the team believe there's going to be an odd man out and several sources said that player could be [Spencer] Sanders... Sanders is now finishing up summer credits and will graduate before September. That means he'll be eligible to leave as a graduate transfer should that be the direction he chooses."

Sanders has the most starting experience on the Ole Miss roster, but the veteran is reportedly falling behind in the crowded competition. Incumbent starter Jaxson Dart showed immense improvement this spring and transfer Walker Howard flashed his future potential during the 2023 Grove Bowl. Kiffin also flipped four-star Austin Simmons from the Florida Gators in June.

Assuming Sanders finishes his summer credits on time, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy will have the option of leaving Ole Miss as a graduate transfer ahead of the regular season. 

Personally, I do not see Sanders winning the Ole Miss quarterback battle, but it does not make much sense for him to transfer this close to the start of the season. Unless another team suffers an unforeseen injury at the quarterback position ahead of Week 1, Sanders' options would likely be extremely limited in the portal.

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You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.

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