Lane Kiffin: Ole Miss Rebels LB TJ Dudley Will Play In Peach Bowl

Dudley will make his Ole Miss debut in Atlanta against the No. 10 Nittany Lions.

Ole Miss is adding reinforcements to its roster for the Peach Bowl. 

Rebels coach Lane Kiffin announced Wednesday that linebacker TJ Dudley is eligible to play against No. 10 Penn State in Atlanta on Dec. 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

Dudley, a 6-1, 230-pound wrecking crew, transferred to Ole Miss this summer following his freshman season at Clemson after being dismissed from the program. He did not receive the waiver necessary to play for the Rebels during the regular season. 

Clemson linebacker Kobe McCloud (31) watches as linebacker TJ Dudley (26) runs in a drill during the first day of fall football practice at the Allen Reeves Complex in Clemson Friday, August 5, 2022. Clemson Football First Day Fall Practice  / USA Today-Sports

Recently, the NCAA released a statement granting eligibility to multi-transfer athletes, thus opening the door for Dudley to suit up next week. Kiffin said during the regular season that Dudley should be eligible to play, but the NCAA ruling wouldn't allow him to suit up for the bowl game. 

"All that we've been told, he's been confirmed that he can play in the bowl game," Kiffin said Wednesday. "That's neat for him that he can have the opportunity to do that. I think it should have been that way anyway."

Last season with the Tigers, Dudley recorded two tackles in four games. He was a four-star recruit from Montgomery, Ala., who chose Clemson over Alabama, LSU, and Texas, among others. 

Dudley's performance in the Peach Bowl could lead to him carving out a starting role at middle linebacker. The Rebels focused their attention this recruiting cycle on adding quality defensive depth, including securing the transfer of Arkansas standout Chris Paul. 

Kiffin continues to fortify the Rebels' lineup with proven commodities from the SEC. Along with Paul, Ole Miss added cornerback Decamerion Richardson (Mississippi State), pass-rushers Tyler Baron (Tennessee) and Princely Umanmielen (Florida), and safeties Tamarion McDonald (Tennessee) and Key Lawrence (Oklahoma).

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“We signed and improved with significant players in the SEC, especially on defense," said Kiffin. "We’ll compete with a chance to be an elite defense in the SEC.”

The Rebels will look to secure their first 11-win season in program history with a victory over the Nittany Lions at 11 a.m. CT on Dec. 30.