Is WR Zakhari Franklin Rebels Top Transfer Addition?
Here comes the Portal King. Expect an open-door policy to be met at the entryway before signing on the dotted line.
Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss football have no intention of slowing down. Last season's 8-5 finish failed to meet the standard set a set season prior that ended with 10 regular season wins and an appearance in the Sugar Bowl.
Kiffin targeted proven names in the transfer portal once more to get back to the standard, adding 17 prospects since the end of the regular season. However, the most impactful prospect touching down in Oxford could be one of the latest.
UTSA receiver Zakhari Franklin joins the Rebels after four productive years in San Antonio. A nuanced route runner with natural hands that work well in space, Franklin should immediately be one of the team's top weapons for whichever quarterback wins the starting job this fall.
Franklin, a two-time 1,000-yard receiver and All-Conference USA first-team member, serves as the veteran of an improved receiving room. He's a natural replacement on the outside that produced consistent numbers working in Will Stein's pass-heavy formation.
Ole Miss lost both its top receivers to the draft in Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath. To combat the departures, the Rebels added former Texas A&M five-star recruit Chris Marshall and Louisiana Tech's Tre Harris.
Marshall was viewed as the receiver with the most upside after a stellar high school career in Houston, but has since been dismissed from the program after violating team rules. Harris has the potential to be one of the top newcomers in the SEC, but his production was still on the rise during his final season in Ruston. Last fall under new coach Sonny Cumbie, Harris recorded career-highs in receptions (65), yards (935) and touchdowns (10).
The addition of Franklin only bolsters a passing game that ranked 59th last season among FBS programs. The veteran impact should provide stability for either Jaxson Dart, Walker Howard or former Oklahoma State standout Spencer Sanders.
The SEC West remains a mystery with questions surrounding perennial powerhouse Alabama. Programs such as Texas A&M, Auburn and LSU seem to be on the rise. Ole Miss remains in the heat of the mix to be this year's surprise roster.
With Franklin added to the fold, those in Oxford are far from surprised by the Rebels' potential entering a new year. Veteran playmakers are developed, not found. Kiffin potentially found the missing link to put Ole Miss back in the driver's seat for New Year Six bowl chatter before kickoff ensues against Mercer.
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