REPORT: Rebels Defensive End Cedric Johnson to Opt Out of Peach Bowl

Ole Miss Rebels defensive end Cedric Johnson is reportedly opting out of the Peach Bowl.

OXFORD — Ole Miss Rebels defensive end Cedric Johnson is opting out of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions later this month, reports indicated on Thursday. 

On3 was the first to have the news of Johnson’s decision. In four years with the Rebels, Johnson accumulated 112 total tackles and 22 TFLs for a total of 106 yards. He also tallied 19 sacks over that span, and he will now turn his attention to preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft.  

Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report

Johnson marks the first reported opt out for Ole Miss for this New Year’s Six bowl game, one that marks a historic opportunity for the Rebels to conclude the 2023 season. If Ole Miss is able to come away with a win over Penn State, it will mark the first 11-win season in program history and will account for the first NY6 win under current head coach Lane Kiffin.

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Kickoff in the Peach Bowl is set for 11 a.m. CT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Dec. 30, and the game will be televised on ESPN.