Last season, Ole Miss felt so close to something historic. But they missed the mark. They went on to finish 10-3 overall and 5-3 in the SEC. While the records seem quite ok, the fandom expected more, considering Lane Kiffin was all-in in 2024. The world needed a trip from Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff. Instead, they got a collection of missed chances, offensive misfires, and backfield issues.
Sure, Jaxson Dart delivered in the air. But on the ground, is where the pain points showed. Injuries, inconsistency, and the departure of a superstar in the backfield turned what could’ve been a playoff push into just another big what-if in Oxford history. Now, as the 2025 season comes along, the Rebels are making big changes. Their latest change might just save the backfield.
Ole Miss Lands Troy RB Damien Taylor After 1,000-Yard Season
Kiffin hit the transfer portal yet again. And this time, he has made a good decision and is walking out with a bundle of potential. Troy running back Damien Taylor will be donning the Ole Miss cleats this season.
Taylor is a former 3-star from Northport, Alabama, and is coming off a career-best season. Last season, Taylor had 1,010 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and a gaudy 5.8 yards per carry. That is the kind of stats that takes a team to the Playoffs. But that’s not the only reason Taylor is on the team.
Taylor is the answer to a question that’s been haunting Ole Miss fans since Quinshon Judkins left for Columbus. Judkins’ departure to Ohio State left a hole in the Rebels’ offensive play.
Now, Henry Parrish was meant to be the next man up. But injuries sidelined that plan. Meanwhile, Ulysses Bentley had his moments with his 89-yard run in the Egg Bowl. But Bentley was used so sporadically that the effectiveness was low.
What Does Taylor Bring To the Table?
Well, for starters, consistency and a no-nonsense downhill style. The best part about this is that Taylor doesn’t need to adjust. He has proven he can carry the load. He has 1,300 yards across three seasons at Troy and has had 5.6 yards per carry over his collegiate career.
Taylor was also an All-Sun Belt Second Team selection last season. To add on, he was also ranked among the Top 125 running backs in his class and placed within the Top 75 overall prospects coming out of Alabama.
In 2024, the Rebels dropped three games by a combined 13 points. In the matchups against Florida, LSU, and Kentucky, the offense stalled just enough to let the opponents win. Now, if there had been a strong, dependable run here, it would have changed everything. And that is what Taylor brings.
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Kiffin knows what he’s doing here. With Dart off to the next chapter and Austin Simmons likely stepping in, giving the young QB a reliable backfield is important. And Taylor has got one year left to make it count.
So, while 2024 did not end in a playoff appearance, with additions like this, Ole Miss fans have every reason to believe 2025 might finally be the year their Rebels break through. Taylor could be the piece that helps Oxford find its way back into the national spotlight.
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