Ole Miss football preview 2023: Here’s the top storylines as fall approaches

Summer break is nearing its unfortunate end and that only means one thing:

College football is nigh.

The stories around the SEC are centered around the anticipated entrances of Texas and Oklahoma and the elimination of divisions going forward. With the upcoming season approaching, conversations can now shift to the upcoming season and how it might play out.

Here are a few of the headlines to monitor in Oxford as the Ole Miss football seasons gets ready to ramp up.

The QB Cluster

Without question, the star of the Rebel offense is Quinshon Judkins. The question becomes, which quarterback will be responsible for getting him the ball?

They two is company and three’s a crowd and well the QB room in Oxford is crowded. Returning starter Jaxson Dart should be considered the favorite to hang onto the job but transfers Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard might have something to say.

Rumors abound when it comes to the purpose of Sanders’ transfer, but the fact is that he chose Oxford as a senior, for a reason. Is he injury insurance for Dart? Is he here to actually compete for the starting job?

As Howard is expected to wait his turn behind these two, perhaps the biggest storyline heading into the season is the possible position battle under center.

Wide Receiver Reps, Wide Open?

Aside from slot stud Dayton Wade, who the hell is catching passes from whomever wins the quarterback job?!?!?!

Malik Heath and Jonathan Mingo leave massive holes in the Rebel offense with their departures. We know the names on the roster, but which of them will step up?

Can Bralon Brown finally tap into the potential we have been sold on? Will transfers Tre Harris or Zakhari Coleman produce in the SEC? What about former transfers Jalen Knox and Jordan Watkins?

Will freshman Ayden Williams, Jeremiah Dillon or Larry Simmons make an impact this season?

If the receivers do not step up, could the offense lean on the talented crop of tight ends to carry the receiving load? Michael Trigg is huge key to the offense as perhaps the most talented pass catcher, but can he stay healthy and keep his head on straight?

6’7” Hudson Wolfe is still on campus and could be a factor as well as Memphis transfer Caden Prieskorn.

Impact Newcomers

The talk of the freshman class was Suntarine Perkins who is listed as a linebacker. Khari Coleman and Ashanti Cistrunk are returners at the position while Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste and Monty Montgomery have transferred in expecting to have an immediate impact. Perkins will have to earn it, but he may prove impossible to keep off the field.

Victor Curne and Quincy McGee are transfer seniors that bring depth to the offensive line while Joshua Harris and Stephon Wynn Jr. have come in on the defensive line to compete for a prominent role.

The secondary has a major overhaul with Zamari Walton, Justin Hodges, Jadon Canady, DeShawn Gaddie Jr, John Saunders Jr and Daijahn Anthony will all be in the mix as Isheem Young, Deantre Prince and Ladarius Tennison are the lone returners of any note.