The Ole Miss Rebels are looking to make a big impact in the SEC this year, but they have already lost a key piece of their offense after wide receiver Laquon Treadwell headed to the NFL. Now it looks like they could be down a piece of their backfield in Jordan Wilkins.
The school announced Thursday morning that Wilkins had been ruled ineligible for the 2016 season after an “administrative error” put him in a position where he was not on track to obtain his degree in the correct amount of time for a collegiate athlete.
This is a huge blow for the senior as he was expected to be the team’s starting running back going into the season.
“Jordan Wilkins will miss the 2016 regular season after not meeting NCAA standards for progress toward degree,” the school said in a statement.
“An appeal was filed with the NCAA for Jordan’s reinstatement based on an administrative error but was denied this week. The athletics department takes full responsibility and holds itself accountable when situations occur with our student-athletes. We will support Jordan to the fullest during this time and look forward to seeing him return to the field.”
The Rebels will now likely have to rely on Akeem Judd, who was competing with Wilkins for the starting role, Eric Swinney, who redshirted during his true freshman year in 2015 after suffering a stress fracture, and Eugene Brazley.
During the 2015 season, Wilkins rushed for 379 yards and four touchdowns, second among returning Rebel rushers. This is a big blow for the team and they look to move forward without him this year.
Ole Miss opens the 2016 season in Orlando against Florida State on Sept. 5.
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