Every 1,000-Yard Rusher in Ole Miss Football History

Let’s face it: Ole Miss is a quarterback factory — and not only because of the Mannings.

Entering the 2025 season, the Rebels have almost as many 3,000-yard passers (9) as they do 1,000-yard rushers (10). And one of their 1,000-yard rushers — John Rhys Plumlee — was a quarterback.

But did you know: Ole Miss legend John “Kayo” Dottley set the SEC single-season rushing record with 1,312 yards in 1949 — and held the record until 1977!

Credit Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin for re-emphasizing the run as part of his up-tempo attack. The most recent Rebel to rush for 1,000 twice in a career — Quinshon Judkins — did so under Kiffin.

Here’s a complete look at Ole Miss’ 1,000-yard rushers.

Ole Miss’ 1,000-Yard Rushers

Kayo Dottley, the first 1,000-yard rusher in Ole Miss history, also was the first Rebel to reach 1,000 yards twice. But he’s not the only Rebel to accomplish that.

Ole Miss’ Single-Season Rushing Record Progression

Some SEC programs have had more than 5 players hold the single-season rushing record, once somebody passed the 1,000-yard mark.

Not Ole Miss.

The Rebels’ record book has only been updated twice (bold indicates year record was broken):

Chris Wright

Managing Editor

A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.