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Ole Miss is ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 ahead of the 2024-25 season. After finishing 20-12 last season, expectations are higher in Oxford as a new season gets underway.
However, the Rebels will be without a key player from last year’s team after T.J. Caldwell announced his decision to redshirt the 2024-25 season.
I’d like to thank Coach Beard and the whole Ole Miss coaching staff and organization for everything they have done and their support of my decision. I have decided to redshirt my junior year.
— TheRealDoski (@TjCaldwell9) November 5, 2024
The guard was originally a 4-star prospect in the 2021 class out of Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff in Texas. Caldwell committed to the Rebels after also receiving interest from Arizona State, West Virginia, TCU, and others.
Caldwell figured to be a key piece of the team again this season after appearing in all 32 games last season. The guard averaged 18.3 minutes, 5.5 points, and 2.3 rebounds per game in 2023-24. Caldwell’s best game came on January 30 against Mississippi State when the guard scored 18 points and collected 3 rebounds.
However, the Rebels added 5 players via the transfer portal, with 3 of those being wings. Dre Davis, Davon Barnes, and Sean Pedulla were all added via the portal and all could play big roles immediately. In the Rebels’ exhibition game against Illinois on October 7, Caldwell did not play.
The Rebels are led by senior guard Matt Murrell. Murrell was a preseason second-team All-SEC selection after averaging a career-best 16.2 points per game in 2023-24. The Rebels tipped off the 2024-25 season on Monday night against Long Island University.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
