Heading into the 2016 season, Ole Miss was expected to use the one-two running-game punch of Jordan Wilkins and Akeem Judd. Well, one out of two ain’t bad.
The football program announced Thursday that Wilkins will be ineligible for competition for the 2016 season. The NCAA ruled that Wilkins had failed to meet its standards for progress toward earning his degree.
The school had appealed the decision because of what it described as “an administrative error” on its part to no avail.
“The athletics department takes full responsibility and holds itself accountable when situations like this occur with our student-athletes,” a portion of the school’s statement read. “We will support Jordan to the fullest during this time and look forward to seeing him return to the field.”
Wilkins, who has one more year of eligibility as a fifth-year senior next season, was fourth on the team last season with 379 yards rushing, while his four rushing touchdowns were third. Third on the team in yards was Judd with 421.
With leading rusher Jaylen Walton (730) out of eligibility, Wilkins and Judd were the Rebels’ leading returning rushers.