Oct 14, 2023; West Point, New York, USA; Troy Trojans running back Damien Taylor (24) carries the ball against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Ole Miss Football Lands Pledge From Sought-After All-Conference Transfer Running Back

Originally posted on Ole Miss Rebels on SI | By Zack Nagy | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 2:46 PM ET

Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels have landed a commitment from Troy running back Damien Taylor, he revealed via social media on Sunday.

After landing a trio of commitments this week, Kiffin and Co. remain active in their pursuit of the top talent available with Taylor now in the mix.

Taylor, an All-Sun Belt selection last season, was in Oxford on Saturday to check in with the Ole Miss staff for a quick visit.

During the 2024 season, Taylor logged 1,010 yards on 173 carries to lead the Trojans offense. He pieced together 84.2 yards per game on 5.8 yards per carry along with eight total touchdowns.

BREAKING: Troy transfer RB Damien Taylor has Committed to Ole Miss, he tells @on3sports

The 5’11 220 RB totaled 1,010 yards and 8 TDs last season

Received All-Sun Belt honors

1 year of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/jMbmPmK21p
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 20, 2025

The Troy transfer has received significant attention via the Transfer Portal with multiple SEC programs expressing interest, but it's Ole Miss that ultimately received the lone visit.

Kiffin and Co. continued battling down the stretch for one of the top running backs available after seeing a member of the backfield depart via the portal.

VIP: Troy transfer portal RB Damien Taylor headed to church with Ole Miss staff this Easter Sunday morning. We've got the very latest on his Oxford visit inside...https://t.co/Je9VKWniDp #OleMiss #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/0A1pQ0HSYR
— David Johnson (@Rebels247) April 20, 2025

The Departing Rebel: Jordan Simmons Hits Portal

The Rebels saw running back Jordan Simmons, who only spent the spring with Ole Miss, also enter the portal this week.

Simmons, who transferred in from Akron during the winter window of the Transfer Portal, departs after less than a handful of months with the program.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder will search for a new home in what will be his final season of eligibility during the 2025 season.

Simmons departed the Akron program after leading the Zips with 664 yards and two touchdowns across 11 games in 2024.

Prior to making the move to Akron, Simmons spent four seasons with the Michigan State Spartans where he accumulated 520 total yards on 34 carries during his time in East Lansing.

During Spring Camp in Oxford, it was LSU transfer Logan Diggs and Kewan Lacy handling the majority of reps across the double-digit practices.

I have decided to re-enter the transfer portal as a post-bachelor student-athlete with one year of eligibility remaining. I want to sincerely thank Ole Miss for the opportunities and support. I am now excited and open to exploring the next chapter in my journey.@247PortalUpdate
— Jordon Simmons (@_jaythegr8_) April 16, 2025

For Simmons, he's made a business decision in order to find instant playing time at his next destination.

“I have decided to re-enter the transfer portal as a post-bachelor student-athlete with one year of eligibility remaining,” Simmons wrote via social media.

“I want to sincerely thank Ole Miss for the opportunities and support. I am now excited and open to exploring the next chapter in my journey.”