Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff are known for their aggressive approach to recruiting, particularly in the transfer portal. Their latest target? South Alabama running back Fluff Bothwell, a dynamic offensive weapon who could add serious depth and versatility to the Rebels’ backfield. Reports surfaced this week that Bothwell is visiting Ole Miss, signaling the program’s intent to bolster their rushing attack as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Here’s a closer look at Bothwell’s background, why Ole Miss is targeting him, and what his potential impact could be if he decides to don the red and blue.
Fluff Bothwell has been a standout at South Alabama, becoming one of the most explosive players in the Sun Belt Conference. During the 2024 season, Bothwell rushed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He also showcased his versatility by contributing as a receiver out of the backfield, adding 350 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, Bothwell combines speed, vision, and power, making him a nightmare for defenders in open space. His ability to break tackles and hit home runs on big plays has drawn attention from Power Five programs looking to upgrade their offensive firepower.
The Rebels are coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which they leaned heavily on their running game. Quinshon Judkins, one of the best running backs in the SEC, has been the cornerstone of the Ole Miss offense. However, with Judkins declaring for the NFL Draft, the Rebels are in search of a player who can fill the void and maintain their dynamic rushing attack.
Bothwell fits the mold perfectly. His combination of experience, production, and versatility makes him an ideal candidate to step into the Ole Miss backfield. Additionally, Kiffin’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes speed and mismatches, seems tailor-made for Bothwell’s skill set.
By targeting Bothwell, Ole Miss is not only looking to replace Judkins but also aiming to create a backfield capable of keeping defenses guessing. Pairing Bothwell with current backs on the roster would give the Rebels a multi-dimensional rushing attack, allowing them to maintain their status as one of the SEC’s most potent offenses.
Kiffin has long been a proponent of using the transfer portal to address team needs. In fact, the portal has been a cornerstone of his recruiting strategy since he arrived in Oxford. Adding Bothwell would be another significant win for the Rebels in the portal, and it would further solidify their reputation as a destination for top-tier talent looking for a fresh start.
Bothwell’s decision will likely hinge on his fit within the Ole Miss offense, as well as his opportunity to compete for immediate playing time. The Rebels have proven they can offer both, which makes them a compelling option for the South Alabama standout.
If Bothwell commits to Ole Miss, he would instantly become one of the most intriguing players to watch in the SEC. His ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver would add a new dimension to the Rebels’ offense, forcing defenses to account for him on every play.
Bothwell’s experience as a lead back would also provide stability to a backfield that will be transitioning after the departure of Judkins. With Kiffin’s ability to scheme around his players’ strengths, Bothwell could see his production skyrocket in the Rebels’ high-octane system.
While Ole Miss appears to be in the driver’s seat for Bothwell, they aren’t the only program interested in his services. Other SEC schools, as well as top-tier programs from the Big Ten and ACC, are reportedly keeping tabs on the South Alabama standout.
Bothwell’s visit to Oxford is a positive sign for the Rebels, but Kiffin and his staff will need to close the deal to ensure he doesn’t slip through their fingers.
Fluff Bothwell’s potential move to Ole Miss could be a game-changer for the Rebels as they look to build on their recent success. With his combination of talent and experience, Bothwell has the tools to make an immediate impact in the SEC and help Ole Miss remain competitive in one of college football’s toughest conferences.
For now, all eyes are on Oxford as the Rebels look to secure another high-profile addition through the transfer portal. If Kiffin can land Bothwell, it will be yet another example of how Ole Miss continues to punch above its weight in the highly competitive landscape of college football recruiting.