Elijah Southwick
Ole Miss WR Tre Harris enjoyed a major breakout during the 2023 college football season. Harris transferred to Ole Miss before the season from Louisiana Tech. Harris didn’t miss a step in his transition from Conference USA to the big show of the SEC, putting up a career high and team-leading 985 receiving yards in 12 games. His big breakout may have put himself in position to be drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Harris opted to return to Ole Miss for another season.
Harris’ 985 receiving yards was good for fifth-most in the conference. Ahead of them on that list include 2024 NFL draft locks Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Xavier Legette as well as future NFL draft lock Luther Burden. With Harris returning to Ole Miss alongside QB Jaxson Dart, Harris could be in line to put up major numbers in the SEC in 2024.
At 6-foot-2, 200+ pounds, Harris has good size. He’s a physical receiver with excellent contested catch abilities. He’s a hard-nosed runner with the ball in his hands, shedding tackles from SEC defensive backs with relative ease at times. He doesn’t lack speed or elusiveness despite his physical playstyle.
With his frame, film, and a great year in the SEC under his belt, Harris would’ve had a strong NFL draft profile. The opportunity to run it back with head coach Lane Kiffin and QB Jaxson Dart must’ve been more appealing than making an immediate jump to the NFL. Life as a college football player has drastically improved in recent years due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling regarding athletes’ name, image and likeness (NIL). For some of college football’s stars, the best path to the NFL isn’t necessarily the shortest one anymore.
On top of that, Ole Miss ranked seventh in ESPN’s 2024 Way-Too-Early college football rankings. With the College Football Playoff expanding in 2024 to 12 teams, Harris and the Rebels have a legitimate shot at a spot in the inaugural expanded playoff and a chance at a national championship.
With his potential NFL career not set to start for at least another year, Harris will have high status as one of the best receivers returning to the SEC. He may find himself on preseason All-SEC lists and other award watchlists. With a big-time season in 2024, Harris could find himself in a great spot to get good NFL draft capital in 2025.