As expected, but now publicly confirmed by Billy Watkins, Ole Miss starting offensive lineman Caleb Warren will exercise his COVID eligibility for the 2024 season. He joins offensive teammates Jordan Watkins, Tre Harris and Caden Prieskorn as confirmed super seniors for next season.
What does Warren bring to the table in 2024?
Options. That’s the versatility he brings and allows for offensive line coach John Garrison along with the rest of the offense. We’ve seen it in previous years and now we’ve seen it again this season.
Ole Miss will be losing two starters within their offensive line in Victor Curne and Quincy McGee for the 2024 season. They’ve added just one offensive lineman through the portal this offseason in interior OL Gerquan Scott.
The return of Warren and potentially two more on the offensive line may make the position group not as big of a need, as list of priorities. That being said, depth will never not be needed, especially there.
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Warren started the first 10 games at center for the Rebels this year, but had to revert back to his old position at guard following the injury to left tackle Jayden Williams against Georgia. It’s a position he played and started at during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Those initial two years of game action saw him at left guard, but he finished the 2023 regular season at right guard.
However, in Lane Kiffin’s most recent press conference last week, he seemed optimistic that Williams would be making a return to the field for the Peach Bowl. If that turns out to be the case, you’ll see Warren back at center.
Warren is the first of the senior offensive linemen to have his 2024 plans announced. We’re optimistic and expecting a return for senior starting right tackle/guard Jeremy James, but nothing has been officially announced.
Kickoff for the 2023 Peach Bowl between No. 11 Ole Miss (10-2) and No. 10 Penn State (10-2) is set for 11 a.m. CT and can be seen on ESPN on Saturday Dec. 30. Ole Miss stands as 3.5-point underdogs, at the time of this writing. Inside the Rebels will be on site for Ole Miss’ season finale and will provide more updates, quotes and stories leading up to game day.