Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss strengthens roster with massive QB move in transfer portal

Lane Kiffin guided Ole Miss to a 10-3 record in the 2024 college football season. The Rebels had solid quarterback play from Jaxson Dart, who threw for over 200 yards in all but two games. However, with Dart set for the NFL, the Rebels have a vacant QB1 slot ready for the taking. That's why their addition of Pierce Clarkson via the transfer portal is major news for the program.

Clarkson moves from Louisville to Ole Miss through the portal and joins Kiffin's side ahead of the 2025 college football season.

Pierce Clarkson was a sought-after prospect

Pierce Clarkson was a four-star prospect from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California. He was ranked as one of the best high school quarterbacks coming out of California in the class of 2023.

Clarkson had offers from numerous high-caliber programs, including, but not limited to, Florida State, Ole Miss, and UCLA. He cited Louisville legend Lamar Jackson as one of his biggest influences growing up and a reason for his commitment to the Cardinals.

However, Clarkson's stay with the Cardinals did not go as planned. He appeared in just three games over a two-season spell with the program. Clarkson was never higher than third on the program's depth chart, and he will look to get more playing time at Ole Miss.

What does Pierce Clarkson bring to Ole Miss?

Clarkson is a dual-threat quarterback with a solid arm and decent pocket presence. He thrived at the high school level and has shown his ability when entrusted with the starting role.

He'll join a quarterback room at Ole Miss that includes Austin Simmons and AJ Maddox, both of whom are vying for the QB1 slot left by Jaxson Dart. Dart is viewed as one of the better quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft pool, and he'll be a difficult shotcaller to replace ahead of the 2025 college football season.