Jordan Wilkins (22) has been ruled academically ineligible. Photo Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Ole Miss junior running back Jordan Wilkins was ruled academically ineligible for the 2016 season.
Wilkins, listed as a co-starter on the depth chart, rushed for 379 yards as a redshirt sophomore last season. Wilkins failed to meet the NCAA standards for progress toward a degree, Ole Miss said in a press release.
“An appeal was filed with the NCAA for Jordan’s reinstatement based on an administrative error but was denied this week,” Ole Miss announced Thursday. “The athletics department takes full responsibility and holds itself accountable when situations like this occur with our student-athletes. We will support Jordan to the fullest during this time and look forward to seeing him return to the field.”
Jaylen Walton graduated but Ole Miss has options without Wilkins.
Akeem Judd, a 230-pound senior, played in every game last season and had 421 rushing yards with three rushing touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Eric Swinney, a four-star recruit two years ago, could get a chance to be the “co-starter” in Wilkins’ stead.
