'I'm Outta Here': Ole Miss Rebels WR Dayton Wade Intends To Declare For 2024 NFL Draft
Ole Miss receiver Dayton Wade has one more year of eligibility remaining, but he has his sights set on Sunday football.
Wade, one of the Rebels' top weapons in 2023, told SEC Network Monday that he intends to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.
"I'm outta here," Wade said during the interview. "I'm definitely going to have to pursue my dreams and go chase this NFL dream."
Wade shined in 2023 as the No. 2 weapon for the Rebels behind Tre Harris. He finished second in receptions (52), receiving yards (769), and touchdowns (4), and averaged 14.8 yards per reception.
Initially a walk-on after transferring from Western Kentucky, Wade became a household name in Oxford and a vocal presence in the locker room. His best game came against Vanderbilt when he totaled career-highs in catches (8) and receiving yards (120). He also scored a touchdown in the second quarter en route to a 33-7 victory.
Ole Miss wide receiver Dayton Wade runs in the open field against LSU at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.
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Wade was one of four standouts in the passing attack for Lane Kiffin's offense in 2023. He was versatile, lining up both on the perimeter and in the slot, making the most of his reps while on the field.
While expecting to go pro, Wade did not specify if he would play one final time for the No. 11 Rebels in the Peach Bowl against No. 10 Penn State on Dec. 30. Rebels coach Lane Kiffin did say during the bowl's introductory press conference, however, that he does not expect any player to opt out for the game.
"No disrespect to our guys, but just for grades coming back and conversations with our guys in general, I don't think that we have guys really in that conversation, that first round type of grade or projection to potentially opt out," Kiffin said. "So, I don't think that will be an issue with us this year."
Kickoff from Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Nittany Lions is scheduled for Noon E.T.
