Ole Miss Rebels WR Zakhari Franklin 'Chose Not To Play' vs. Georgia Bulldogs; Future Uncertain

Lane Kiffin was vague when speaking on the status of wide receiver Zakhari Franklin, who was absent vs. the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.

The Ole Miss Rebels were run out of Sanford Stadium by the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night, getting blown out 52-17, and plummeting out of the top 10 in the AP Top 25. 

However, that was not the only news to come out of Saturday's blowout loss. 

According to head coach Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss wide receiver Zakhari Franklin - who has been seldom used since arriving in Oxford via the NCAA Transfer Portal - chose not to play on Saturday vs. the Bulldogs. 

Kiffin did not give any further explanation, only that Franklin himself actively chose not to go into the game. 

"He did make the trip," Kiffin said during his Monday press conference. "I don't know the plan for him the rest of the year. So, he ended up ‒ by his decision ‒ not playing. So, you'd have to ask him."

Fortunately for the Rebels, whatever uncertain future Franklin has with the team, will be largely immaterial. Franklin has totaled just four catches for 38 yards thus far in 2023 and has played in just three games. 

He did score a key touchdown in the Rebels 28-21 win over Auburn, however.

Franklin, who was pursued by the Rebels after they lost the commitment of now Florida State star Keon Coleman, posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2021 and 2022 with UTSA, and totaled double-digit touchdowns in each season. 

Last year while helping UTSA claim its second conference title, Franklin posted career highs in receptions (94), receiving yards (1,136), and touchdowns (15).