Me too but this is the NIL/transfer portal world now — it’s gonna take some getting used to

There’s some reports surfacing that Judkins was becoming somewhat of a distraction as well — obviously I’m not on the team and can’t vouch for those reports but a few folks who cover Ole Miss have said as such

Apparently, Judkins developed an attitude problem and caused issues in the locker room.  His negativity towards the OL may have caused the OL to not block effectively on some Judkins run plays.  In addition, if he is getting big NIL money, the OL may say,  "Why don't I get that more money, too?  We are the ones blocking to give the RB the running holes."

Things seemed to have started just before spring practice when Judkins walked into the coach's office and indicated that he needed a significant increase in his NIL or he was going to transfer.  He had already been given a substantial increase at the time, but since he was someone the whole staff liked and he was needed, they agreed to get him more money.  

During the 2023 season, Judkins became an issue in the locker room as well as on the field.  He caused some fights and had a bad attitude in the locker room. Much of this started after the  Mercer game and then progressed the week of the Tulane game.  After the Tulane game, things got much worse with his all-about-me attitude.

Judkins leaving was a mutual parting of ways urged by Ole Miss. He was causing too much locker room conflict, so Kiffin and the coaching staff decided to part ways with Judkins.  The event that really caused the parting of ways was the drama in the Peach Bowl.

Allegedly, a NIL amount was agreed to before the Peach Bowl.  During the Peach Bowl, Judkins caused dissension on the team by repeatedly yelling at offensive linemen. During the game, Dart had to call a timeout and ask Lane to take Judkins out because he was being disruptive.  Check out the video link below to see how Jayden Williams and the other OLs ignored Judkins after a tackle.  In most cases, the OLs help the RB get up.

https://x.com/ProudPatriot401/status/1743049653170606157?s=20
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The Rebels may be focusing on RBs Jase McClellan from AL or Jacquez Hunter from AU.  Either or both would be an excellent pickup for Ole Miss.  Regardless, Bentley is a quality running back and will have his chance to become the stable RB in 2024.  In addition, Kedrick Reescano, who is on the roster, will be a Sophomore in 2024.  As a   prospect, Reescano was ranked as the nation’s 148th-ranked recruit in the 2023 On3 Consensus Rankings, the No. 7 running back in the country, and the No. 31 senior in the state of Texas.

NIL has ruined college football, and now it is a semi-pro league.  I am thankful I experienced true college football during my years because the game will never be the same with NIL.  Once again, the greed for money ruins something good.

The psyche of most OLs, if an RB is yelling at them and criticizing their play, would be to probably not block effectively for that RB, especially if the RB gets big NIL money and has an all-about-me attitude with no compassion for his fellow teammates.  Unfortunately, Judkins turned into a team cancer, and you have to admire Kiffin for cutting him loose.  On the team, you want to develop a culture where you need players who want to play together, build chemistry, and get along.  Judkins just decided to not be a part of it, and by his actions, he most likely will not be able to handle money and fame.

Rumors are swirling that the Judkins camp has reached about about returning. If I'm Lane, I'm not sure I'd take him back. A fractured locker room is a coach's nightmare.