"Legitimate upper elite echelon SEC team" - Paul Finebaum picks an early contender for 2024 season after massive transfer portal overhaul

As the 2023 season concludes, one SEC team has captured the attention of ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum – the Ole Miss Rebels.

In the wake of a massive overhaul through the transfer portal, Finebaum sees 11th-ranked Ole Miss setting the stage for a promising 2024 season.

“Lane Kiffin has taken this program to an occasional contender, but mostly pretender, to a legitimate upper-elite-echelon SEC team,” Finebaum said on 'McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning.'"

Finebaum identifies Kiffin's ability to connect with players as a key factor in his recruiting success.

"He just has this innate ability for reliability," Finebaum said. "For a guy that we all know can be awkward, quirky, he can look right into these players' eyes and communicate. He's always been able to do that, and I think his reputation on the offensive side is unparalleled."

Lane Kiffin's reputation on the offensive side and his youthful demeanor create a unique appeal that remains with players.

"He’s made difference where he can, he has a great collective as you guys know, and it’s hard to find anybody more effective right now in the portal than Lane," Finebaum said.

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Ole Miss and its transfer portal triumph: A strategic move for SEC success

The Rebels' ascent to the top is not solely attributed to coaching prowess; their success is bolstered by a remarkable transfer portal overhaul designed for SEC success.

Finebaum highlighted the addition of key players such as wide receiver Antwane "Juice" Wells and defensive standouts Princely Umanmielen, Tyler Baron and Chris Paul Jr.

According to 247Sports, Ole Miss boasts the top-ranked transfer portal class for 2024, solidifying the program's position as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.