Is it just me, or does the “Dead Period” feel anything but dead? The transfer portal is buzzing, and Ole Miss is making some serious moves. Just when you thought things would quiet down, former LSU running back JT Lindsey is packing his bags for Oxford. He’s reuniting with his old coach, Frank Wilson.
Now, even though Lindsey didn’t take action at LSU this past season, don’t let that fool you. This guy has got skills! Standing at 6 foot 1 and weighing 191 pounds, he was a standout at Alexandria High School in Louisiana. In fact, he was ranked as a four-star recruit and came in as the No. 7 running back in the 2025 recruiting class per 247sports rankings.
During his senior year at Alexandria, Lindsey put up some jaw-dropping numbers: 2,361 rushing yards and an impressive 33 touchdowns on just 302 carries. He also snagged three receiving touchdowns with another 248 yards to boot! His performance earned him the title of MaxPreps Louisiana High School Player of the Year for 2024. And let’s not forget about his junior year—he racked up 1,729 rushing yards and scored another 26 touchdowns while contributing in the return game.
With all that talent heading to Ole Miss, it looks like they’re ready to reap what they’ve sown once again.
The Fit in the Sip
With the Frank Wilson running back era officially in full force, expect Lindsey to be on a strong path to be developed into a break out back for the Rebels’ running back room. Lethal running backs are not just ball carriers; they are playmakers who can change the course of a game with their unique blend of speed, agility, and creativity, and an addition like JT Lindsey has all the skills to be that and more. Here is the quick scout on the newest addition for the Rebels.
Solid Initial Acceleration
Lindsey has a strong ability to burst out of the backfield at top speed and get those early yards. He can explode off the line, creating immediate opportunities for big plays. In him being able to do this, he allows the ability to capitalize on gaps in the defense before they have time to close up.
He boasts an impressive top-end speed. He is able to maintain high speeds that leave defenders scrambling to catch up. This combination makes Lindsey a threats not only for short gains but also for long touchdowns.
Quick-Footed in the Hole
When it comes to navigating through defenses, Lindseys quick footwork pays off. He is an agile back good at maneuvering through those tight holes created by offensive linemen. His keen ability to make split-second decisions while maintaining balance allows him to slip through small openings where others might get stuck. With his elite foot speed and agility in his lateral movement, he knows how to leverage that to get an edge over defenders, resulting in those explosive runs.
Move-Stringing Ability at First and Second Levels
Lindsey is skilled when it comes to anticipating the defense. His ability to know what sort of pressure it could be and he knows how to adjust his movement accordingly. In doing this, he knows how to weave between defenders rather than run directly into contact.
Creative Runner When Necessary
Lindsey knows how to separate himself from just being a great to elite running back, and that comes with his creative play. Sure, you have to stay the course when it comes to blocking schemes, but in the SEC every running back, at least the elite ones, has to be a creative runner. Lindsey shows strong flashes of that adaptability in real time. He has an innate sense of being able to find the open space and knows how to exploit the mismatches against his defender. Whether it be a spin move or sudden cuts to catch them off guard, he knows how to make a path to break free and get into open space.
Slippery Tackle Breaker
One of the most exhilarating aspects of watching a dynamic running back is witnessing their ability to evade tackles effortlessly. Lindsey is indeed a slippery tackle breaker that just doesn’t boast strength but also finesse in avoiding hits from defenders trying to bring them down.
He is cunning when it comes to knowing what moves to put on his would-be tacklers too and he thrives under pressure. His ability to remain upright while absorbing contact makes him incredibly difficult for the opposition.
Sudden Cuts That Free Them Up
Finally, one cannot overlook the importance of sudden cuts in a successful running game plan. The best running backs know how to make sharp cuts that create separation between themselves and pursuing defenders—often leaving those defenders grasping at air instead of jersey fabric.
Lindsey has no problem when it comes to those sudden changes in direction, and he executes with precision and timing; it’s almost like watching art unfold on grass as he navigates through traffic toward daylight ahead.
Being an effective running back requires much more than just physical attributes; it demands intelligence combined with skillful execution under pressure—all while possessing creativity that keeps defenses guessing every play! Whether it’s initial acceleration off-the-line or masterfully breaking tackles through innovative maneuvers—these traits exemplify what makes elite players lethal on the field. Lindsey has all those and more; now it’s time to let them out of the box and onto the backfield for Ole Miss.
Welcome Home, JT!