Ole Miss is ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 ahead of the 2024-25 season. Expectations are increasing as the new season begins in Oxford, which completed last season with a score of 20-12.

However, the Rebels will be without a key player from last year’s team after TJ Caldwell announced his decision to redshirt the 2024-25 season.

I want to thank Coach Beard and the entire Ole Miss coaching staff and organization for everything they did and their support of my decision. I decided to redshirt my junior year.

— TheRealDoski (@TjCaldwell9) November 5, 2024

The guard was originally a 4-star prospect in the 2021 class out of Faith Family Academy in Oak Cliff, Texas. Caldwell committed to the Rebels after receiving interest from Arizona State, West Virginia, TCU and others.

Caldwell, who played in all 32 matches last season, managed to be an important part of the team again this season. Guard averaged 18.3 minutes, 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season. Caldwell’s best game came on January 30 against Mississippi State, when he scored 18 points and grabbed 3 rebounds.

However, the Rebels added 5 players, including 3 wings, via the transfer portal. Dre Davis, Davon Barnes, and Sean Pedulla were added via the portal and were able to play big roles right away. In the Rebels’ exhibition game against Illinois on October 7, Caldwell did not play.

The Rebels are led by senior guard Matt Murrell. Murrell was named preseason second-team All-SEC after averaging a career-best 16.2 points per game in 2023-24. The Rebels kick off the 2024-25 season against Long Island University on Monday night.