Juice Wells scores touchdown for Ole Miss, talks decision to leave South Carolina
Antwane “Juice” Wells surprised some with his departure from the South Carolina football program over the winter.
Wells finally addressed his move from USC to Ole Miss on Monday when he met with the reporters for the first time since his transfer.
“I chose Ole Miss because I felt Ole Miss was the best team in the SEC, honestly,” Wells said. “They have a great chip on their shoulder, coming off a great season. They do a great job winning. I wanted to be a part of this amazing culture that coach Kiffin is building around here.”
Wells originally transferred to South Carolina after a productive freshman season at James Madison in 2021. He quickly became Spencer Rattler’s favorite target in the 2022 season with the Gamecocks, catching 63 passes for 898 yards and six touchdowns, and was a second-team all-Southeastern Conference selection.
Last season, he played in just three games after suffering a foot injury. He caught three passes for 37 yards. Then some late-season drama emerged about his future.
On Nov. 20, Wells posted to social media that he will “be back next year.” Then, 10 days later, reports surfaced that Wells was headed to the transfer portal. A few weeks later, the receiver committed to Southeastern Conference foe Ole Miss.
There has been plenty of interaction on social media about Wells’ departure. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin poked fun at the matter in July by posting a Wells’ workout video with the Gamecocks’ “2001” entrance song playing in it.
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori shared a picture of Wells on his Instagram page last month with a new nickname for his old teammate, “Judas Wells.” Judas was one of the 12 apostles in The Bible and was known for his betrayal of Jesus.
“Everybody got their own opinion,” Wells said. “I feel like that is their thought, but it doesn’t bother me at all. I’m just here to play ball.”
Wells and Ole Miss travel to Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 5. He was asked about the matchup with his former team but made sure not to give out any more bulletin board material.
“I will just treat it like any other game,” Wells said. “Right now, I am focused on Middle Tennessee. It is just going to be another game for me.”
Wells was limited through much of 2024 preseason practice, although he and Kiffin never addressed what the injury was. He played in Ole Miss’ opener against Furman and caught two passes for 70 yards, one which was a 61-yard touchdown pass from QB Jaxon Dart.
“It was an option route for me to sit it down or keep on going,” Wells said of the play. “I took it up top and Dart placed a great ball and made it easy for me to score a touchdown.”
How former Gamecocks are faring
A look at USC players who transferred after 2023 season did in their debuts with their new schools:
RB Mario Anderson (Memphis) — Running back carried it 10 times for 46 yards and caught one pass against North Alabama.
OL JonDarius Morgan (UAB) — Started at left tackle against Alcorn State.
OL Jaylen Nichols (Memphis) — Offensive lineman listed as possible starter at left tackle on depth chart and saw action against North Alabama
WR Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. (Ole Miss) — Caught two passes for 70 yards and a TD against Furman.
WR O’Mega Blake (Charlotte) — Had one catch for two yards against James Madison.
WR Zavier Short (Appalachian State) — Played but didn’t catch a pass against East Tennessee State.
DL Xzavier McLeod (Georgia) — Didn’t play against Clemson because of an abdominal strain.
DL Felix Hixon (Middle Tennessee) — Played but didn’t record a tackle against Tennessee Tech.
DL D’Andre Martin (Charlotte) — Didn’t play against James Madison
DL Donovan Westmoreland (Kennesaw State) — Didn’t play against UTSA.
LB Grayson “Pup” Howard (Florida) — Led the team with six tackles against Miami.
LB Stone Blanton (Mississippi State) — Had five tackles and a pass break-up against Eastern Kentucky.
DB Kajuan Banks (South Florida) — Had one tackle against Bethune-Cookman.
K Mitch Jeter (Notre Dame) — Went 3-of-3 on field goals and hit both extra points against Texas A&M.
