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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

Channing Ward Cleared To Play For Ole Miss Football

Defensive end Channing Ward has been cleared by the NCAA to begin practicing with Ole Miss.

July 19, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels coach Hugh Freeze answers questions during the 2012 SEC media days press conference at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE
July 19, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels coach Hugh Freeze answers questions during the 2012 SEC media days press conference at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE
July 19, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels coach Hugh Freeze answers questions during the 2012 SEC media days press conference at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE

Ole Miss announced Friday morning that Channing Ward has been cleared by the NCAA, allowing the defensive end to begin practicing with the Rebels.

Ward is now eligible after a two-week-long process, the details of which even Rebels coach Hugh Freeze wasn’t sure about, saying “I don’t know what would cause him not to be eligible.” However, it appeared that ACT scores were the hold up, as Ward’s high school recently lost accreditation. Ward was an UnderArmour All-American and the prized recruit of Freeze’s first Ole Miss class.

Red Cup Rebellions’ The Ghost of Jay Cutler is happy to finally have the 6-foot-4, 250-pounder on board.

In the 2012 Ole Miss Rebels preview, SB Nation’s Bill Connelly said Ward could push for playing time early. Being two weeks behind at camp will probably not help that cause, though. But Ole Miss is one of the few SEC schools with spots open for an incoming true freshman.

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