SEC News: Ole Miss HC update, Mississippi State lands 4-star QB

AUSTIN, TX - DECEMBER 1: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Longhorns during the game against the Creighton Bluejays at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on December 1, 2022. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - DECEMBER 1: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Longhorns during the game against the Creighton Bluejays at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on December 1, 2022. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)

Our latest news update surrounding the SEC includes a potential candidate emerging in Ole Miss’ coaching search, Mississippi State landing a four-star quarterback, and more.

Chris Beard emerging as top candidate for Ole Miss coaching job

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Chris Beard has emerged as the top candidate for the Ole Miss head coaching position. Beard was previously the head coach at Texas, leading the Longhorns to a 29-13 record across the last two seasons.

4-star RB Tovani Mizell decommits from Georgia

Tovani Mizell, who is a four-star running back in the 2024 class out of DeMatha Catholic in Maryland, decommitted from Georgia on Wednesday. Mizell had previously been committed to the Bulldogs since August of 2022.

4-star QB Josh Flowers commits to Mississippi State

Mississippi State landed the first commitment of their 2024 class Wednesday, as Josh Flowers has officially committed to the Bulldogs. Flowers is rated as a four-star quarterback out of Baker High School in Alabama.

Alabama’s Brandon Miller named Naismith Player of the Year semifinalist

Alabama freshman forward Brandon Miller was named a semifinalist for the Naismith Player of the Year on Friday. Miller, the 2022-23 SEC Player and Freshman of the Year, is currently averaging 19.6 PPG and 8 RPG for the Crimson Tide this season, while also shooting 40.4% from three and 85% from the free throw line.

Miami Dolphins picking up Tua Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Miami Dolphins are picking up the fifth-year option on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Tagovailoa played in 13 games for the Dolphins this past season, completing 64.8% of his passes for 3,548 yards with a 25:8 TD:INT ratio.

Minnesota Vikings waive Cameron Dantzler

The Minnesota Vikings waived cornerback Cameron Dantzler on Friday afternoon. A former 2020 third round pick out of Mississippi State, Dantzler appeared in 10 games for the Vikings this past season, compiling 50 tackles with five PD, three TFL, a FF, and a FR.