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Antwane “Juice” Wells made the decision to transfer from South Carolina to SEC rival Ole Miss this offseason after spending two seasons in Columbia. One of the top pass catchers in the portal, Lane Kiffin landed yet another offensive weapon with Wells’ decision to suit up for the Rebs.
This week, he discussed that transfer, noting Ole Miss’s experience on that side of the ball in his reasoning. In the process, he inadvertently shaded his former team, and South Carolina’s future starting quarterback!
This is actually Wells’ second transfer as he initially began his college career at James Madison. With the Dukes, he was an FCS All-American. The receiver opted to capitalize on the production with a move to the Southeastern Conference.
Despite the step up in competition, Wells continued to shine.
He quickly became QB Spencer Rattler’s top target and etched his name into Gamecock lore with a strong finish to his first year. Over his last two games of the regular season, he racked up 20 catches totaling 308 yards to help South Carolina take down Top 10 teams Tennessee and Clemson.
Wells opted to return for his senior season, spurning a late-round NFL Draft grade, but an injury unfortunately kept him sidelined a large majority of the year.
Now, he’s ready to run it back one last time – but this time, with a new school.
Things have changed in Columbia, most notably, the exit of Rattler. Projected starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers enters with hype, but he’s yet to make a college start and has just four pass attempts under his belt.
Looking out for that NFL Draft stock, Juice Wells moved on to a program with a proven passer under center – Ole Miss.
He broke the decision down during a recent podcast while simultaneously throwing Sellers under the bus.
“I wanted to be with a QB who’s actually experienced in the SEC and can actually control the offense. And also, I wanted to win. I don’t like losing. I’m a competitor.”
At face value, those comments ring true.
Ole Miss is projected to be a Top 10 team in 2024 with College Football Playoff aspirations. South Carolina is coming off of a five-win campaign and is losing top offensive playmakers in Rattler and Xavier Legette.
Under center, the Rebels will be led by Jaxson Dart, a player with two seasons worth of starting experience in the SEC. Over that time, he’s racked up 43 touchdown passes to just 16 interceptions and is coming off of his best collegiate season.
But while all of those things may be true, Gamecock Nation took it as a slight – both to its players and the perception of the program.
Wells attempted to clarify (or backtrack!) upon seeing the interview go viral with a post on X.
Sellers know it’s all love… Yall cut it out 💯
— Antwane Wells (@juicew3lls) April 4, 2024
Interestingly enough, Wells will find himself back in Columbia next October with Ole Miss traveling to South Carolina in what’s now a spicy matchup. You can be sure the words will be used as bulletin board material for at least a few of those Gamecocks, particularly LaNorris Sellers!