Traylon Ray’s transfer to Ole Miss adds another dynamic weapon to Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense. The speedy wide receiver, clocking in with 4.4 speed, has proven to be a legitimate downfield threat during his time at West Virginia, where he averaged an impressive 16 yards per catch over two seasons. That kind of explosiveness will fit right in with Kiffin’s big-play philosophy and further bolster an already nationally top-five ranked transfer class.
Ray, a Tallahassee native, brings with him not only deep-play ability but also consistency in the end zone, with seven touchdowns in 22 collegiate games. His decision to head to Oxford provides quarterback Walker Howard—or whoever wins the starting job in 2025—with yet another target who can stretch the field and keep defenses honest.
Announcing his transfer via X, Ray’s move signals that Ole Miss continues to thrive in the transfer portal era, finding talent to complement their existing roster and build an offense that keeps them competitive in the SEC. Ray’s arrival could be a game-changer in tight matchups, making him a key player to watch this season.
https://twitter.com/TraylonRay6/status/1877124949971800144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1877124949971800144%7Ctwgr%5E6b0fcf9f7d2f6f48a3765c8fc2d2307fe9268731%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcuprebellion.com%2F2025%2F1%2F10%2F24339545%2Ftransfer-portal-2025-ole-miss-rebels-football-adds-west-virginia-wr-traylon-ray-high-powered-offense
Traylon Ray’s performance in the 2023 Duke’s Mayo Bowl showcased exactly why Ole Miss fans should be excited about his arrival. That 75-yard touchdown against North Carolina wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement. Ray blew past the defense with his trademark 4.4 speed, leaving defenders in the dust and proving he can take the top off any secondary.
Plays like that are what make Ray such a coveted addition to Lane Kiffin’s offense. His ability to turn a routine deep route into an explosive, game-changing moment is a skill that thrives in high-pressure SEC matchups. Ole Miss will undoubtedly look to replicate that kind of playmaking magic, keeping opposing defenses on their heels all season long.
The Mayo Bowl might not rival the prestige of a New Year’s Six, but moments like Ray’s 75-yard dash are the type of plays that stay with fans—and remind everyone why this young man is one to watch.
FIRST PLAY FROM SCRIMMAGE
TRAYLON RAY. 75. YARD. TOUCHDOWN. pic.twitter.com/l7Bau18gHS
— WVU Barstool (@WVUBarstool) December 27, 2023
You’re spot on—Traylon Ray does carry a bit of Jordan Watkins’ vibe. His size (6’1”, 195 lbs.) makes him more of a sleek, quick-footed weapon than a traditional big-bodied possession receiver. That works perfectly in Lane Kiffin’s offense, where precision route running and the ability to exploit mismatches in the slot or out wide are just as valuable as size.
That Arizona touchdown is a great example of Ray’s versatility. It wasn’t just about speed; it was about grit and awareness. He worked through the defense, weaving through traffic and showing excellent body control to finish the play in the end zone. It’s those kinds of gritty, second-effort plays that remind you he’s more than just a burner—he’s a playmaker with the toughness to fight for tough yardage and make the big play when it counts.
With Ray and guys like Caden Prieskorn, the Ole Miss offense is setting up to give defenses nightmares in 2025. Whether he’s stretching the field or making plays in space, Ray is going to be a problem for anyone who lines up against him.
Welcome to the Sip, Traylon Ray ‼️ pic.twitter.com/ZznhWcJVfj
— We Run the Sip (@OMRebelNation) January 9, 2025
Securing Traylon Ray over a late push from Florida State is a huge win for Lane Kiffin and his staff. It not only highlights Ole Miss’ ability to close on top-tier talent in the transfer portal but also speaks to how appealing this offense is for players looking to shine on a national stage.
Ray is a seamless fit for Kiffin’s system—a versatile receiver with the speed to stretch the field and the football IQ to exploit mismatches. The fact that he still has two years of eligibility makes this even more exciting, as it gives him the chance to fully immerse himself in the offense and develop chemistry with the quarterback. That continuity could turn him into one of the Rebels’ most reliable playmakers over the next two seasons.
It’s hard to see this as anything but a no-brainer. Ray’s ability to impact games immediately, combined with his long-term potential, makes him a perfect addition to an Ole Miss team that thrives on explosive, dynamic offensive talent. It’s just another reminder that Kiffin continues to excel at building rosters capable of competing in the brutal SEC.
