Jaylon Braxton injury update: Lane Kiffin reveals Ole Miss DB missed Week 1 with medical situation

There’s been interest around Ole Miss DB Jaylon Braxton since his arrival this offseason in Oxford. However, after appearing in just two games last season due to injury with his previous program, he was once again out due to a health matter to start this season with the Rebels.

Lane Kiffin addressed Braxton’s availability on Monday after the redshirt sophomore at defensive back didn’t play in their opener this past weekend against Georgia State. He described it as a “medical situation” he had with the Rebels hoping he’ll be able to take the field this weekend.

“Yeah, that was a medical situation, you know, why he didn’t play,” said Kiffin. “And, hopefully he plays this week.”

Braxton played in just two games last season due to a knee injury at Arkansas. That’s after being a selection as an All-SEC Freshman the year prior with the ‘Hogs. In eleven appearances with eight starts for the Razorbacks, Braxton posted 20 tackles, 10 deflections, a forced fumble with a recovery going for a touchdown, and an interception.

After a disappointing second season in Fayetteville, Braxton entered the portal this offseason, doing so as a Top-125 transfer and a Top-20 CB in the portal per On3’s 2025 Top Transfer Portal Players. He would, about a week later, then commit to Ole Miss, amidst interest from other top programs, as part of the No. 3 portal class in the country according to On3.

Since coming to The ‘Sip, Braxton has been projected as a top player for the Rebels in their secondary, whether at cornerback or at safety. DC Pete Golding has said as much, with takeaways as well about him coming out of the preseason by those at RebelGrove. Kiffin expects that as well from Braxton based on the versatility he can provide to the back end of Ole Miss’ defense.

“I think he’s going to be a really good player here. And, had practiced throughout the offseason, at times, really well,” said Kiffin.

“It’s exciting to have somebody that can cover and has played corner that can play safety too.”

With the actual cause being undisclosed, it’s unknown what Braxton is dealing with or how it could affect his status for this weekend. Still, the Rebels will hope to have him available for this weekend’s conference opener, meaning there should be some kind of an update on him on this week’s injury report from the league, at Kentucky on Saturday.

“Hopefully, he’ll be back out there this week,” said Kiffin.