Lane Kiffin reveals if Caden Costa is participating in Ole Miss spring practice

During a press appearance on Tuesday, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin commented on the status of kicker Caden Costa with the team. Costa was suspended in November for the remainder of freshman season by the NCAA after a failed substance test that Costa referred to as “an endurance substance most likely found in a contaminated supplement.”

Lane Kiffin on Caden Costa’s availability

As Kiffin fielded questions during press availability, he was asked if there had been any resolution with the suspension that Costa was given during the 2021 season.

“I don’t know — with HIPAA and stuff, I don’t know that I can comment on that but I’ll check on that and get back to you,” Kiffin initially answered. When asked if Costa was practicing with the team, Kiffin added “he is not, no.”

Kiffin’s answer was largely the same as it was in the months following Costa’s suspension, citing HIPAA guidelines that prevent him from discussing Costa’s medical status or records. Prior to his suspension, Costa had made 46-of-48 extra point attempts on the year, and 14 of his 17 field goals attempts. Ole Miss offered the young star kicker a scholarship directly from high school to kick in the SEC, and he appeared to be worth the recruiting efforts early.

Following his suspension last season, Costa released a statement regarding the NCAA’s decision via his social media.

“I am heartbroken to announce that I am ineligible to play the rest of my freshman season due to NCAA protocol involving an endurance substance most likely found in a contaminated supplement,” stated Costa. “It is important to know that I would never do anything to intentionally give myself a competitive advantage and pride myself on integrity and dedication with my work ethic. I will be appealing this case and will be back even better in 2022. Thank you Rebel Nation for the love and support through this difficult time.”