ATLien Dayton Wade finishing college career back home with Ole Miss in Peach Bowl
Dayton Wade is finishing his college football career where it began.
At home in Atlanta.
He’s well-traveled at this point. Wade signed with Western Kentucky as a three-star recruit in the 2019 class. He spent two seasons with the Hilltoppers before transferring to Ole Miss as a walk-on.
Wade has broken out (and earned a scholarship and an NIL deal) as a Rebel — especially in this, his final season. He started all 12 games as Ole Miss finished with its second 10-win regular season in four seasons under head coach Lane Kiffin.
“Soon as we got some free time when we landed, I went straight home. I didn’t waste no time,” Wade said. Ole Miss arrived for the Peach Bowl late-afternoon on Christmas Day.
“It was Christmas Day (and) I’ve got younger siblings at home. I wanted to celebrate that with them. My little sister got her a dog. We ain’t ever have no dog. But she got her a dog, so it was real nice to see them.
“I’ve still got to go check up on my grandma and whatnot.”
Wade has come a long way from his days at nearby Lovejoy (Ga.) High School.
Wade, as a senior, led the state’s 6A division with 1,113 receiving yards. The Atlanta Journal Constitution named Wade its Region 4 Offensive Player of the Year.
Wade has produced 52 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns as a college senior for the Rebels. Actually, Wade, Jordan Watkins and Tre Harris formed the only receiving trio in college football with three 700-yard receivers this season.
Watkins and Harris are running it back with Ole Miss in 2024. The Rebels have been ranked inside the Top 10 in each of the last three seasons. They’re gearing up for a title run in the expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff.
Wade, meanwhile, has declared for the NFL Draft. But what a ride it’s been, including a number of highlight-reel catches this season. Ole Miss and Penn State face off on December 30 at 11 a.m. CT. A Rebel win would secure the program’s first-ever 11-win campaign.
“This game definitely means a lot to me, especially since I started off my career in Kentucky,” Wade said. “Family wasn’t really traveling to Kentucky (and) now I’m in Mississippi. Finally get to play like really, really at home. I’m looking forward to that.
“Now I’m at the end of this Ole Miss road, this journey, thinking back, I’m just glad the Oxford community welcomed me the way they did. They welcomed me with open arms and brought me in. They’re the reason I’m here right now.
“I’m thankful to be in this position.”
