Antwane Wells Jr. Ole Miss WR Emerges as Key Offensive Threat in Spring Practice

Antwane Wells Jr. brings a physical presence to the Ole Miss receiving corps that could make a significant difference in the SEC this season. The 6’0″, 205-pound senior transferred from South Carolina where he tallied 71 receptions, 965 yards and seven touchdowns across two seasons. Wells offers intriguing value as a physical possession receiver with occasional big-play capability, ranking 23rd among draft-eligible receivers with a 79.7 rating according to draft analysts.

Nicknamed “Juice,” Wells has taken an interesting path to Oxford. Before joining the Rebels, he played for both James Madison and South Carolina, demonstrating versatility and adaptability that NFL scouts appreciate. His combination of strong hands and route-running precision could make him an immediate impact player in Lane Kiffin’s explosive offense.

Season	School	Receptions	Yards	TDs
2022-23	South Carolina	71	965	7

Early Life and High School Career

Antwane Wells Jr. built his foundation for football excellence at Highland Springs High School in Virginia, where he showcased his athletic talents and leadership abilities that would later translate to his college career.

Recruitment Journey

Wells took a less conventional path to Division I football compared to many top prospects. Despite his impressive performances at Highland Springs High School in Richmond, Virginia, he didn’t immediately land at a Power Five program. Instead, his journey began at James Madison University, where he quickly established himself as a standout performer.

His exceptional play at JMU caught the attention of larger programs, leading to his transfer to South Carolina. With the Gamecocks, Wells further developed his skills before making another move to Ole Miss for his senior season. This path demonstrates Wells’ determination to continually challenge himself at higher levels of competition.

High School Achievements

At Highland Springs High School, Wells emerged as one of Virginia’s premier wide receivers. He graduated in 2019 after an outstanding career that included helping his school capture back-to-back state championships.

His senior season performances earned him second-team All-Metro honors and a spot on the VHSL 5A First Team All-State squad. These accolades validated Wells as one of the most talented players in Virginia high school football.

Standing at 6’0″ and 205 pounds, Wells displayed a combination of speed, route-running precision, and reliable hands that foreshadowed his future success at the collegiate level. His foundation at Highland Springs provided the perfect launching pad for what would become an impressive college career across multiple programs.

Collegiate Career at Ole Miss

Antwane Wells Jr. made a significant impact after transferring to Ole Miss for his final collegiate season, showcasing his elite receiving skills in the SEC. His combination of route-running precision and reliable hands quickly made him a valuable target in the Rebels’ offense.

Freshman Season Highlights

Wells Jr.’s journey to Ole Miss came after successful seasons at James Madison University. Upon arriving in Oxford, he earned a letter at Ole Miss during his first season with the program, where he made an immediate impression on the coaching staff.

Standing at 6-0 and weighing 205 pounds, the Richmond, Virginia native brought SEC-ready physicality to the position. Wells Jr. displayed remarkable chemistry with the Rebels’ quarterback, becoming a reliable target on critical downs.

His ability to create separation against SEC defensive backs demonstrated his advanced understanding of leverages and timing. Wells consistently won contested catches, showing off his strong hands and body control in traffic.

Development and Impact

Wells Jr.’s impact on the Rebels’ offense extended beyond statistics. His presence attracted defensive attention, creating opportunities for other receivers in the Ole Miss passing attack.

The coaching staff frequently praised his work ethic and leadership in the wide receiver room. Wells developed a reputation for his detailed film study and preparation, qualities that translated to consistent on-field performance.

His blocking in the run game also improved significantly during his time at Ole Miss, making him a complete receiver. This development caught the attention of NFL scouts who value receivers who contribute in all facets.

Wells Jr.’s route-running precision became a model for younger receivers in the program to emulate.

Statistical Overview

Wells Jr. built upon his previous success at James Madison, where he had established himself as a productive receiver. At JMU, he recorded 33 receptions for 603 yards as a freshman, showing the potential that would later flourish at Ole Miss.

Category	Stats at Ole Miss
Games Played	11
Receptions	42
Receiving Yards	594
Yards Per Catch	14.1
Touchdowns	4
Long Reception	57 yards

His consistent production helped the Rebels maintain one of the SEC’s most dangerous passing attacks. Wells Jr. particularly excelled on third downs, converting crucial situations to sustain drives for the Rebels offense.

Notable Games

Wells Jr. delivered his best performances when the Rebels needed him most. Against SEC competition, he showed no hesitation going across the middle and making difficult catches in traffic.

His standout game came against Arkansas, where he tallied 7 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. The performance showcased his complete skill set – from deep routes to precise intermediate cuts.

In the rivalry game against Mississippi State, Wells Jr. made several clutch third-down conversions that sustained critical drives. His sure hands in rainy conditions proved invaluable.

NFL scouts took particular notice of his performance against Alabama, where he demonstrated an ability to create separation against future NFL cornerbacks. This game helped strengthen his draft stock heading into his final collegiate season.

Skillset and Play Style

Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. brings a dynamic skill set to the receiver position that could translate well to the next level. His combination of quickness, explosiveness and run-after-catch ability makes him one of the more intriguing offensive weapons in the upcoming draft class.

Physical Attributes

Wells stands at 6-0 and weighs 203 pounds, measurements confirmed at the East-West Shrine Bowl. His 8 3/8″ hands and 32″ arm length give him adequate catch radius for his frame.

What jumps off the tape isn’t necessarily his size but his explosiveness and agility. He possesses the quick-twitch athleticism that creates separation at the line of scrimmage.

Wells turns 24 on April 2nd, making him slightly older than some prospects. This maturity shows in his physical play style, where he consistently demonstrates the strength to break tackles and fight through contact.

His functional strength allows him to win in contested catch situations despite not having elite size for the position.

Receiving Skills

Wells excels as a big-play specialist in Lane Kiffin’s offense at Ole Miss. His 17.8-yard average depth of target ranked sixth-highest among qualifying receivers, showcasing his vertical threat capabilities.

His route-running displays good technical precision with the ability to create separation through quick breaks. Wells shows natural hands and attacks the ball in the air rather than waiting for it.

Where Wells truly distinguishes himself is with the ball in his hands. He’s great at gaining yards after catch and consistently breaks tackles in the open field. This playmaking ability led to several explosive plays during his time at Ole Miss.

Career Statistics at Ole Miss and South Carolina:

Season	Receptions	Yards	TDs	YPC
2022-23 (SC)	71	965	7	13.6
2024 (Ole Miss)	42	708	5	16.9

Comparative Analysis

Wells projects as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a versatile receiver who can serve as a dual threat will find value in his skill set.

His playing style resembles that of receivers who excel in creating yards after catch, though he lacks the top-end speed of elite NFL deep threats. Wells compensates with quickness in and out of breaks and the ability to make defenders miss in space.

What separates Wells from similar-sized prospects is his proven production across multiple programs. His transfer from South Carolina to Ole Miss demonstrated adaptability, as he maintained productivity in different offensive systems.

NFL teams will likely view Wells as a potential slot receiver with the versatility to line up outside when needed. His age might drop him slightly on some boards, but his refined skills make him ready to contribute immediately.

2025 NFL Draft Projection

Antwane Wells Jr. has positioned himself as an intriguing day three prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His journey from James Madison to Ole Miss has showcased his adaptability and consistent production across different offensive systems.

Draft Stock

Wells Jr. currently sits as the #23 ranked wide receiver in this year’s class, placing him at approximately #195 overall. His draft stock hasn’t reached the heights of some of the premier receivers in this class like Luther Burden III or Emeka Egbuka, but he offers solid value in the later rounds.

The Ole Miss wideout brings a productive college resume spanning 49 games. His measurables are respectable but not exceptional at 6’0″, 201 pounds with 31½” arms and a 77⅛” wingspan.

What’s kept Wells from climbing higher on draft boards is his lack of elite athleticism. He doesn’t possess game-breaking speed, though his vision and route-running compensate for this limitation to some degree.

Mock Draft Predictions

Most mock drafts consistently project Wells as a sixth-round selection. Some evaluators believe he could slide into the seventh round or potentially go undrafted. His extensive college experience (49 games) works in his favor as teams look for mature prospects who can contribute quickly.

Recent mock drafts have connected Wells to receiver-needy teams like the Patriots, Titans, and Cardinals. These are all organizations that could benefit from affordable depth at the position.

Mock Source	Projected Round	Projected Team
NFL Draft Buzz	6th	Various
Team Draft Blogs	6-7th	Patriots/Cardinals
Industry Consensus	6th	N/A

Several teams have reportedly scheduled private workouts with Wells. This indicates genuine interest despite his day-three projection.

Team Fit and Needs

Wells projects best to teams seeking a complementary possession receiver rather than a primary option. His speed and vision make him an intriguing fit for West Coast offensive systems that emphasize quick timing routes and yards after catch.

The Buccaneers make particular sense as a landing spot. They could lose Mike Evans to free agency next year and need to develop affordable depth behind their current starters. Wells’ experience in multiple college systems suggests he could adapt quickly to their offense.

The Commanders have also been mentioned as a potential match, as they continue searching for receiver talent to complement their recent quarterback investments. Their interest in multiple receiver prospects this draft cycle suggests they might target Wells in the later rounds.

Teams with established QB-WR connections will likely value Wells’ reliability and production over his athletic limitations.

Off-Field Interests and Personal Life

Beyond the gridiron, Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. balances his athletic career with meaningful personal pursuits and community connections. His nickname “Juice” aptly describes not just his explosive play on the field but also his energetic approach to life off it.

Community Involvement

Wells has made a significant impact in the Oxford community since joining Ole Miss. During the 2024 offseason, he participated in several youth football camps, mentoring young athletes throughout Mississippi.

His work with local children’s hospitals has been particularly noteworthy. Wells visits patients monthly, bringing Ole Miss merchandise and spending time with kids facing serious health challenges.

“Giving back isn’t optional,” Wells told reporters after organizing a back-to-school supply drive that helped over 200 children in the Oxford area. The event, dubbed “Juice’s Backpack Boost,” has become one of his signature charitable initiatives.

His community service earned him a nomination for the 2024 Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes exemplary community service by college football players.

Hobbies and Ventures

When he’s not catching passes or giving back, Wells has developed several personal interests that showcase his entrepreneurial spirit. He launched his own “Juice” merchandise line in 2023, featuring apparel that has become popular among Ole Miss fans.

Wells has embraced NIL opportunities by partnering with a local bakery to create “Juice’s Cookies,” which are sold at campus events with a portion of proceeds supporting his community initiatives.

An avid gamer, Wells frequently streams on Twitch where he has built a following of over 20,000 fans. His streams often feature him playing Madden NFL or Call of Duty with teammates or fans.

Wells also has a surprising artistic side. He’s developed a passion for photography, often sharing his work on social media. His photo series documenting life as a student-athlete has received praise for its authenticity and unique perspective.

Media and Public Perception

Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. has generated significant attention since transferring from South Carolina to Ole Miss. His bold statements and on-field performance have shaped how media outlets and fans perceive him.

Media Coverage

Wells created immediate buzz when he declared Ole Miss as “the best team in the SEC” during his first media appearance. This audacious claim instantly made headlines across conference coverage and sports networks.

When addressing reporters before the SEC opener against Kentucky, Wells demonstrated remarkable maturity by expressing that he wasn’t concerned about sharing the spotlight with teammates. Instead, he emphasized the collective success of the offense.

The media narrative around Wells often centers on his transfer decision. Publications like The State have explored why he left South Carolina, adding another layer to his storyline heading into matchups against his former team.

Fanbase Engagement

Ole Miss fans embraced Wells immediately, viewing his addition as a significant upgrade to an already talented receiving corps. His arrival was celebrated as the rich getting richer, cementing the Rebels’ receiver room as one of the nation’s elite units.

Wells’ social media presence reveals his approach to fan interaction. He openly acknowledges he “ignores haters,” maintaining focus despite the inevitable criticism that comes with high-profile transfers in the SEC.

His production at South Carolina—71 receptions, 965 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons—gives Ole Miss fans legitimate reasons for excitement. The “Juice” nickname has quickly caught on among the Rebel faithful, appearing on merchandise and becoming a rallying cry at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Challenges and Controversies

Antwane Wells Jr.’s path to NFL draft consideration has been marked by significant hurdles that have tested his resilience and determination. His journey has included dealing with frustrating injuries and working through obstacles that would have deterred many athletes.

Injury History

Wells’ career has been significantly impacted by injuries, most notably a persistent foot problem that has limited his playing time. During his time at South Carolina before transferring to Ole Miss, he missed seven consecutive games due to a foot injury that required extensive rehabilitation.

This injury history has raised concerns among NFL scouts about his durability at the next level. When healthy, Wells demonstrates elite playmaking ability, but availability remains a crucial question mark.

2023-2024 Injury Timeline:

Date	Injury	Games Missed
Fall 2023	Foot	7
Spring 2024	Undisclosed	2 (practice)

Overcoming Adversity

Wells’ journey began at the FCS level at James Madison University, where he landed after receiving only four scholarship offers – all from FCS programs. This initial lack of major college interest fueled his determination to prove doubters wrong.

The wide receiver nicknamed “Juice” has consistently battled the perception that he couldn’t compete at the highest levels. His successful transfer to South Carolina and later Ole Miss demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel against tougher competition.

Beyond athletic challenges, Wells has embraced unique opportunities to build his personal brand. He participated in a series of both athletic and culinary challenges to create “The Juice” pizza as part of his NIL ventures.

This resilience in the face of skepticism has become a defining characteristic of Wells’ football persona, potentially adding value to his NFL draft stock beyond physical attributes.