Why Caleb Odom transferred from Alabama football to Ole Miss for 2025 season

Caleb Odom had nothing but good things to say about Alabama football.

When speaking with reporters Tuesday, the new Ole Miss wide receiver remembered Nick Saban’s “crazy” retirement and spoke glowingly about the work Kalen DeBoer had done in his short time in Tuscaloosa.

“I think what coach DeBoer and them are doing up there is going to be really good,” Odom said. “I have nothing but love for Alabama. I think they are going to be really good. I think they are developing players.”

It just wasn’t the place for Odom in 2025, who entered the transfer portal after one season with the Crimson Tide.

As a true freshman at Alabama, Odom played 145 snaps per Pro Football Focus, and had seven catches for 65 yards. With the Rebels, Odom said he wanted to take the next step.

“I think, ultimately, I just wanted to be somewhere where I felt wanted and needed, and felt comfortable,” Odom said. “So, obviously, having a relationship with Ole Miss out of high school – them being my second choice – it made sense for me to come back up here and just get to know coach (George) McDonald and get back up here to see coach (Lane) Kiffin and really just talk to them. So yeah, it made it easier.”

Odom called the transition to Ole Miss “easy” based on his prior relationship with both the players and the coaching staff.

With Ole Miss, Odom said he knows what he’s getting into. And he knows what Rebels fans should expect.

“I just want to make plays, honestly,” Odom said. “They talked about how they could use me all around the field. Put me in the slot, put me in the hip or on the outside wide. Put me anywhere. I’m just trying to make plays. Just having those conversations with them and being told how to get the ball in my hands ultimately is what I wanted to hear.”