Ole Miss Freshman CB Dante Core Arrested Ahead of Sugar Bowl Showdown
Ole Miss freshman cornerback Dante Core was arrested earlier this week in Alabama on misdemeanor drug charges, just days before the Rebels are set to take the field in one of the biggest games of their season.
According to reports, Core was taken into custody by the Andalusia Police Department in Covington County, Alabama, shortly after midnight on December 26. He faces charges of marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The timing of the arrest is notable. Ole Miss had given players time off to return home for the Christmas holiday, with the expectation that they would report back to campus on December 26. The Rebels are preparing for a high-stakes Sugar Bowl clash against Georgia on New Year’s Day - a game with College Football Playoff implications.
Core, a true freshman, has not appeared in a game this season. He came to Oxford as part of the 2025 recruiting class, signing as a 3-star prospect and ranked as the No. 60 cornerback nationally, according to the 247 Sports Composite. While he’s been part of the program this fall, he hasn’t cracked the rotation yet, with Ole Miss leaning heavily on a core group of four corners, including Antonio Kite and Chris Graves Jr., who saw the bulk of the action throughout the season.
At this point, it’s unclear how the arrest will impact Core’s status with the team moving forward. The program has not issued a public statement regarding disciplinary action or his future role.
Kickoff for the Sugar Bowl between Ole Miss and Georgia is set for 8 p.m. ET on January 1.