Ole Miss Rebels

QB Chad Kelly to return for senior season, calls Ole Miss 'part of my family'

Published Jan. 11, 2016 5:09 p.m. ET

foxsports

While its division rival is playing for the national championship this season, Ole Miss got some news that could impact next season's championship race, as Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly announced he plans to return for his senior season in Oxford.

Kelly transferred in last offseason from East Mississippi Community College, where he helped his team to a 12-0 record and the NJCAA national championship. In his only season with Ole Miss, Kelly threw for 4,042 yards and had 31 passing touchdowns in addition to 10 rushing touchdowns.

Kelly made his announcement via The Buffalo News:

“After serious discussion with my family and Coach Freeze, I wanted my friends and fans to know that I’ll be staying at Ole Miss for my senior year. I look forward to completing my degree and graduating from Ole Miss,”

"Coach Freeze and everyone here at Ole Miss have become a part of my family. We have the best students, the best staff, and just as importantly, the best fans in the country. Our goal this year is to win the SEC west and to compete for a National Championship.”

Along with his individual achievements, Kelly helped guide the Rebels to a Sugar Bowl win, a 10-3 overall record and second place in the SEC West behind only Alabama. Ole Miss was the only team to beat the Tide this season and will get Alabama in Oxford in 2016.

For the first time in school history, Ole Miss will be defending a two-game winning streak when it plays Alabama on Sept. 17. With Kelly committed to 2016, the Rebels' odds of pushing the streak to three improved.