OXFORD – Mississippi coach Hugh Freeze insists he’s not particularly worried about his program’s quarterback situation.

If it’s true, that would certainly make him in the minority around Oxford.

Junior transfer Chad Kelly will get his first career start on Saturday when No. 17 Ole Miss hosts UT Martin in Oxford. He beat out sophomores Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincade for the job, though Freeze has said repeatedly the competition was very close and he doesn’t want the depth chart “set in stone.”

He expects all three to play at least some against the Skyhawks.

“I’m really not that stressed about it,” Freeze said. “I like all three. It is definitely a different feeling than there has been in the last few years.”

Kelly replaces three-year starter Bo Wallace, who finished his career as one of the most productive quarterbacks in Ole Miss history.

Kelly has taken a long, strange road to Ole Miss. The Buffalo, New York, native originally signed with Clemson but was dismissed from the team following an argument with coaches during the spring game in 2014. He transferred to East Mississippi Community College for his sophomore year, where he led the program to a national title.

Now he’s in Oxford.

Kelly should have plenty of help around him. Nearly the entire offensive line returns, including junior left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Receiver Laquon Treadwell is back after suffering a broken leg last season and figures to be the Rebels’ top option in the passing game.

by DAVID BRANDT, AP Sports Writer