‘Ivey League’ Extra Credit: Hardie chose Ole Miss over Oklahoma to ‘play with the best’

Jacksonville State transfer defensive lineman Chris Hardie is the next guest on the ‘Ivey League,’ a podcast exclusive to the Ole Miss Spirit.

Hardie was a multi-year starter for the Gamecocks. He was first-team All-CUSA last season after totaling 61 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

The ‘Ivey League’ is powered by RiverLand Roofing and hosted by Hardie’s now-fellow Ole Miss defensive lineman, Jared Ivey. Hardie’s episode airs Monday across all of OMSpirit/On3’s multimedia platforms.

“I’m a family-oriented person,” Hardie began, in explaining his transfer decision. Hardie committed to Ole Miss in May. He spent the spring at Jacksonville State.

“So, immediately when I got here (on a visit) the way the coaches and staff were treating me, it was automatically standing out to me. That’s basically what led to my decision coming here. For a minute, I didn’t meet any (players). It was the staff.”

Hardie is a one-time three-star recruit. He’s entering his fifth season of college football and has appeared in 48 career games.

Hey, @ChrisHardie_7, why #OleMiss?

“Why not go play with the best?”

All-new ‘Ivey League,’ powered by @RiverlandRoofs, and featuring @OleMissFB’s newest Landshark, coming Monday @jared_ivey1595 @On3sports @SpiritBen pic.twitter.com/nPONgS22FO

— OMSpiritOn3 (@OMSpiritOn3) July 12, 2024

Hardie essentially takes over the snaps of Issac Ukwu, a one-year strong-side end from James Madison.

However, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Hardie has arguably more upside as a rusher. He’s undoubtedly more versatile. Among the positions Hardie has played previously are offensive line, nose guard and outside linebacker. He rushed for some 2,300 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns as his high school’s lead running back.

Hardie produced 162 total tackles over four years as a Gamecock. He added 46.5 TFLs, 21.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two passes defended and an interception.

Hardie told Ivey he spurned his former defensive coordinator, Zach Alley, and Oklahoma in going with the Rebels out of the portal. The Sooners — along with Texas — earlier this month officially joined the now-16-team SEC.

“It was pretty much between (Ole Miss) and Oklahoma ‘cause of the SEC,” Hardie said. “Pretty much I was looking at like, ‘I’m an underdog. Either way, I’m going to have to go prove myself.’

“Why not go play with the best?”

Ole Miss added Hardie to a transfer class ranked Top 6 nationally for the third straight year and featuring Top 10 transfers Walter Nolen (DT, Texas A&M) and Princely Umanmielen (EDGE, Florida). Ole Miss also returns Ivey, JJ Pegues, Zxavian Harris and Akelo Stone.