In a significant development just days before the College Football Playoff Sugar Bowl, Ole Miss freshman defensive back Dante Jovon Core has been arrested. The incident occurred during a traffic stop in Andalusia on Friday, where Core was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, as reported by Action 5 News.
The Rebels, currently seeded sixth with a record of 12-1, are preparing to face their Southeastern Conference rival, Georgia, who holds the third seed with the same record, in the quarterfinal matchup scheduled for Thursday in New Orleans.
According to police reports, Core, hailing from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was driving at speeds exceeding 110 miles per hour and lacked a visible license plate when officers initiated the stop. During the encounter, authorities detected the smell of marijuana, prompting a search of the vehicle that resulted in the discovery of both marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Core was taken into custody on December 26 and later posted a $1,000 bond on the same day. This upcoming Sugar Bowl marks a rematch, as Georgia previously defeated Ole Miss 43-35 on October 18. Following that loss, the Rebels managed to win their last six games.
The SEC champions are currently on a nine-game winning streak after suffering a defeat to Alabama on September 27. Core was regarded as a four-star prospect while playing at Choctawhatchee High School, where he led the Big Green Indians to the third round of the 2024 FHSAA football playoffs with a 10-3 record. In his senior season, he accumulated 30 tackles, nine pass deflections, and three interceptions, ultimately choosing Ole Miss over offers from Auburn, Boston College, and Mississippi State.
