News Summary
Former Ole Miss standout Dexter McCluster has been announced as an inductee into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The ceremony will take place at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl, Mississippi, and will honor seven other sports figures from the state. McCluster, known for his illustrious college career and NFL accomplishments, is now focused on training young athletes and giving back to the community.
Pearl, Mississippi – Former Ole Miss standout, Dexter McCluster, has been announced as an inductee into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The ceremony is set to take place over the weekend of August 1-2, 2025, at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl, Mississippi. This prestigious event will also honor seven other sports figures from the state and is expected to include an autograph session for fans.
McCluster’s remarkable journey began in Largo, Florida, where he initially committed to South Florida, just 23 miles from his hometown. However, after a meeting with Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron, McCluster was drawn to the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the coach, prompting him to reconsider his options. Despite having never flown before and feeling anxious during his first trip to Oxford, Mississippi, McCluster’s visit to the Ole Miss campus ultimately sealed his decision to become a Rebel. With encouragement from his father, he informed the South Florida coach of his change of commitment.
McCluster joined Ole Miss during a time when the program was striving to recover from struggles post-Eli Manning’s departure in 2003. Measuring at 5-foot-8 and weighing in at 153 pounds, he made a substantial impact on the field. His college career was marked by significant achievements, including back-to-back Cotton Bowl MVP honors and recognition as an All-SEC player twice. He was later inducted into the SEC Legends Class, solidifying his status as a beloved athlete at the university.
During his time at Ole Miss, McCluster transitioned from a slot receiver to running back under the guidance of coach Houston Nutt. This position change proved fruitful as he led the team in rushing yards and recorded impressive statistics, including rushing for 1,169 yards in his senior year and totaling 3,658 career yards. His outstanding performance during college included a memorable game against Tennessee where he rushed for 282 yards and scored four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical moments and contribute to the team’s triumphs over formidable opponents like Florida.
Following his collegiate success, McCluster was drafted 36th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed a seven-year career in the NFL. He made headlines in 2013 when he led the league in punt return yards, amassing 686 yards. Despite the highs of professional sports, McCluster faced personal challenges after retiring in 2016, including struggles with depression, worsened by the suicide of his former quarterback at Ole Miss, Jevan Snead.
Now, McCluster is channeling his experience into positive endeavors. He is actively involved in training young athletes, coaching high school football, and offering motivational speaking engagements. Throughout his journey, he holds deep gratitude for the Ole Miss community, noting that he met his wife during his time at the university and remains connected to the school.
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame will honor McCluster’s resilience, passion, and contributions to sports, both on and off the field, during the induction ceremony. His story is a testament to overcoming challenges and succeeding against the odds, making his forthcoming recognition a celebration of not only his athletic achievements but also of the impactful legacy he continues to create in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jackson’s Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Welcomes Inspiring Class of 2025 Inductees
Additional Resources
- Mississippi Scoreboard
- Ole Miss Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- Red Cup Rebellion
- Clarion Ledger
- Wikipedia: Dexter McCluster
- Google Search: Dexter McCluster
- Google Scholar: Dexter McCluster
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dexter McCluster
- Google News: Dexter McCluster
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
