Dexter McCluster, one of Ole Miss’ all-time greats, has been named to the 2024 SEC Football Legends Class, joining 15 other former standout players who will be honored during the SEC Championship Game in December. This recognition adds to an already impressive list of accolades for McCluster, who was recently elected to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Known for his versatility, McCluster made a significant impact during his time with the Rebels from 2006-2009, ranking second in Ole Miss’ career all-purpose yardage list with 4,089 yards, behind only Deuce McAllister. He also finished seventh in career rushing yards with 1,955.
McCluster’s senior season in 2009 earned him first-team All-American honors, and his back-to-back MVP performances in the Cotton Bowl Classic in 2009 and 2010 made him only the second player to achieve that distinction, alongside SMU’s Doak Walker. His contributions to the Cotton Bowl were immortalized when he was inducted into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame in 2021, followed by his election to the Ole Miss M-Club Hall of Fame in 2022.
McCluster’s legacy as one of the most dynamic and elusive players in Ole Miss history continues to shine, with this SEC Football Legends honor further cementing his place among the conference’s all-time greats.
Dexter McCluster’s incredible versatility earned him widespread recognition throughout his collegiate career and beyond. He was a two-time All-SEC honoree, excelling as both an all-purpose player and at wide receiver and running back, solidifying his place as one of the most dynamic players in the conference. In 2009, McCluster made history as the first player in SEC history to record 1,000 rushing yards (1,169) and 500 receiving yards (520) in the same season. That same year, he received the National Running Back Trophy from the College Football Performance Awards and was named to Athlon’s SEC All-Decade team for the 2000s.
McCluster’s success continued in the NFL, where he was selected 36th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. His professional career spanned nine years, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 and All-Pro honors, playing for the Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, and San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, as well as a stint in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts.
McCluster and the other members of the 2024 SEC Football Legends Class will be honored during the SEC Football “Weekend of Champions” in Atlanta on December 6-7, with a special celebration at the College Football Hall of Fame and recognition before the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
2024 SEC Football Legends Class
Alabama – Barrett Jones, OL, 2009-12
Arkansas – Ken Hamlin, FS, 2000-02
Auburn – Marcus McNeill, OT, 2002-05
Florida – Rex Grossman, QB, 2000-02
Georgia – Terrence Edwards, WR, 1999-2002
Kentucky – Dicky Lyons Sr., TB/WR/AP, 1966-68
LSU – Andrew Whitworth, OT, 2002-05
Mississippi State – Fletcher Cox, DL, 2009-11
Missouri – Chase Daniel, QB, 2005-08
Oklahoma – Barry Switzer, Head Coach, 1973-88
Ole Miss – Dexter McCluster, RB, 2006-09
South Carolina – Corey Miller, DE, 1987-90
Tennessee – Eric Berry, DB, 2007-09
Texas – Vince Young, QB, 2002-05
Texas A&M – Luke Joeckel, OT, 2010-12
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