Ole Miss Track & Field Competes at Clemson Bob Pollock Invitational

Ole Miss track and field will compete at Clemson’s Bob Pollock Invitational on Jan. 30-31 at the Clemson Indoor Track & Field Complex. The event marks an early-season test for the Rebels, who have already made a strong impression nationally.

Both Ole Miss squads debuted in the top 25 of the USTFCCCA Rating Index this week. The men’s team ranks seventh, the highest since a No. 5 start in 2023. The women’s team is 21st. Head coach Connie Price-Smith has led Ole Miss to 84 top-25 national team finishes across track and cross country, including 11 all-time indoor rankings.

Individual athletes are also making waves. Senior Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan leads the nation in the shot put with a season-opening mark of 20.76 meters (68-1.5), which ranks second worldwide among collegians. His weight throw of 23.78 meters (78-0.25) also leads SEC and ranks third nationally.

Robinson-O’Hagan is a three-time NCAA champion and a preseason watch list member for The Bowerman, college track and field’s Heisman Trophy. He owns multiple NCAA titles and has only lost to collegians in the weight throw four times in his career. Fellow throwers Bryson Smith and Mason Hickel also sit in the national top 20.

On the women’s side, junior Akaoma Odeluga earned SEC Field Athlete of the Week honors after winning the weight throw with a personal best of 22.95 meters (75-3.5), leading the SEC and ranking second nationally. She also won the shot put at 17.92 meters (58-9.5), her best-ever open.

Defending NCAA outdoor high jump champion Arvesta Troupe opened his indoor season with a height of 2.23 meters (7-3.75), second in the SEC. Freshmen and newcomers are also making an impact, including Jordan Urrutia, who set a school record in the 300 meters and anchored Ole Miss’ 4×400 relay to a top-five indoor performance.

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