Juice Wells Stirs Drama with Celebration in Gator Bowl, Takes a Swipe at South Carolina
Juice Wells may have worn the garnet and black for South Carolina, but those days are far behind him—and it seems he’s not looking back fondly. Now representing Ole Miss, the star wide receiver made headlines once again during his final game for the Rebels, the Gator Bowl against Duke, with a first-quarter touchdown that had an extra layer of drama.
After scoring, Wells appeared to take a direct jab at South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer with his celebration. The timing couldn’t have been more pointed, coming just days after Beamer found himself at the center of a heated exchange during the Citrus Bowl against Illinois. On Tuesday, cameras captured Beamer being restrained after an intense moment with Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, whom he believed was taunting him and his team.
Could Wells have been referencing that infamous moment with his celebration? Maybe. Maybe not. But as far as coincidences go, this one feels too perfect to be accidental.
From Gamecock to Rebel: Wells’ Departure Still Makes Waves
Wells initially transferred from James Madison to South Carolina ahead of the 2022 season, where he made an immediate impact, racking up 71 receptions for 965 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons. However, his time in Columbia came to an abrupt and contentious end following an injury-riddled 2023 season where he played only three games.
The wide receiver didn’t hold back about his reasons for transferring to Ole Miss. On an Ole Miss podcast, Wells bluntly stated that he wanted to play with a quarterback who could “actually control the offense” and join a program focused on winning. “I don’t like losing,” he added, making no effort to sugarcoat his criticism of South Carolina.
Now in his first year with Ole Miss, Wells has been a reliable target, entering the Gator Bowl with 27 receptions for 521 yards and five touchdowns, ranking fourth on the team in receiving.
A Celebration That Had Fans Talking
Wells’ touchdown in the Gator Bowl was a highlight for the Rebels, but it was his post-score antics that lit up social media. Was it a subtle dig at his former coach, Shane Beamer? Or was it just another celebration during a big moment?
Fans and analysts alike were quick to speculate. The timing—just two days after Beamer’s heated moment in the Citrus Bowl—made the gesture too tantalizing to ignore. While Wells hasn’t clarified the intent behind his celebration, the narrative practically wrote itself.
As Wells bids farewell to his collegiate career, his parting shot—intentional or not—adds another layer to the complex relationship between the receiver and his former program. Regardless, one thing is clear: Juice Wells knows how to leave a lasting impression, both on and off the field.
