A college football star with NFL potential is suddenly making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Carius Curne, a 20-year-old offensive lineman for Ole Miss Rebels, was arrested Saturday evening in Arkansas on a string of charges that could put his future in jeopardy.
According to the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound sophomore was taken into custody just after 5 p.m. and booked on multiple counts, including fleeing, reckless driving, speeding, improper lane change, and possession of a Schedule VI substance under four ounces. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Despite the serious list of charges, Curne was released less than two hours later—just one hour and 39 minutes after being booked.
Under Arkansas law, a conviction on the drug charge could carry steep consequences, including up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a six-month suspension of his driver’s license.
Curne’s arrest comes at a critical moment in his football career.
Once the No. 1-ranked recruit in Arkansas for the 2024 class, he began his college career at LSU Tigers, where he appeared in eight games last season. He even earned his first start at right tackle in a matchup against Ole Miss after a teammate was injured before kickoff.
Rather than wait to see how things would shake out under new leadership, Curne entered the transfer portal—and ultimately landed with Ole Miss, beating out several programs that were eager to bring in the highly touted lineman.
With his size, strength, and athleticism, Curne has been widely viewed as a future NFL prospect.