OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss’s football roster has undergone a dramatic transformation as head coach Pete Golding prepares for the 2026 season, bringing in a nation-leading 29 players via the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. Only LSU’s incoming class is ranked higher.
With the spring transfer window now closed, the roster overhaul is largely complete. The influx of talent aims to bolster the Rebels following the departure of several key players and the transition from former coach Lane Kiffin, who left for LSU in November 2025.
Quarterback Competition
Star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is expected to return after a recent legal victory, but will have recent competition for playing time. Auburn transfer Deuce Knight, a former five-star recruit from Lucedale, Mississippi, joins the quarterback room as a redshirt freshman. Knight demonstrated his potential in a 2025 game against Mercer, totaling 401 yards and six touchdowns. Walker Howard, previously with Ole Miss and then Louisiana, returns to Oxford to provide veteran depth.
Running Back Depth
Running back Kewan Lacy will have increased support from three transfer additions: Makhi Frazier (Michigan State), JT Lindsey (LSU), and Joshua Dye (Southern Utah). Frazier brings experience with 116 carries for 520 yards in 2025, while Dye arrives as a proven FCS performer, having rushed for 1,831 yards and 28 touchdowns on 295 carries.
Receiving Corps Rebuilt
Ole Miss has significantly revamped its wide receiver corps, with only Deuce Alexander expected to return from the 2025 group. The team welcomes Darrell Gill (Syracuse), Horatio Fields (Missouri), Johntay Cook (Syracuse), Cameron Miller (Kentucky), and Isaiah Spencer (Virginia Tech). Gill, ranked as the No. 7 receiver in the portal, is a 6-foot-3 senior with 32 catches for 506 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.
Tight Finish Uncertainty
The tight end position will spot competition between Brady Prieskorn (Michigan) and Michael Smith (South Carolina), as Dae’Quan Wright prepares for the NFL Draft. Prieskorn, the brother of former Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn, saw limited action at Michigan, while Smith had two catches for 20 yards at South Carolina.
Offensive Line Shuffle
The offensive line will feature a new gaze with four incoming transfers and five departures. Carius Curne (LSU), a 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle ranked as the No. 2 player in the portal, is expected to be a key addition. Troy Everett (Oklahoma) is projected to start on the interior after earning a captain role at OU in 2025 before being sidelined by injury. Tommy Kinsler (Miami) and Enoch Wangoy (Florida) also join the group.
Defensive Line Reinforcements
Ole Miss has added five players to the defensive line in an effort to replace the production of Princewill Umanmielen, who transferred to LSU after recording nine sacks in 2025. Michai Boireau (Florida), Blake Purchase (Oregon), and Jordan Renaud (Alabama) are expected to contribute as pass rushers, while Jehiem Oatis (Colorado) will provide size and strength on the interior.
Linebacker Additions
Three transfer linebackers – Keaton Thomas (Baylor), Tah’j Butler (Georgia Tech), and Luke Ferrelli (Cal) – have been added to address needs at the position following the departure of TJ Dottery to LSU. Thomas, a 12-game starter in 2025, led Baylor with 103 tackles. Ferrelli’s arrival was preceded by allegations of tampering leveled by Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, but he started 13 games for Cal and was the team’s second-leading tackler with 91.
Secondary Upgrades
The secondary has been bolstered by the additions of Sharif Denson (Florida) and Jay Crawford (Auburn). Crawford, a sophomore who started 10 games in 2025, is expected to be an immediate starter. Ole Miss also added three safeties, including Georgia’s Joenel Aguero, who started 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2025 before being sidelined by a hand injury.
Special Teams Stability
Ole Miss did not add any specialists through the transfer portal, retaining kicker Lucas Carneiro, who was 31-for-35 on field goals in 2025, including a 58-yard kick in the Fiesta Bowl.
