Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Chris Marler
We continue our series of Transfer Portal Report Cards with the Ole Miss Rebels. Here is a look at the Rebels’ haul.
Numbers to Know
- Players Lost: 23
- Players Gained: 29
- 247Sports Ranking: No. 2
- On3 Ranking: No. 18
Headliner – OL Carius Curne (from LSU)
Not only was Curne a high four-star recruit, but he also came to Ole Miss from their new biggest arch-rival, LSU.
Curne didn’t play much as a true freshman this season. He was thrown into the fire a few times because of injuries, and as you’d expect a true freshman to do in the SEC, he struggled. His upside is tremendous though, and he’s also got a nasty streak in him that a lot of coaches would love to have in an offensive lineman.
Biggest Loss – EDGE Princewill Umanmielen (to LSU)
It was a weird saga that ultimately ended with Umanmielen bolting for Baton Rouge despite already signing a deal to return to Oxford next season.
The production was undeniable with nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss. His athleticism is really impressive for a guy his size racking up 44 tackles from the EDGE position and even an interception. There’s a reason why he was the No. 3 overall player in this year’s transfer portal.
The good news for Ole Miss is that Pete Golding has a very lengthy track record of developing pass rushers with elite talent and production.
LSU signed the No. 1 prospect in Arkansas last December: Carius Curne.
The five-star offensive lineman has generated significant buzz since arriving in Baton Rouge.
Now, 6’5, 335 pounder continues receiving more praise from his team.
Tyree Adams: “The sky’s the limit for him.” pic.twitter.com/VT9a6hN0xJ
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) September 18, 2025
Instant Impact – DB Jay Crawford (from Auburn)
As a fellow Parkview High School graduate from Lilburn, Georgia, I had to give a nod to the former Panther. Him being listed here is way more about his talent however than it is about his origin story.
Crawford was one of the best defensive backs in the conference since he began his career at Auburn two years ago. He was the No. 50 portal player in this year’s On3 rankings, and he will carry a high price tag but is worth it.
Crawford has good size for a corner at 6-feet, and he’s proven himself at this level for multiple seasons allowing just 57.6 percent completed passes on targets in his direction last season. That climbed a bit from his freshman season at 40.6 percent, but he’s still only been penalized six times in college and didn’t allow more than 44 yards receiving in any game last season and just once in 24 career collegiate games.
Jay Crawford, Auburn transfer CB now committed to Ole Miss. Over two seasons at Auburn: 30 tackles, 11 PBUs, 2 INTs. Proven SEC corner with ball production and experience on the outside. Fits Pete’s scheme as a physical cover DB who can play man.🔥 pic.twitter.com/PADSPpJ3Bm
— HottyToddyIntel (@oxfordforlife) January 4, 2026
Biggest Sleeper – TE Michael Smith (from South Carolina)
Smith is a really dynamic tight end for Ole Miss. He was the first player to enter the transfer portal for South Carolina this past season, and has a very high ceiling despite a ton of production so far in his young career.
Smith isn’t as thick as last year’s tight end for the Rebels Dae’Quan Wright who was listed at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds. He’s not far behind though at 6-foot-6, 248 pounds. He’s a matchup nightmare in space and in the red zone and he could thrive in new offensive coordinator John David Baker’s offense who coached tight ends at Ole Miss just three seasons ago.
In his offense at East Carolina last season his two tight ends combined for 51 catches for 699 yards and five touchdowns. That 13.6 yards per reception should increase with Smith who has big play ability.
ICYMI: South Carolina transfer TE Michael Smith has committed to Ole Miss.
Smith (6’6 250lbs) has 3 years of eligibility remaining. #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/c515FXv4Sg
— Sidelines – Ole Miss (@SSN_OleMiss) January 18, 2026
Overall Grade – A+
Like several teams in the SEC this offseason the story for Ole Miss’ offseason isn’t just what they did in the portal, it’s the retention they were able to achieve.
Pete Golding and Ole Miss have won the offseason more than any other coach and program in the conference. Part of that was being able to make a deep playoff run, but a lot of it has also been what Golding and company have accomplished off the field.
There has been drama, there have been accusations, and there have been a lot of salty people watching Ole Miss’ success outside of Oxford, Mississippi. Pete Golding doesn’t care about any of that. Pete Golding cares about ball, and so far less than two months into his coaching tenure, he’s passed with flying colors.
More SEC News
