Welcome to the Sip: Ole Miss transfer portal players describe why they chose Lane Kiffin and the Rebels
OXFORD, Miss. — On Friday, Ole Miss football announced the transfer portal players who are officially enrolled early and attending classes in Oxford. With that, the Rebels also posted comments from the newcomers on why they chose Ole Miss.
Here are some of our favorites.
Texas A&M transfer defensive tackle Walter Nolen was the No. 1 overall player in the portal. He explained why he chose Ole Miss:
“I feel like this is the place I need to be to grow more as a person and football player, on and off the field.”
Walter Nolen
South Carolina transfer wide receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells also described why he feels Ole Miss was the move for him.
“I wanted to be a part of the winning culture Coach Kiffin built here. I also wanted an opportunity to play with the best quarterback in the SEC.”
WR Juice Wells
The Rebels were thrilled to get Florida transfer Princely Umanmielen, one of the top EDGEs in the country. He gave a few reasons as to why he came to Oxford.
“Because I love how Kiffin runs the program, (defensive coordinator Pete) Golding’s defense, and to win a championship.”
Princely Umanmielen
Ole Miss also shored up its offensive line when it received a commit from North Carolina transfer left tackle Diego Pounds. Here’s why he decided to transfer to the Rebels.
“Got family who came through this football program who are successful and overall just a great football program. Small city, big town, the fans are great, football is great. What can you not love about Ole Miss?”
Diego Pounds
The running back room is always a talented one for Ole Miss. LSU transfer back Logan Diggs offered a moving reason why he chose to leave Baton Rouge and head to Oxford.
“Coach Kiffin and Coach Smith believed in me and gave me an opportunity to continue to chase my dreams when they didn’t have to. To say I’m thankful and grateful is an understatement.”
Logan Diggs
Alabama transfer cornerback Trey Amos is one of the top players at his position in the nation. He spoke eloquently on why he chose Ole Miss:
“I chose Ole Miss because I have a deep admiration for the team’s football history, the vibrant atmosphere surrounding their games, and the sense of community among the fans. The rich tradition and spirit associated with Ole Miss football resonates with my personal experiences and passions.”
Trey Amos
One of the key components of why the Rebs were so successful last year is the team chemistry. South Alabama transfer safety Yam Banks commented on this when asked why he chose Ole Miss:
“I chose Ole Miss because it felt like home right away with all the coaches and players.”
Yam Banks
Virginia Tech transfer tight end Dae’Quan Wright had high praise for the Rebels — and Oxford.
“I chose Ole Miss because of the coaching staff and the people that make it America’s best college town.”
Dae’Quan Wright
Washington transfer offensive lineman and Seattle native Nate Kalepo echoed Wright’s sentiments.
“The culture at Ole Miss is just different.”
Nate Kalepo
Kalepo’s teammate and fellow Washington transfer offensive lineman Julius Buelow believes next season could be special for the Rebels.
“They got something cooking in the Sip.”
Julius Buelow
Arkansas transfer linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. is another portal player who is tops at his position. He, too, talked about the culture at Ole Miss.
“I wanted to be around a winning culture as well as a group of guys who love the game as much as me.”
Chris “Pooh” Paul, Jr.
Whether its because of their appreciation for Coach Kiffin and the staff, the culture at Ole Miss, or the love of the town of Oxford, these transfer early enrollees are happy to be here and excited to start the next chapter of their journeys.
To see the full list of transfer portal early enrollees, click here.
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