Twenty-two Names to Know for the Ole Miss Season: No. 21 Isaiah Hamilton
OXFORD, Miss. – The Rebel Walk brings you a new written series where we are introducing, one-at-a-time, 22 names to know for the upcoming season. Today we focus on one of Lane Kiffin’s most accomplished transfers, Isaiah Hamilton.
The cornerback out of Houston was a crucial pickup for Ole Miss this past spring. Despite recruiting Alabama’s Trey Amos in the winter transfer portal cycle, the Rebs felt they needed one more talented corner to put themselves in the best possible position for the upcoming season. When Pete Golding received the commitment of Hamilton over Michigan and Alabama, he accomplished that goal.
#OleMiss cornerback transfer Isaiah Hamilton from Houston has some standout qualities in terms of reading play development and locating the ball.
Big play ability. 9 INT's the last two years. 2 pick six's in 2023. @KINGzae157 pic.twitter.com/McACpo55Zk
— Clint Brewster (@clintbrew247) May 3, 2024
How did Isaiah Hamilton get to Ole Miss?
Hamilton entered college as a 3-star cornerback at Texas Southern University, where he tallied 40 total tackles, six pass deflections, and seven interceptions in two years. Seeing his success unfold, the University of Houston recruited Hamilton out of the transfer portal, and he enjoyed a phenomenal junior season with the Cougars.
The 6-foot-1 stud racked up 50 tackles, four pass deflections, one forced fumble, and four interceptions while playing 839 total snaps and becoming the best cornerback option for Houston.
Following the season, Hamilton entered the transfer portal in late April and committed to the Rebs in early May, where he is set to play a major role in the Ole Miss secondary.
Career Outlook
One specific trait that is crucial for the success of Hamilton is his ability to learn, grow, and develop as a player. Not only has he improved yearly, but he’s also done a fantastic job flashing signs of adaptation on a week-to-week basis. Looking at last year, Hamilton had his best two games of the season in his last two games of the season against Oklahoma State and UCF, two very successful Big 12 teams.
In that Oklahoma State game, not only did Hamilton make six tackles, he also made an incredible read on the quarterback, jumped a pass, and returned it for a touchdown. His aggressiveness and understanding of the game are evident on film and should translate perfectly into a Pete Golding-style defense.
Your newest Ole Miss Rebel, Isaiah Hamilton 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0fg5msJtks
— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) May 3, 2024
Heading into 2024
With the opportunity to practice against Jaxson Dart, Tre Harris, Juice Wells, Caden Prieskorn, Jordan Watkins, and every other threat in Lane Kiffin’s offense, Hamilton is naturally going to progress steadily throughout the season, just as he has in the past. While some may be concerned that he lacks SEC experience, playing in the Big 12 and having an entire fall to work against the Rebels’ offense should make for a smooth transition into the new conference.
The expectation is that Isaiah can play on the other side of the field from Trey Amos and rotate in any sort of coverage he is assigned to. His versatility allows him to blitz, play in man coverage, zone coverage, and many different spots across the secondary.
Though this will be his final year of eligibility, Hamilton has the potential to become the perfect NFL draft pick and will try and utilize every skill he has to do so. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on No. 3 on the field this fall!
