Ole Miss Develops Early Relationship with Three Star Edge Rushers in Transfer Portal
OXFORD, Miss. – It is officially transfer portal season for Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, and two-and-a-half days in, the Rebels have made some impressive strides with numerous players from around the country. Looking closer, defensive coordinator Pete Golding and defensive line coach Randall Joyner have done a particularly nice job with edge rushers Princewill Umanmielen, Da’Shawn Womack, and Nico Davillier.
Reflecting upon the incredible defensive line from last season, players like Walter Nolen, JJ Pegues, Princely Umanmielen, and Jared Ivey will all be entering the NFL draft, creating several open spots for transfer recruits. With that being said, here’s what Princewill, Da’Shawn, and Nico could bring to the table in 2025.
Princewill Umanmielen
The brother of Princely Umanmielen is visiting Ole Miss today, December 11th, where the Rebs will look to make a fantastic first impression. Watching his brother develop into a potential first-round pick certainly must help keep the momentum for Princewill rolling at a steady pace.
It’s worth noting that Princely also has a high level of appreciation for the Ole Miss staff, stating that he felt like he was actually getting “developed” at Ole Miss in comparison to Florida. Based off of his brother’s comments and his production as a Reb, Ole Miss is in a comfortable position to land the 6-foot-5, 245-pound stud.
Former Florida defender Princely Umanmielen on the difference playing for Ole Miss:
“Here they go real in depth.
“I feel like I’m actually getting developed here.”
Ole Miss travels to Florida on Nov. 23 this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/kTLu7uNYGd
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) March 26, 2024
Wrapping up with his statistics, Umanmielen has recorded 35 total tackles and 1.5 sacks during his time at Nebraska but was also seen spending a lot of time in coverage. Proving his versatility, Umanmielen is the perfect candidate for Pete Golding’s scheme.
Da’Shawn Womack
Womack is another edge rusher with a great deal of potential, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 260 pounds. The former five-star in the 2023 class spent his freshman and sophomore years with LSU, where he recorded 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four pass deflections.
BREAKING: LSU EDGE Dashawn Womack plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’5 255 EDGE totaled 23 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, & 4 PD in his 2 years with the Tigers
Five-Star recruit in the ‘23 Class (per On3)
2 years of eligibility left https://t.co/Ri98bhpmxV pic.twitter.com/2dDxzuJzRN
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 3, 2024
Similar to Umanmielen, Womack has two years of eligibility remaining, allowing him to become a staple of Golding’s defense for the foreseeable future. The Baltimore, Maryland, native possesses great length, speed, and physicality, all of which could be brought to life by Randall Joyner and the staff.
Despite drawing interest on the national level, Womack was in Oxford on December 10th, expressing a mutual level of interest between him and the Ole Miss staff. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the recruitment of Womack over the next few weeks.
Nico Davillier
Davillier hopped in the transfer portal following three seasons with the University of Arkansas. Most recently in 2024, the edge rusher notched 25 total tackles and one sack, showing eye-opening improvement from 2023.
Against Ole Miss, Davillier recorded three tackles but suffered a knee injury that kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season. It is also worth mentioning Davillier played two full seasons with Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul, the Rebels’ talented linebacker from Arkansas.
With one year of eligibility to play, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound big man looks to enhance his skills and pass-rushing ability to propel his name into the NFL draft board. Through the development of Princely Umanmielen, Jared Ivey, Will Anderson, and the many NFL players Pete Golding has coached, it would not surprise me if Davillier ended up a Rebel. The Arkansas native will visit Ole Miss on December 17th.
🚨Nico Davillier (@DavillierNico) 6’3 260 Arkansas Starting EDGE Defender (Official Measurements: Hand – 8 inches/Arm – 33 inches/Wingspan – 78 inches) is going to officially enter the Transfer Portal with 1 Year of Eligibility.
Played 362 Snaps in 2024 and recorded 23 TOT. https://t.co/EKUHjEmuGz pic.twitter.com/G0ltuJMfUO
— First Class Prospects (@FCProspects_) December 6, 2024
Who else?
Jaheim Oatis, who was rumored to be interested in Ole Miss, is currently visiting with Colorado, where it has been predicted he’ll commit in the upcoming days. On top of Oatis, Williams Nwaneri entered the portal yesterday after spending one season with Mizzou. Every power-four school that can afford it will likely target Nwaneri, who was arguably the best player in the 2024 high school recruiting class.
As always, stay tuned in with our “Transfer Portal Names to Watch” article for players who will visit Ole Miss along with those who’ve been offered by the Rebels. Hotty Toddy and Go, Rebs!
