2025 Transfer Portal | Names to Watch for Ole Miss Football in the Transfer Portal

OXFORD, Miss. – The 2024 regular season has officially concluded for college football, and we are seeing an incredible number of talented players in the transfer portal in search of a new home. Here are potential portal entries to keep your eyes out for — along with those who have already committed to Ole Miss.

Updated Wednesday, January 1: The Rebels have SEVENTEEN commitments thus far. (Click HERE for the TRANSFER PORTAL TRACKER.)

Players to Watch in the Portal

Dean Connors – Rice RB

Rice running back Dean Connors in late December drawing a high volume of attraction from Power Four programs. On3 reported that Connors has recently wrapped up a visit to Houston and is interested in Ole Miss, Virginia, West Virginia, and UCF moving forward.

Connors has spent three years at Rice, where he most recently recorded 780 rushing yards on 159 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per rush. Dean was also a crucial piece of the passing attack for the Owls, tallying 62 receptions for 485 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-0, 200-pound back is effective as a runner, pass catcher, and blocker, proving to be a major target for the Rebs.

Robert Rahimi – San Jose State S

Second-team All-Mountain West safety Robert Rahimi entered the transfer portal on December 28th in search of a new home with one year of eligibility to play. Upon entering the portal in 2022, Rahimi committed to SMU, where the current Ole Miss Director of Player Personnel was working at the time. Despite not enrolling or playing at SMU, it’s worth noting that there is an established relationship between Rahimi and a key member of Lane Kiffin’s staff.

Over the course of his 2024 season, Rahimi totaled five interceptions, one sack, and an impressive 82 total tackles. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, this is a player who is effective against the run and pass.

Ben Bell – Texas State DE

Ole Miss is set to host Texas State transfer portal defensive end Ben Bell, per The Portal Report.

Bell has been one of the most productive defensive ends in the country over his five years at the college level. After two seasons at Louisiana Tech, the Cedar Park (Texas) native transferred to play for the Bobcats ahead of the 2022 season.

In his three years at Texas State, Bell tallied 95 tackles — including 25 for loss — as well as 15.5 sacks. In 2024, Bell appeared in only four games before sitting out to preserve the year’s eligibility.

Hardley Gilmore – Kentucky WR

Kentucky wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV entered the portal Saturday, the last day to enter, after one season with the Wildcats. The former three-star prospect is out of Pahokee, Florida. He broke his collarbone this fall in camp and had to miss the first five games of the season.

Gilmore returned from injury and played in all seven of the Wildcats’ remaining games, making one start (vs. Murray State) and notching 136 snaps at wide receiver. On the season, Gilmore tallied six catches for 153 yards and a 52-yard touchdown that came in the Cats’ 48-6 win over Murray State. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Stephen Hall – Washington State DB 

Olive Branch, Mississippi native Stephan Hall began his career at Northwest Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi. After being named an All-Region player in 2022, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Washington State, where he greatly developed as a player.

From 2023-2024, Hall became a cornerstone of the Cougar defense and finished this past year with 45 total tackles, one interception, and two pass deflections. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 200 pounds, Pete Golding has a chance to turn Hall into an NFL defensive back if he commits to the Rebels.

Joey Aguilar – Appalachian State QB

Aguilar entered his name in the portal earlier this week after spending the last two seasons with the Mountaineers. In 2023, Aguilar became an Appalachian State legend, setting the single-season record for passing yards, touchdowns, pass completions, attempts, and more. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound gunslinger followed up in 2024 by throwing for 3,003 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Despite having Austin Simmons on the roster, Aguilar would bring a veteran and leadership presence to Lane Kiffin’s offense, making him one of the best backup quarterbacks in the country.

Star Thomas – Duke RB

Louisiana native Star Thomas enlisted his name in the transfer portal with one year of college football left to play. Thomas spent one year at Duke in 2024, rushing for 871 yards on 213 carries while also catching for 153 yards and a touchdown in the passing game.

Prior to becoming a Blue Devil, the 6-foot-0, 210-pound back began his career at Coffeyville Community College, which led to a commitment to New Mexico State, where Thomas played from 2022-2023. He was named a second-team All-Conference USA player in 2023 before taking his talents to Durham in 2024.

Michael Coats Jr. – Nevada DB 

With one year of eligibility, Micael Coats Jr. has entered the transfer portal following an impressive 2024 season with Nevada. The Starkville native recorded four interceptions, 41 tackles, and 17 passes defended and was named as a first team All-MWC player. Before his time in Nevada, Coats spent two years at East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi, from 2020-2021. In 2022, he spent a year with Louisiana Tech before taking his talents to Nevada and blossoming into an elite-level player.

Prior to playing college football at several schools, Coats attended Biloxi High School, where he did not play high school football. His athleticism and defensive skills have developed at an incredible rate, making him a high-level, potential NFL prospect.

Makhi Hughes – Tulane RB

Makhi Hughes entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining following a dominant redshirt freshman and sophomore campaign with the Tulane Green Wave. Over his time in New Orleans, Hughes rushed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, averaging over five yards per carry in both years.

Comparing the 2023-2024 seasons, Hughes took a major step forward in his red zone production this past fall, scoring a total of 15 touchdowns, eight more than he did in the year prior. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 210 pounds, it has been implied that the stud running back will take his talents to a Power Four conference team, with Ole Miss, Colorado, and Duke making early contact.

Zy Crisler – Illinois OL 

The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Illinois transfer has entered the transfer portal as of December 26th with one year of eligibility to play. The Mississippi native has started in 30 games over his last three years with the Illini while being named an All-Big Ten honorable mention player in 2022 and 2023.

Coming out of Copiah Academy in Gullman, Mississipi, Crisler began his college career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where he spent one year. Zy was named a top five offensive lineman in all of junior college before committing to Illinois, where he’s played since 2022.

Lucas Carneiro – Western Kentucky K – Committed to Ole Miss

Ole Miss received a commitment December 23 from Lucas Carneiro, the CUSA Special Teams Player of the Year. Carneiro has been clutch all season and hit the game-winning 50-yard field goal to punch WKU’s ticket to the 2024 CUSA Championship Game. He tallied a season-high 14 points in a 44-17 win over UTEP, converting all five extra-point attempts and three field goals, including a season-long 54-yarder that tied the school’s second-longest mark.

Carneiro made 18-of-19 field goals this season and connected on all 41 of his extra-point attempts. The North Carolina native made 18 consecutive field goals, breaking the WKU record, and made all three of his field-goal tries from beyond 50-plus yards.

Deuce Alexander – Wake Forest WR – Committed to Ole Miss

Wake Forest transfer WR Deuce Alexander arrived in Oxford for an official visit Saturday, and by Sunday he committed. The 6-foot-0, 175-pound speedster had a strong 2024 season with the Demon Deacons, notching 36 receptions for 400 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 11.1 yards per catch.

He was dependable in 2024, only dropping the ball 3 times, according to PFF, as he lined up in the slot position approximately 80 percent of his time on the field. He tallied 15 catches for 20+ yards or more on the season.

The Douglassville, Georgia native was a 3-star prospect in the class of 2023, and he will have three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting at Wake in 2023. As a high school recruit, Alexander had offers from Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Tulane, Temple, UNLV and others.

Since entering the transfer portal, Alexander heard from: Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Auburn, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Stanford, Duke, Wisconsin, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Louisville, and others.

Shawn Murphy – Florida State LB – Committed to South Carolina

Murphy transferred to Florida State from Alabama in the 2024 portal class, playing in 18 games for the Tide before heading to FSU. He played in four games this season for the Seminoles, notching 13 tackles with one fumble recovery and 1.5 tackles for loss.

He is expected to have two years of eligibility remaining.

A Manassas, Virginia native, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Murphy was a four-star prospect at Unity Reed High School, where he was rated the nation’s No. 6 linebacker and the No. 2 overall player in the state of Virginia in the Class of 2022.

Fluff Bothwell – South Alabama RB – Committed to Mississippi State

South Alabama running back Fluff Bothwell, who spent one season with the team before entering the portal, was at Mississippi State this weekend, prior to his scheduled visit to Ole Miss. The Bulldogs are heavy after Bothwell, who will have three seasons of eligibility remaining. This will be one to watch.

As a freshman last season, Bothwell rushed 111 times for 832 yards, surpassing the 100-yard mark four separate times. He scored 13 touchdowns and averaged 7.5 yards per carry. He also notched 13 receptions for 92 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, Bothwell was ranked the No. 4 overall player at running back. He’s also the No. 3-ranked running back in the portal (On3).

Bothwell, a Oneonta (Ala.) native, was a three-star prospect in the Class of 2024.

Beau Pribula – Penn State QB – Committed to Missouri

Penn State transfer quarterback Beau Pribula played in 24 career games during his time in Happy Valley, mostly backing up current PSU starter Drew Allar. Pribula is a redshirt sophomore who will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Over his career, he’s thrown for 424 yards with nine touchdowns and only one interception. He’s also good with his legs, as he has rushed for 571 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Nittany Lions.

Sage Ryan – LSU S – Committed to Ole Miss 12/20

The LSU transfer Sage Ryan is visiting Ole Miss on Friday, December 20th, following four years with LSU. In 2024, the 5-foot-11 safety totaled 41 tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles, and a sack for the Tigers. When Ole Miss played LSU in Death Valley, Ryan tallied a pass deflection along with five total tackles on the Rebs.

Ryan is a 4.4 40-yard dash runner and brings a high level of athleticism to the football field. Despite playing numerous positions in the secondary at LSU, you could expect the Louisiana native to fill the role of Trey Washington and John Saunders at safety if he were to come to the Sip.

Andrew Jones – Grambling State LB – Committed to Ole Miss 12/20

It’s been reported by On3 Sports that Grambling State linebacker Andrew Jones is in Oxford on Friday, December 20th, just one day after he committed to South Carolina. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker is a coveted prospect, recording over 100 tackles and 20 tackles for loss this past season.

His impressive performances earned him the Southwestern Atlantic Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year award and a spot on the SWAC All-American team. With one year of eligibility, time will tell whether Jones spends it in Columbia, South Carolina, or Oxford, Mississippi.

Tahj Chambers – Missouri State linebacker –  Committed to Ole Miss

Missouri State linebacker Tahj Chambers is in Oxford today, Thursday, for an official visit. He’s a former Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep Academy player who played wide receiver and linebacker while in high school.

Chambers is an All-MVFC Conference player for Missouri State, where he notched 88 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery in the 2024 season.

Over the course of his time with Missouri State, Chambers has been a three-year starter, amassing 196 total career tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks, eight quarterback hurries, and two interceptions. He was also a team captain for the Bears in 2024.

Caleb Odom – Alabama WR – Committed to Ole Miss 12/18

Caleb Odom announced his commitment to Ole Miss Wednesday evening. He entered the portal after spending his freshman season with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The former five-star was heavily involved with Ole Miss during his recruitment, putting Lane Kiffin’s staff in a strong position to target the receiver.

The 6-foot-5, 227-pound Odom will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Odom is not only efficient in the pass attack but also in the run game. His position coach who helped recruit him to Alabama was Joe Cox — who is now on the Ole Miss staff. Great pickup for Lane Kiffin and staff!

Justice Haynes – Alabama RB – Committed to Michigan

Alabama running back and a former top three running back in the 2023 class, Justice Haynes, entered the transfer portal on the afternoon of December 13th. The Roswell, Georgia, native attended Buford High School and was targeted by schools like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio State upon making his commitment.

During his sophomore year at Alabama, Haynes rushed for 448 yards on 79 carries for seven touchdowns. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry, Haynes would likely immediately see playing time with Lane Kiffin’s Rebels. However, from what our sources indicate, Ole Miss’ deep running back room — one that will have Logan Diggs returning, along with Kewan Lacy (Missouri transfer) and true freshman star Shekai Mills-Knight — is something the Rebels are having to discuss with Haynes.

There has been much talk about where Haynes will end up and he’s still not committed anywhere as of December 22 (11:00 a.m.). We can say that South Carolina, Michigan and Ohio State are also hotly pursuing Haynes.

Stribling, who visited Ole Miss December 15, started his college career at Washington State and he ended up transferring to Oklahoma State before the start of his junior year in 2023. Despite getting injured his first season with the Cowboys, the 6-foot-2 receiver hauled in 52 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.

Stribling visited Ole Miss the weekend of December 14th, proving mutual interest between him and the Rebels. With Lane Kiffin losing a high volume of skill players, expect Stribling to make a vital impact in the 2025 offense.

Kewan Lacy – Missouri RB – Committed to Ole Miss 12/16

The 6-foot, 205-pound Lacy entered the transfer portal Monday and will have three years of eligibility remaining. He was set to play a featured role in Missouri’s lineup next season.

He was behind an upperclassman on the Tigers’ roster, but Lacy showed a lot of promise when on the field in 2024. He carried the ball 22 times for 99 yards, for a 4.5 yard per carry average. Against South Carolina, he rushed for back-to-back first downs to set up a touchdown for the Tigers.

Lacy played high school for Lancaster (Texas) and also ran track and field. He was a four-star recruit and was ranked the No. 16 running back in the nation. He decommitted from Nebraska before choosing Missouri. As recorded on the Dallas Morning News website, Lacy finished his senior year with 1,513 yards and 19 touchdowns as a running back. On the receiving end, he caught 17 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns.

Princewill Umanmielen – Nebraska LB  – Committed to Ole Miss 12/14

Princewill Umanmielen, the brother of Ole Miss defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen, entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility after spending the early years of his college career with Nebraska. He has now committed to the Rebels and will look to have the same success as his older brother.

Similar to Princely, Princewill is 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, and is a disruptive defensive player. Over his last two seasons with the Cornhuskers, the linebacker recorded 35 total tackles and 1.5 sacks, being a crucial part of their defense.

We knew defensive coordinator Pete Golding and defensive line coach Randall Joyner would do everything in their power to establish a relationship with Princewill — and it seems it worked. It’s also important to understand that he just watched his brother turn into a possible first-round pick after one season with Ole Miss.

Luke Hasz – Arkansas TE – Committed to Ole Miss 12/14

The tight end out of Arkansas plans to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility following an impressive 2024 season, consisting of four touchdowns and 324 yards on 26 receptions. When the Razorbacks faced the Rebels, Hasz’s capabilities were perfectly displayed, as he caught for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Being from Bixby, Oklahoma, could the Sooners be a favorite for Hasz? Currently, Hasz was visiting LSU Tuesday night, Alabama on Thursday, and Ole Miss on Friday.  With the departure of Caden Prieskorn, you can expect Lane Kiffin and staff to do everything in their power to land the sophomore — as will the other schools looking to land the talented TE.

Jaylon Braxton – Arkansas DB – Committed to Ole Miss 12/13

Jaylon Braxton visited Ole Miss this week, and liked what he saw. On Friday night, he committed to Ole Miss.  He only played in two games this season due to injury, but he’s a very talented player the Rebels are excited to get. Prior to getting hurt, Braxton was a freshman All-SEC honorable mention in 2023, tallying 21 total tackles, eight pass deflections, and an interception. During his time at Arkansas, Braxton was also teammates with Pooh Paul, the current Ole Miss linebacker.

With the departure of several starting players in the secondary, Pete Golding will consistently be looking for guys who can come in and start, similar to Braxton.

Patrick Kutas – Arkansas OL – Committed to Ole Miss 12/13

The 6-foot-5 313-pound Arkansa transfer interior offensive lineman has now committed to Ole Miss. He visited Ole Miss on December 11 and obviously enjoyed his time in Oxford. Kutas is a Memphis native who attended Christian Brothers High School. He will have two season of eligibility remaining.

Coming out of high school, Kutas was ranked the No. 10 interior offensive lineman in the country and the No. 10 player at any position in the state of Tennessee. He suffered an injury in preseason fall camp, but was finally able to return in the Hogs’ eighth game of the season, coming against Mississippi State on October 26.

PJ Wilkins – Charlotte OL – Committed to Ole Miss 12/12

The 6-foot-7, 340-pound offensive lineman, who entered the portal with three years of eligibility to play, has committed to Ole Miss. In a majority of his film, Wilkins has been seen as a left guard but it’s worth pointing out he could also slide outside to play tackle due to his incredible frame.

In other interesting news, Wilkins is also directly related to Dominique Wilkins and Gerald Wilkins, two former NBA players. Looking at his recruitment, Wilkins informed The Rebel Walk that he’s looking for “great” culture and a “family-oriented” team. So far, schools like Illinois, Memphis, Ole Miss, and Cincinnati are in pursuit of the glass eater.

Da’Shawn Womack – LSU EDGE – Committed to Ole Miss 12/12

LSU’s 6-foot-5, 260-pound EDGE announced his intent to enter the portal earlier this week committed shortly after taking a visit.

Womack will have two years of eligibility remaining after playing two seasons for LSU. He’s a former five-star recruit out of St. Frances High School in Baltimore, where he was ranked No. 42 in the nation in the 2023 class. As a freshman, he played in all 12 of the Tigers’ games in 2023 and notched 13 tackles. He played in eight games in 2024.

Delano Townsend – UAB OL – Committed to Ole Miss

Ole Miss hosted UAB offensive lineman Delano Townsend this Friday and Saturday, offering him when he entered the transfer portal. The Flint, Michigan native, a guard, played in all 12 games for UAB this past season.

Townsend is 6-foot-4, 300 pounds and was a three-star prospect in the class of 2023 at Hamady Community High School. He was ranked the overall No. 40 player in the state of Michigan in his class. He also holds offers from Kansas, Arkansas and Mississippi State.

Antonio Kite – Auburn S – Committed to Ole Miss 12/17/24

Kite took an official visit to Ole Miss last week before committing Tuesday, December 17. He was a four-star recruit coming out of Anniston (Alabama) High School and was ranked as the No. 13 safety nationally and the No. 8 overall player in Alabama in the 2022 class.

Before playing for Auburn, Kite was with Alabama, signing with the Tide in the class of 2022. He transferred to Auburn after two seasons in Tuscaloosa, before now landing in Oxford.

What’s Next?

The transfer portal is open until December 28. Head over to our Transfer Portal Tracker for all the latest! Hotty Toddy and go Rebs.