Former Rebel Defensive Lineman Princely Umanmielen Brings Power and Presence to Carolina Panthers
OXFORD, Miss. — Few players make an impact as immediately—and as consistently—as Princely Umanmielen did during his time in college football. After transferring to Ole Miss from Florida ahead of the 2024 season, the dynamic defensive lineman quickly established himself as a key piece in Pete Golding’s aggressive defensive front.
For his efforts, Umanmielen was drafted in the third round with the 77th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers.
Umanmielen, standing at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, brought both SEC experience and elite athleticism to Oxford. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, Princely anchored a Rebel defense that routinely pressured opposing quarterbacks and set the tone up front.
In his lone season at Ole Miss, he finished with 10.5 sacks and showcased one of the quickest first steps among edge defenders in the nation, drawing attention not just for his production, but also for his leadership and discipline on the field.
If you just watched Panthers EDGE Princely Umanmielen against Georgia, you’d see a lock first rounder.
Three plays, three different pass rush wins. High, high ceiling player. pic.twitter.com/ylb8XxgWeX
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) April 26, 2025
But Umanmielen’s presence wasn’t just physical—it was cultural. In a standout quote from Pro Day interviews, he gave fans a glimpse into his mindset:
“I was raised in a Nigerian household — we were raised on respect. As a player, I think teams will be getting a game changer. Whenever I’m in the game, I feel like I can really change the game.”
Princely Umanmielen
That combination of humble confidence combined with his raw talent and strength is exactly what Carolina took note of. The Panthers’ GM Dan Morgan commented on Princely’s “wicked spin move,” and said he “bends about as good as any rusher” he’s seen.
Umanmielen’s story is one of steady rise and quiet dominance. Whether he’s tracking down a quarterback or setting the edge against the run, he plays with intention and intelligence—traits that should serve him well at the professional level.
“I’m not a guy that sits there and does too much with the offensive tackle. If I can beat you now, I’m gonna beat you now and not give the quarterback any time.”
Princely Umanmielen
Rebel fans should be happy that there is another Umanmielen who’ll be on the field this coming fall, as Princely’s younger brother Princewill transferred in from Nebraska.
At Pro Day at Ole Miss, Princely was asked about his younger brother and how he will be working with Ole Miss assistant Lou Spanos.
“After he committed I told him, ‘whatever Lou is telling you, just listen to him’… every time teams asked who my coach was and I mentioned him…he is very well known around the league.”
—- Princely on his brother Princewill working with Spanos
Princely Umanmielen on his growth after a year at Ole Miss: “I feel like I have grown as a player mentally. Understanding the game more and having the NFL coaching experience that I had in my coach Lou Spanos…just teaching me everything he knows.”
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 28, 2025
As for Princely, following his year as an Ole Miss defensive linemen, he now has high hopes of being a top NFL rookie using what he learned from his time as a Rebel. The Panthers are rebuilding their defense, and the depth chart is not particularly crowded. Additionally, Carolina’s defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme is aggressive and will fit an edge rusher like Princely who thrives on quick pressure.
The Carolina defense can definitely use his skills as the Panthers finished with just 27 sacks last season—ranking them an abysmal 30th in the NFL. Look for Princely to help change that.
Parks Burcham
Parks Burcham is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi. He is majoring in Journalism, emphasis in Sports Media, with a minor in Sports Management. He is originally from Booneville, Mississippi and graduated high school from Jumpertown Attendance Center.His favorite sports are basketball and football. He chose this path because he has always been extremely interested in the sports world. Parks enjoys all aspects of the game and hopes to do great work in this field.
