Ole Miss Football Practice Report for Monday, August 18: Updates and Standouts as Rebels Continue Fall Camp

OXFORD, Miss. — Another week is upon us, and with the completion of the second fall scrimmage inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium held this past Saturday, the Ole Miss football team begins its fourth week of fall practices. Players battling for starting roles are competing at a high level to prove they are the guys, with some familiar faces making returns.

Energy, effort, and attention to detail were the words repeated over and over again by Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith today, setting the standard for the final weeks of preparation ahead of the first official game for the Rebels on August 30th vs. Georgia State.

The team practiced in shorts and shoulder pads today. Newly-hired recruiting staffer — and legendary former Rebel receiver — Donte Moncrief was at practice today. Pro scouts from the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills were also present today.

Here are some of our observations from Monday’s practice.

(Please note that we are allowed limiting viewing periods, so the information we are passing along is from those opportunities. Also, when we offer groups of players that may appear to be the “starting” or “second” unit, it’s also likely different groups could be practicing together when we are not allowed to watch.)

Defensive back TJ Banks is back, and calling this “huge” for the Ole Miss defense would be an understatement. After being out throughout all of fall camp up to now, Banks, who was participating in solo training and treatment throughout the first couple of weeks of camp, made an appearance on the field with pads for the first time last Thursday.

After beginning today in a black “no contact” jersey during the stretching portion, Banks would later put on the regular white defensive jersey. Participating in scheme drills and one-on-one’s against receivers, Banks’ quick turnaround provides some continued competition within the Ole Miss secondary.

Wide receiver Izaiah Hartrup once again took reps as the kickoff returner today, while redshirt freshman Mike Baker showcased strong touchback kicks.

Tight end Trace Bruckler had another strong day, working within the “first team” offense. His presence as a pass blocker and a valuable red zone threat was on display today. Fellow tight end Dae’Quan Wright was suited up; however, he did not appear to be going through drills while we were there.

Wide receivers

The entire wide receiver group made a collection of great catches today. Winston Watkins, Dillon Alfred and Devin Price really stood out. Alfred hauled in an incredible one-handed catch during one-on-one drills against the cornerbacks.

Winston Watkins has been a freshman standout throughout the entirety of fall camp. Here’s a clip from this morning vs Sage Ryan: pic.twitter.com/vozFfY9TvE

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 18, 2025

The secondary has continued to grow and progress at a rapid rate, and Sage Ryan, Kapena Gushiken, and Israel Solomon all had solid days today. Being put through real time drills, and schematic plays, the transfers among the secondary proved their ball skills have been a focus in preparation for the season.

From what we saw today, the “first team” safeties were Ryan, Banks and Kapena. The “starting” cornerbacks were Antonio Kite and Ricky Fletcher, who both continue to turn heads. The “second team” (and we hesitate to use that term as, again, we are not able to see all of practice, was Chris Graves and Jaylon Braxton at CB, with Dante Core, Anthony Robinson II and Wydett Williams at safety.

O-line updates

After Saturday’s practice, some reports leaked out with rumors that the Rebs suffered some offensive line injuries in the scrimmage. While we can’t speak to that, we can say that o-lineman Delano Townsend was not seen at practice during our availability periods Monday.

PJ Wilkins was wearing the regular red jersey today and working out. Diego Pounds and Patrick Kutas were both working out as per regular, while Jayden Williams — who didn’t participate in the scrimmage this weekend — was dressed out but he did not appear to be working out with the unit while we were in attendance.

From what we were able to see while there, the “first” unit o-line today seemed to be: Pounds, Wilkins, Brycen Sanders, Kutas and Devin Harper.

D-line notes

The defensive line continues to look very, very strong. As Pete Golding has indicated, the numbers may have changed from last year’s record-breaking unit, but the quality will continue.  Da’Shawn Womack, Kam Franklin, Kamron Beavers, Princewill Umanmielen, DeeJay Holmes Zxavian Harris, Will Echoles, Jamarious Brown, Suntarine Perkins, and company are formidable, regardless of who is out there.

“I don’t see any falloff from last year… I know we had some big names, but we got guys who came in here from the portal and internally who are really good.”

– Will Echoles on this year’s defensive line

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 18, 2025

“We have a room full of guys who’re going to work.”

– Will Echoles on the D-line room

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 18, 2025

Womack and Beavers really shined within the front seven for the defense today. Both guys rotated a lot, but they look to be valuable pieces within Pete Golding’s defense.

Suntarine Perkins and Princewill Umanmielen working with Lou Spanos this morning. pic.twitter.com/kofxM8WlX2

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 18, 2025

Our next opportunity for media to attend practice is Tuesday.