Ole Miss Lands Late Offseason Offensive Line Help, Adds to Running Back Room

OXFORD, Miss. — The Ole Miss Rebels kick off the season in just six days as they await visitors Georgia State on Saturday. But before that, head coach Lane Kiffin and staff landed a transfer offensive lineman and a running back, offering additional late offseason depth to the team.

Offensive lineman Cooper Johnson and running back Macaleb Taylor are the newest Rebels.

Cooper Johnson

Johnson comes to Ole Miss from Iowa Western Community College and prior to that graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska.

What a wild ride for former Lincoln Southeast standout OL Cooper Johnson.

He was set to play for Iowa Western CC another season, until this week. Johnson will now play for Ole Miss and join the Rebels immediately on a full ride. pic.twitter.com/x2q06rGvPG

— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) August 23, 2025

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Johnson was a starter for Iowa Western last season as a freshman, and he was recently was named second-team preseason All-American.

Johnson joins a diverse offensive line group with a mix of young and veteran players, but allows for depth moves for a physically taxing position.

The Rebels have experienced several injuries during camp thus far, but they are hoping the addition of Johnson can help negate some of these losses.

With the Ole Miss’ kickoff so close and an SEC road game up second on the schedule, Johnson’s playing time could be limited until he learns all the schemes. That being said, injuries or positive reviews from offensive line coach John Garrison could help boost him up the depth chart.

RB Macaleb Taylor

The Rebels also added Grenada (Miss). and Northwest Community College running back Macaleb Taylor.

It appeared until last week that Taylor would play for Northwest Community College this season; however, plans changed when Ole Miss came calling.

Taylor was electric last season for Grenada, leading the team to a 2024 6A state championship while amassing 211 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the game.

I just want to say thanks for incredible opportunity that Northwest has given me. truly helped me take my skills and mindset to another level. The experience has been nothing but a good opportunity. I just wanted to say that I will be transferring & becoming an @OleMissFB !!

— Macaleb Taylor “C5” (@Calebthegooat) August 21, 2025

The dynamic rusher finished with more than 2,700 rushing yards in his senior year—to go with his 40 touchdowns.

Next Up:

Ole Miss’ season begins Saturday as the Rebels host the Georgia State Panthers in Vaught-Hemingway.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 pm CT on SEC Network.