Rebels’ Safety Wydett Williams Jr. Brings Experience—and Trust in Pete Golding—to Ole Miss Secondary
OXFORD, Miss. — When safety Wydett Williams Jr. decided to hit the transfer portal this past offseason, he knew his decision on where to go was a crucial one in his development as a football player. With one year left of eligibility in college, the Louisina native landed at Ole Miss for his final year of college.
Williams Jr. transferred from Louisiana-Monroe, but before that he had already experienced the state of Mississippi, spending two seasons at Division II school Delta State.
Williams Jr. appreciates all he has, past and present
The new Rebels safety took to the podium on Monday and was asked about the differences between his former Group of 5 school, ULM, and the SEC powerhouse of Ole Miss.
“Back in ULM, they gave us everything they had, they were always able to support us, said Williams Jr. “Whatever we needed, they tried their best to get us where we needed. So far, they (Ole Miss) do the same thing. They just have more resources and things like that, which get you back on your feet early and allow you to play at the highest level. Of course, moving up from that level, there are more resources at the SEC, but ULM has always done a great job with me.”
Despite formerly playing in the Sun-Belt Conference, Williams Jr. does not feel too much of a difference when it comes to the SEC. ULM has played big schools in the past.
Last season, they came up against Texas and Auburn, with Williams Jr. having an interception against Longhorns five-star quarterback Arch Manning.
“I really don’t feel there’s that much difference. I know it’s a higher conference, but I’ve played against higher schools before. I just really sit down and watch the film, study the keys and everything else will go accordingly.“
Wydett Williams Jr
Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding is ‘like family’
Williams Jr. has spoken in the past about the environment and coaches at Ole Miss being one of the big reasons why he chose to transfer to Oxford. The senior was asked about his relationship with Pete Golding, and he had nothing but love for the Ole Miss DC.
“He is just a great guy, he is welcoming, it doesn’t matter where you are. He treats you like a son, like family. He always jokes around with you, but when you get that feel, everything has to be focused, you have to be here when you’re supposed to be here, and when it’s time to handle business, it’s time to handle business.“
Wydett Williams Jr
“He treats you like a son… when it’s time to handle business, he handles business.”
– Wydett Williams Jr. on Pete Golding
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 18, 2025
Next Up
Ole Miss opens the season August 30 at Vaught-Hemingway when the Rebels host Georgia State.
Jordan Merritt
Jordan is a freelance writer who covers sports, games, and more. A United Kingdom native, he covers everything Ole Miss for The Rebel Walk. He has written for several publications, including Athlon Sports, On SI, Fansided, and others. Away from writing, he loves spending time with his family and watching films and TV series.
