OXFORD, Miss. — On Thursday, Ole Miss allowed the media time to speak to offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and defensive coordinator Pete Golding, something that hasn’t happened since they were allotted media availability before the Gator Bowl took place back in January.

Tons of new insight and information regarding the state of the team were provided by the coordinators, including further admiration of the defense. Golding had many things to say, answering questions and speaking on every area of the defense, from the defensive line to the secondary. Here are a few quick points from Golding’s press conference.

Working with a new defense

“Obviously, we had eight guys move on and fulfill their dreams; five of those guys draft picks,” Golding said. “But you hope you’re getting to a point where that’s year in and year out… So the benefit of it right now is we’ve got all the young guys that I think are gonna make the biggest jump this year, have been in the system and played last year.”

It is no secret that the Ole Miss team lost some major defensive names to the NFL Draft, especially on the defensive line with defensive tackles Walter Nolen and JJ Pegues, and defensive end Princley Umanmielen among the five.

Although the Rebels may have lost some major names, it doesn’t mean that the team has lost any talent. Golding specifically mentioned defensive linemen Princewill Umanmielen, LSU transfer Da’Shawn Womack, Kam Franklin, and Will Echoles as some of the players he expects to make big jumps and keep the defensive line in shape for the new season.

Specifically regarding Echoles and Franklins, Golding spoke about the higher expectations and belief that he has in their ability to perform next season, given their experience and time that they’ve had to learn the system.

“All those guys that have been here know the expectations, know what to do, and then seeing them grow in the weight room from and strength and conditioning standpoint,” Golding said. “I think we’re going to be really excited with the guys that have already been here.”

It appears that the faith in the defense continues to grow as camp progresses. Questions are getting answered, and the concern starts to fade, but only time will tell if it’s all talk or all facts when week one rolls around.

Suntarine Perkins and Jaylon Braxton

Golding answered many questions regarding many players and their roles, with Jaylon Braxton and Suntarine Perkins being two of the players mentioned. Golding provided some clarity on the roles that they both will play in the backfield.

“So we’ve played [Braxton] at both spots since he’s been here,” Golding said. “So, we last started him at free safety in the spring to learn that position, because it’s a harder spot, because he’s never played it. Then in the summer, he worked at nothing but corner, so he’s got the versatility to play all five [defensive back spots].”

Braxton, who transferred from Arkansas, made 11 appearances and started in eight games for the Razorbacks in the two seasons he was there. An injury set him back and led to little playing time in 2024, and now, with lost depth, the Rebels are testing out his versatility and talent at every position in the secondary, should the Rebels need it.

“There’s going to be some games if he’s healthy, he’s gonna be at corner, there’s gonna be some games if he’s healthy, he’s at free safety,” Golding said. ” He’s got an elite skill set, he’s got a really high football IQ.”

This is good news for the Ole Miss defense; although depth was lost, especially with cornerback Trey Amos now in the NFL, a lot of variability will be available for the defense in Braxton’s skill set.

As for Perkins, Golding spoke on what the next step is for him and his role in the defense.

“I mean, obviously,  I love his energy, his attitude, his body language. I think his stature sometimes, right, he’s a will [linebacker] by stature,” Golding said. “But he’s an elite player where he is, and he’s much more heavy-handed than people think he is.”

On top of hyping up his skillset at the position he’s been playing, Golding also noted that his improved physical status will now allow Ole Miss more flexibility to move around and play other positions on the defense. However, Golding also mentioned that what he said is “definitely not a hey, we’re moving him.”

With more flexibility and versatility developing around key role players on the defense, as well as continuous raving about where the defense is at through fall camp, it very well appears that the Rebels could have one of the best defenses in the country.

Kam Franklin taking over for Jared Ivey?

“Yeah, absolutely. I think Kam, probably from a defensive standpoint, has had the biggest improvement from day one until where he is now,” Golding said. “I think he’s really heavy-handed. I think he’s got more twitch than people think.”

After losing many key players, as aforementioned, the Rebels needed new guys to take over. Franklin will be one of those guys. After talking up Franklin and his ability to take over for an absent Ivey, who was one of the many to move on to the NFL, Golding also mentioned that Franklin will have the ability to play any position on the defensive front.

“He’s got enough length, and obviously, he’s really heavy-handed, and he’s a good pass rusher. So he’s playing himself into an every-down player, which is really exciting,” Golding said.

It is something that Ole Miss fans should be excited about; not just a singular defensive lineman with versatility and skill, and not just an entire defensive line with skill, but an entire defense that has stood out through all of camp. A defense that can match up against any team and compete because of the range of skills that they all have.

Ole Miss will kick off the 2025 season against Georgia State in Vaught-Hemingway on Aug. 30, and it already seems as though the defense is ready to get things going and make an impact.