FCS rushing leader Joshua Dye commits to Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. — Southern Utah running back Joshua Dye, one of the top offensive players in the 2026 transfer portal, has committed to Ole Miss as the Rebels make a solid addition to their backfield.
Dye, a redshirt sophomore out of Southern Utah University, emerged as one of the most productive rushers in FCS football during the 2025 season. He finished with 1,831 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 295 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt and ranking among the nation’s leaders in both yardage and scoring.
Former Southern Utah Running Back Joshua Dye has committed to Ole Miss! Hotty Toddy! pic.twitter.com/uuNFFtA9tU
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) January 18, 2026
The Gilbert, Arizona native showcased his ability to carry a workload consistently, registering multiple career-high games, including a 221-yard performance against Eastern Kentucky. His production helped Southern Utah’s offense remain among the most dynamic units in the FCS.
Dye originally began his college career at UTEP before transferring to Southern Utah, where he became the centerpiece of the Thunderbirds’ ground attack. His combination of durability, vision and scoring ability has attracted attention from several FBS programs since entering the transfer portal.
After Dye was named United Athletic Conference Player of the Week back in October, head coach DeLane Fitzgerald talked about his running back:
“Josh continues to prove he’s one of the best running backs in the conference. His work ethic on and off the field is impressive. He’s been consistent, explosive, and tough, and we’re proud of the way he’s helping to lead our offense right now.”
Southern Utah head coach DeLane Fitzgerald
The commit to Ole Miss represents a significant opportunity for both sides. For Dye, it offers a chance to make the jump to the Power Four level with a Rebels offense that has utilized talent out of the backfield. For Ole Miss, it provides an opportunity to add a proven playmaker to the running back room as the team continues to reload through the portal.
Southern Utah teammates and conference observers have noted Dye’s consistency and ability to handle a heavy workload, traits that could translate well to SEC competition.
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com
