Momentum Continues in Oxford as Pete Golding, Ole Miss Retain Key Players for 2026

OXFORD, Miss. — While the transfer portal dominates the college football landscape each offseason, Ole Miss is quietly sending a different message. Under first-year head coach Pete Golding, the Rebels are not only adding talent — they’re keeping it.

As of Saturday morning, 19 Ole Miss players have announced their decision to return to Oxford for another season, a significant show of roster stability in an era defined by constant movement. The group includes key starters on both sides of the ball and reflects Golding’s early success in maintaining continuity while simultaneously attacking the transfer portal.

“I think with us going deep in the playoffs, a lot of kids want to come play for winning programs,” co-defensive coordinator Bryan Brown said last week in Scottsdale as the Rebels were in town for the Fiesta Bowl. “Pete’s done a phenomenal job just managing and keeping this core group of guys together,” added Brown.

The most recent two players announcing their return are defensive lineman Kam Franklin and offensive lineman Patrick Kutas.

Here’s the complete list of Rebels returning, as of January 10:

DL Kam Franklin – starter
OL Patrick Kutas – starter
RB Kewan Lacy – starter
QB Trinidad Chambliss (pending waiver appeal) – starter
DL Jamarious Brown
DL Princewill Umanmielen – starter
P Oscar Bird – starter
C Brycen Sanders – starter
DL Will Echoles – starter
EDGE/LB Suntarine Perkins – starter
DB Antonio Kite – starter
K Lucas Carneiro – starter
DB Jaylon Braxton – starter
S LD Clardy
OL Terez Davis
TE Luke Hasz
TE Caleb Odom
OL Devin Harper
WR Deuce Alexander – starter

Remaining Portal Needs

Ole Miss lost to Miami, 31-27, in the College Football Playoff semifinal in Glendale, Arizona Thursday. The following day, the Rebels learned that quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ petition for an additional year of eligibility was denied. Athletics Director Keith Carter announced the same day that Ole Miss will appeal the ruling. Beyond that, if the appeal is denied, Chambliss and his family have retained attorney Tom Mars and he remains ready to sue in Mississippi Circuit Court if needed.

In the meantime, though, Ole Miss must prepare for the future at QB, with or without Chambliss. Today, the Rebels are hosting Florida transfer QB DJ Lagway, who has committed to Baylor but will still be visiting, as well as Auburn transfer QB Deuce Knight.

Of the ten current players who have announced their transfer to Ole Miss, nine of them are on the defensive side of the ball. LSU Transfer offensive lineman Carius Curne is the lone offensive player currently committed; however, that is likely to change soon.

Transfers In

In addition to QB, Ole Miss will be looking to land wide receivers, as well as a running back to back up Kewan Lacy, who announced last week he will be returning to Oxford. The Rebels are still waiting to hear the decisions of linebacker TJ Dottery and WR Caleb Cunningham.

Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all your updates!