Ole Miss defensive players Jaden Yates, Ricky Fletcher enter transfer portal

OXFORD, Miss. –– Ole Miss football has had two defensive players enter the portal as linebacker Jaden Yates and cornerback Ricky Fletcher have declared their intent. Thus far, six Rebels have entered the portal. You can track them HERE.

In addition to Yates and Fletcher, those transferring out include QB Austin Simmons, RB Domonique Thomas, offensive lineman PJ Wilkins (committed to Wisconsin), and WR Winston Watkins (expected to enter).

Thus far in the portal, Ole Miss has landed Auburn transfer CB Jay Crawford and Sharif Denton (Florida), along with linebackers Keaton Thomas (Baylor) and Chris Jones (Southern Miss).

Jaden Yates

Yates transferred in ahead of this season from Marshall. Prior   to this season with the Rebels, he played two years with the Thundering Herd.

During his career in Oxford in 2025, Yates notched 55 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and .5 sacks. For his career, Yates has tallied 181 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, two fumble recoveries and two pass deflections.

Yates, a three-star recruit from Columbus, Ohio, was the No. 47 overall prospect in the state and the No. 149 linebacker in the class of 2023.

Ricky Fletcher

Fletcher also intends to enter the portal. He spent one season with Ole Miss, notching 11 total tackles and two pass breakups in eight games played.

He spent his first two seasons at South Alabama where he recorded 43 tackles with 11 pass breakups.

Fletcher was a three-star recruit who was ranked the No. 129 cornerback in 2022 class.

The portal opened on Jan. 2 and will close on Jan. 16.