Ole Miss WR Cayden Lee Places Name in Portal Pending Trinidad Chambliss Ruling
by Evelyn Van Pelt | Jan 17, 2026 | Football |
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss wide receiver Cayden Lee has placed his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal. Our sources — as late as Saturday morning, following the portal’s closure at midnight Friday — indicate Lee is simply waiting to see what the status will be of the eligibility case surrounding quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. However, there is an update as Lee posted a statement on Twitter and Instagram Saturday afternoon.
Here’s Lee’s statement:
“#RebelNation, With deep gratitude and a heavy heart, I have made the difficult decision to enter the college football transfer portal. Leaving Ole Miss was never even a consideration, but circumstances beyond my control have prompted me to take this path as I consider my senior season. I am walking in faith and asking God to order my steps accordingly.
“I will forever be grateful for the lifelong memories and bonds built during my time here.
“Oxford has given me so many unforgettable moments, has triumphed through major adversity and had unbelievable success. I leave my heart with this community and with my brothers! These relationships are forever. Please stand by me just as I have always stood by you. #HottyToddy Forever a Reb!”
Cayden Lee
Earlier on Saturday, Matt Zenitz released the news that Lee was entering the portal.
It has widely been understood that Lee’s decision is tied to Chambliss’ eligibility — and it still might be. However, there is not a set timetable as to when the quarterback’s eligibility will be decided. The legal process surrounding Chambliss’ eligibility officially began Friday, when attorneys for Chambliss filed suit in Lafayette County Chancery Court. The NCAA denied Chambliss’ request for a sixth year of eligibility the day after Ole Miss’ Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami, setting off a legal fight that could ultimately determine the makeup of the Rebels’ offense next season.
As for Lee, he entered the portal before the Friday night deadline, a necessary procedural move, many said, given the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position. With the window closing at midnight, Lee opted to protect his options while potentially waiting for clarity on Chambliss’ status. It is known that with Lee going into his final college football season in 2026, he would understandably want to play with an experienced quarterback.
If Lee ultimately returns, it would mark his fourth season at Ole Miss — and a significant one. Over his career, he has totaled 106 receptions for 1,623 yards and seven touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more reliable and productive receivers of the Rebels’ recent run.
Interest has already followed. Sources indicate Lee has drawn portal attention from programs including Georgia and Missouri, among others.
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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
