OXFORD, Miss. — Another portal window has opened and closed, but the action is still going on. The lone window this season opened January 2, 2026 and closed January 16, 2026 at midnight. Players on teams still in the College Football Playoff (CFP) get an extra five-day window to enter the transfer portal after their final game, separate from the main Jan. 2-16 window. (Click HERE for transfer portal tracker of players who have already made their decisions.)
Here are players around the country to watch! (Updated January 22 at 9:00 a.m.)
Portal Players to Watch
LB Luke Ferelli – Cal – visited Ole Miss – committed and enrolled at Ole Miss
Ferelli, a transfer linebacker from Cal, has emerged as a portal addition for Ole Miss as the Rebels continue reshaping their defensive front seven. He is viewed as a physical, downhill linebacker with positional versatility, capable of contributing both inside and on the edge depending on scheme and personnel.
Ferrelli recorded 91 tackles, including five for loss and one sack, an interception and one pass breakup in 13 games this season for Cal. He led all freshmen in tackles (87) and finished second among all ACC freshmen in tackles for loss (five) to win ACC defensive rookie of the year.
More specifics on Ferelli’s role and usage are expected to become clearer as spring and fall practices approach, but his presence adds needed competition at a position that will be closely watched heading into the 2026 season. He committed to Clemson on January 6, but on January 16 removed Clemson from his bio, and speculation is he will commit to the Rebels.
RB Makhi Frazier – Michigan State – committed to Ole Miss Jan. 19
Ole Miss will host running back Makhi Frazier on January 18th in hopes of finding their fourth running back and finalizing the backfield for Frank Wilson. Frazier spent two seasons at Michigan State, finding himself a productive role during the 2025 season. Over the fall, he recorded 520 yards on 116 carries while scoring two touchdowns. Additionally, the Texas native was also utilized in the passing game, tallying 12 receptions for 25 yards.
Makhi possesses a 5-foot-10, 220-pound frame and would immediately compete for playing time in a room consisting of Kewan Lacy, Shekai Mills-Knight, and JT Lindsey. As it stands in the transfer portal, it appears it will come down to Ole Miss, Indiana, Auburn, or Penn State for Frazier.
RB Joshua Dye – Southern Utah – committed to Ole Miss Jan. 18
Southern Utah running back Joshua Dye, one of the top offensive players in the 2026 transfer portal, is wrapping up a visit to Ole Miss as the Rebels evaluate potential additions to their backfield. The redshirt sophomore 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.
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.
DL Jordan Renaud – Alabama – committed to Ole Miss Jan. 15
Renaud is set to visit Ole Miss Thursday, Jan. 15. He arrives from Tuscaloosa having spent three seasons in one of college football’s deepest defensive line rotations. He appeared in all 15 games this past season for Alabama, recording 18 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and multiple quarterback pressures. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, he played in 12 games and logged 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack after redshirting in 2023.
While his raw numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, Renaud’s value lies in experience and trust. He played in 29 games during his Alabama career and even drew starts in high-leverage moments, including the SEC Championship Game against Georgia and Alabama’s College Football Playoff first-round matchup when injuries forced lineup adjustments.
A former four-star recruit out of Tyler Legacy High School in Texas, Renaud entered college as a highly regarded prospect and has developed behind elite competition.
EDGE Blake Purchase – Oregon – committed to Ole Miss Jan. 16
Blake Purchase is a former Oregon EDGE defender who entered the portal after spending multiple seasons in Eugene, where he worked behind a loaded front that included high-profile names like Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei. Despite not being a headline producer in 2025, Purchase remained part of the Ducks’ regular front-seven rotation as Oregon pushed all the way to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
This past season, Purchase totaled 13 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. But the appeal goes beyond one year of stats. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, Purchase has ideal SEC size and has appeared in 35 games for Oregon while preserving a redshirt year.
For Ole Miss, Purchase would represent developmental upside — a player who has faced elite competition, understands rotational roles, and could grow into a larger workload within a defense that values versatility and depth off the edge.
OL Que McBroom: ULM (expected t0 visit Ole Miss Jan. 15)
The Missouri native signed with Coffeyville Community College out of high school where he became a top-five interior offensive lineman at the JUCO ranks. After his departure from there, McBroom spent one season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, before then transferring to Louisiana-Monroe.
The 6-foot-5, 325-pound redshirt-junior is expected to be at Alabama starting on Wednesday then will head from there to Ole Miss on Thursday and Friday.
McBroom played 981 snaps at guard in two seasons with the WarHawks and only allowed two sacks in that time. A former JUCO All-American, McBroom is awaiting an appeal that would give him back a year of eligibility.
WR Darrell Gill Jr – Syracuse – committed to Ole Miss Jan. 14
Darell Gill Jr. is a Junior wide receiver for Syracuse who can be an absolute game changer. The 6 ‘3 190 pound versatile receiver from Humble, Texas is known for being an explosive, deep-field threat. He has played all three seasons of his college seasons with Syracuse. Over the course of his time there, he has recorded 70 receptions, 1,136 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Why is he touted as a top prospect in the portal? He is known for his speed as he also ran track at Syracuse. He is also phenomenal at catching the ball while heavily contested. Two key things that would work well in any offense, but especially the Rebels’ dynamic offense.
QB Walker Howard – ULL – committed to Ole Miss Jan. 14
Howard spent the 2025 season with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. He signed with LSU in 2022 as the No.5 quarterback in the country out of Lafayette (La.) St. Thomas Moore. After one season with the Tigers, he transferred to Ole Miss, where he spent two seasons as a backup with Lane Kiffin’s Rebels. Howard earned the starting job with the Rajin’ Cajuns last season; however, he suffered an oblique injury in September that kept him out for a month-and-a-half, causing him to lose the starting job. Howard is known for being a team-first player who is a locker-room favorite. Sources indicate he is likely to sign with Pete Golding’s Rebels for the 2026 season.
OL Jordan Seaton – Colorado
If Ole Miss is hunting for a true difference-maker in the trenches, Jordan Seaton is a name Rebel fans need to know. One of the most coveted players to hit the transfer portal this cycle, Seaton entered Monday night and immediately drew attention from programs across the country — including the Rebels. The former Five-Star Plus+ recruit out of IMG Academy has already proven he can play at a high level.
Seaton earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors this season while starting at tackle for the Buffaloes. Even after missing the final three games due to injury, his pass protection numbers remained elite. He surrendered just one sack and five total pressures all season, without allowing a single quarterback hit — production that placed him among the top linemen in the conference. Statistically, Seaton graded as the 11th-best pass blocker in the Big 12, the second-best offensive tackle in the league, and the 10th-best tackle among Power Four programs. Simply put: when healthy, he’s as close to plug-and-play as the portal offers.
Seaton visited Mississippi State Jan. 15. and LSU Jan. 18.
WR Cameron Miller– Kentucky (committed to Ole Miss January 12)
Cameron Miller is a freshman wide-receiver from Kentucky. The 5 ‘11, 167-pound receiver is from Camden, New Jersey and was a three star two-way player in high school before coming to Kentucky.Â
The freshman recorded thirteen receptions and 114 yards in his freshman season with the Wild Cats. Ole Miss recruiting isn’t just about established stars, it’s about molding young talent into great talent with Pete Golding at the helm. The wide receiving core at Ole Miss is shaping up to be a dangerous one. The Rebels’ are a perfect fit for Miller at such a young stage in his career.Â
QB Deuce Knight – Auburn (committed to Ole Miss Jan. 11)
Deuce Knight is a highly touted dual-threat quarterback who announced on December 30th, 2025, that he would be leaving Auburn to enter the transfer portal. Knight is from Lucedale, Mississippi, and attended high school in George County. He recorded 5,792 passing yards, 1,316 rushing yards, and 85 total touchdowns. Knight was a five-star recruit and the top overall recruit from Mississippi. He originally committed to Notre Dame before flipping to Auburn.
In 2025, The 6-foot-2, 217-pound freshman quarterback only played in two games for the Tigers. He got his first career start against Mercer in late November, where he lit the college football world on fire. The true freshman tallied 239 passing yards along with 162 rushing yards and six total touchdowns, leading Auburn to a 62-17 victory. How would the dual threat stand out at Ole Miss? Just look at this past year with starting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss at the helm of this offense. Knight is ranked a top-five quarterback in the portal and would thrive in the Ole Miss offense. This would make him the perfect candidate to join the Rebels’ roster for next season.
RB JT Lindsey– LSU (committed to Ole Miss Jan. 12)
JT Lindsey is a freshman running back from LSU. The 6-foot-0, 191-pound back played at Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. His senior year at AHS he tallied 2,361 yards and 33 touchdowns on 302 carries. The four-star recruit also notched 248 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. He earned 2024 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Player of the Year.
Lindsey committed to LSU in early 2024 for the 2025 recruiting class and was recently cleared to play for the upcoming season. He previously was disciplined for off-the-field matters that impacted his first year on campus. This talented young running back has all the tools to be successful in the world of college football. Frank Wilson will be the new running-backs coach at Ole Miss for the 2026 season; he previously held that position at LSU. Under Wilson’s guidance, Lindsey could develop into one of the next great running backs at Ole Miss if he were to commit.
Safety Joenel Aguero – Georgia (committed to Ole Miss Jan. 10)
Georgia safety Joenel Aguero entered the portal recently, and the top five schools to watch for him are Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Miami and Missouri. He’s a 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back who totaled 80 tackles, 45 of which are solo, and has notched seven pass breakups and one interceptions in his time with the Bulldogs.
Aguero is a former 5-star recruit who spent two seasons as a starter in the Georgia secondary. He appeared in 11 games in 2024 and ended the season with 26 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 quarterback hurry.
DL Kevin Oatis – Arkansas – committed to Kansas
Kevin Oatis is a freshman defensive lineman for Arkansas who didn’t see the field that much in his freshman season, but someone who can be a difference maker with the right person in charge of his development. The 6 ’3, 288-pound d-linemen is from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He attended Hattiesburg Highschool and was a multiple sport athlete playing football, track & field( shot put and discus), and powerlifting.He only played varsity for two years, but was a monster on the field. In that time frame he tallied 41 total tackles, five sacks, and one fumble recovery.
Oatis is a cousin of current transfer commit Jeheim Oatis, a former Colorado and Alabama defensive linemen. Family ties along with Pete Golding’s aggresiveness in recruiting defensive linemen could lead Kevin Oatis to join Ole Miss. How does he fit in? Pete Golding is now at the helm of the Ole Miss ship and is a defensive coach through and through. Golding and the defensive staff would give Kevin Oatis all the tools to develop into a game changer for the rebels’ on the line.
OT – Carius Curne – LSUÂ (committed to Ole Miss Jan. 5)
Curne is the top rated offensive tackle in the transfer portal according to 247Sports rankings. As a true freshman this past season, Curne logged snaps in seven games with five starts this season. The 6-foot-5, 320 pound lineman suffered a leg injury earlier in the year against Texas A&M.
A versatile freshman, Curne earned starts at both left and right tackle this season presenting intersting swing tackle potential. Out of high school, Curne was a four-star recruit by most major recruiting outlets and was ranked inside the top-50 overall playes of his class by Rivals. The highly coveted transfer enters the portal with three years of remaining eligibility.
RB Tre Wisner – Texas (committed to Florida State)
Wisner is one of many talented running backs to enter the transfer portal this cycle. Out of high school, Wisner was a three-star recruit from DeSoto, Texas who chose to stay in state playing for Texas. In three seasons, Wisner found himself as a constant in a Longhorn backfield that has produced several NFL talents at running back (Jaydon Blue & Jonnathon Brooks) during his time in Austin. Wisner broke out in 2024 where he rushed for 1,064 yards on 4.7 yards per attempt while also hauling in 44 receptions for 311 yards. That effort earned Wisner 2024 third team All-SEC honors.
In 2025, Wisner dealt with a lingering hamstring injury limiting him to action in only 9 games. He is expected to take visits to both Ole Miss and Florida State as part of his recruitment.
WR Jayce Brown – Kansas State – committed to LSU
Ole Miss has entered the mix for top-three transfer WR Jayce Brown. A true vertical threat, Brown has averaged over 17.0 yareds per reception over his three years at Kansas State. This season, Brown was limited due to an arm/shoulder injury forcing him to miss some as he only saw action in 10 games. In 2025, Brown posted 2.93 yards per route run which was top-15 in the nation. For reference, Ole Miss’ leader in that category was Tre Wallace who was at 2.35 mark. Over his three year career, Brown has totaled 115 receptions with 1,972 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns.
There is heavy interest from the SEC for Brown as he is set to visit Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, Kentucky and Auburn. Louisville is also expected to get a visit as well. Teams looking for a speedy player who can take the top off of defenses and create separation will covet Brown.
WR Kyle Parker – LSU (expected to visit Ole Miss)
The Allen, Texas, native is entering his redshirt junior year with two years of eligibility. Parker posted on social media that he was on the Ole Miss campus on Sunday, January 4th, likely due to his close relationship with Frank Wilson. Standing at 5-foot-11, weighing 195 pounds, Parker possesses a great deal of athleticism and versatility at the wide receiver position.
This past season with the Tigers, he averaged 10.6 yards per catch, recording 31 receptions for 330 yards. Additionally, Kyle totaled four touchdowns against SELA, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Houston. This is another key prospect to keep your eyes on during portal season.
Safety Ian Foster – Southern Miss (expected to visit Ole Miss Jan. 11)
The Southern Mississippi safety Ian Foster has entered the portal following one season with the Golden Eagles. Prior to his time in Hattiesburg, Foster began his collegiate career at Marshall in 2023, where he took a redshirt year, followed by an impressive season in 2024 as a return specialist.
Upon portaling to Southern Miss for 2025, Foster had himself a breakout season, recording 75 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions. The Alabama native stands at 5-foot-10, weighing in at 110 pounds. Other schools to receive visits from Foster are Memphis, Kansas State, Houston, and Oregon.
WR Jeremiah Harrison – ETSU (expected to visit Ole Miss)
Jeremiah Harrison is a true sophomore with three years of eligibility following an impressive first year at East Tennessee State. He holds great length, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 180 pounds. Despite being unranked in high school, Harrison proved his ability on the field this fall by tallying 652 yards on 38 receptions with five touchdowns.
While it’s been reported that Harrison is visiting Ole Miss on January 4th, there have been additional reports that he will stop in East Lansing to visit Michigan State as well.
DT Horace Lockett- UCF (withdrew from portal, returning to UCF)
Horace Lockett is a junior defensive tackle for UCF who makes an impact when he is on the field. The 6 ‘6, 355-pound beast is from Atlanta, Georgia. He was a three-star recruit out of West Lake High in Georgia, who committed to Georgia Tech in summer of 2021 and officially signed in December of that year. He redshirted his first year before taking the field for the Yellow Jackets. He recorded 22 total tackles (eight solo and fourteen assisted) in 2023. He would be sidelined in 2024 due to a hand injury, before transferring to UCF for the 2025 season.
Lockett would record 12 total tackles (eight solo and four assisted) and one sack through four games before tearing his pectoral muscle against Kansas State. He is a monster when on the gridiron and with Pete Golding as the head coach for the Rebels headed into 2026. We think he can be a big time impact for the d-line and show the world what he is capable of.
DB Sharif Denson – Florida (committed to Ole Miss Jan. 4)
Denson has entered the transfer portal as a highly rated defensive back after spending the last three seasons with Florida. He’s been a key starter for the last two years and gathered 53 tackles, one pass breakup, and four hurries in the 2025 season.
Denson stands at 5-foot-11, weighing 195 pounds, allowing his length and speed to translate exceptionally at the SEC level. As it stands, he is expected to visit Miami and Ole Miss upon his time in the portal.
Jordan Castell – Florida (visited Ole Miss January 4)
Florida transfer DB Jordan Castell is down to three schools: Ole Miss, Kentucky and LSU. He’s visiting Oxford on January 4, the Wildcats on January 5 and Baton Rouge on January 8. The Orlando native has been one of Florida‘s key contributors on defense across the past three seasons. In that span, Castell has recorded 168 tackles, 12 pass deflections, three interceptions, and one sack. He started in 34 consecutive games for the Gators.
Kayin Lee – Auburn (visited Ole Miss January 3)
Defensive back Kayin Lee is entering the transfer portal following three seasons at Auburn. With over 1,500 career snaps, Lee has tallied over 80 tackles and three interceptions. The Georgia native stands at 5-foot-11, weighing 180 pounds, possessing great speed and lockdown ability in pass coverage.
Most recently in 2025, Lee notched 31 total tackles, one interception, and four pass deflections. In addition to visiting Ole Miss on January 3rd, he will also visit Ohio State on the 4th.
DL Jehiem Oatis – Colorado – committed to Ole Miss Jan 5
Exiting high school, Oatis was a top-100 player in the country as well as an Under Armour All-American. Originally committing to Alabama, Oatis spent three seasons with the Tide, playing for both Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer. During his time in Tuscaloosa, the 6-foot-5, 325-pound tackle played in 29 games, totaling 52 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
This offseason, Oatis entered the portal and decided to play at Colorado for Deion Sanders, appearing in 11 games and tallying 9 tackles along with one pass breakup. With one year to play, if Oatis commits to Ole Miss and Randall Joyner, expect him to become a big-time rotational piece and someone who collaborates efficiently with Will Echoles.
DL Michai Boireau – Florida – committed to Ole Miss
It was reported on the morning of January 2nd that Michai Boireau, a former Florida defensive lineman, plans to visit Ole Miss, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, and Kentucky, according to Matt Zenitz. The 6-foot-5, 350-pound tackle joined the Gators as a true freshman in 2024, where he recorded 144 snaps across 12 games, tallying 15 total tackles.
In 2025, the Georgia native started in nine games, where he notched 20 total tackles and two sacks. Most notably, Boireau made the game-winning interception against Mississippi State in a 23-21 win. With several years of eligibility, Michai is ranked as a top-five defensive lineman in the portal and would be an incredible addition for Ole Miss.
LB Chris Jones – Southern Mississippi – committed to Ole Miss; decommittedÂ
Chris Jones, a Byram, Mississippi native, entered the portal following an unbelievable year at Southern Miss. The linebacker led the defense by collecting 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one fumble, and one interception. Against Mississippi State, the only SEC opponent for the Golden Eagles, Jones recorded an impressive 13 tackles on the day. In the portal, the 6-foot-0, 230-pound incoming junior is being heavily pursued by Ole Miss and Florida State.
He actually committed to Ole Miss only to decommit soon afterward. When the dead period ends Thursday, Jan 15, he is expected to visit FSU.
Prior to his two years at Southern Miss, Jones attended Hartfield Academy, where the team not only won the state title but also recorded its first-ever undefeated season.
S Edwin Joseph – Florida State – Committed to Ole Miss Jan 10.
Ole Miss is one of many SEC Schools to show interest in the former Seminole. In 2025, Joseph saw action in all 12 regular season games and was listed as a starter in 10 of those. The redshirt sophomore recorded three interceptions this season to go along with 37 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. As it stands, Joseph is one of the top safeties in the transfer portal.
Joseph has begun to line up visits to several schools including Ole Miss. Other schools who have visits on the schedule include Texas, Texas A&M, NC State, and Clemson. Joseph will have two years of remaining eligibility.
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Zach Moreth
Zach is a sophomore at Ole Miss and a Digital Content Creator with The Rebel Walk. Outside of covering sports, he enjoys spending time with family and hanging out with friends. Zach plans on graduating from Ole Miss in 2027 with a Sports Administration degree.
