Takeaways from Ole Miss Pro Day 2026: Who shined the brightest?

OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss held its annual Pro Day Wednesday, where former players ran through various drills and showcased their abilities in front of NFL scouts. Seventeen Rebels participated in today’s activities today in hopes of hearing their name announced in April at the NFL Draft. There were 38 scouts from 30 NFL teams and one CFL team scout in attendance in the Manning Center.

Here is who participated in today’s action:

Participants

• Tyler Banks
• Trace Bruckler
• Tahj Chambers
• Logan Diggs
• Kapena Gushiken
• Zxavian Harris
• Andrew Jones
• Percy Lewis
• Diego Pounds
• Sage Ryan
• Carter Short
• De’Zhaun Stribling
• Damien Taylor
• Harrison Wallace III
• Jayden Williams
• Wydett Williams
• Dae’Quan Wright

Some photos from Pro-Day: a thread

(📸 @Dun4Luke ) pic.twitter.com/hgpUijBGHq

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 18, 2026

Breakout Performance

Kapena Gushiken is a former safety for the Rebels who transferred from Washington State last year. This past season with Ole Miss, he recorded 55 total tackles and 12 pass breakups.

He had flown under many radars before today, but he isn’t a secret anymore with his performance at the Rebels’ Pro Day. His vertical came in at 41 inches. For his broad jump, he recorded an 11-foot distance, and his 40-yard dash time was 4,35. Gushiken also completed 17 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. It was an overall great showing from him that is sure to raise eyebrows in the league.

WELCOME TO THE KAPENA GUSHIKEN SHOW 🍿🤯

Vertical: 41”
Broad: 11’
40: 4.35
Bench: 17@kapslockbrah x #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/SY1WmiBgha

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) March 18, 2026

Unfortunately, Gushiken was not invited to the NFL Combine earlier this year. However, we took a look at how he would have compared to some of the top safeties in the country:

• Broad Jump — 1st (11′)

• 3-Cone Drill — 1st (6.77)

• Shuttle — 2nd (4.22)

• Bench — 2nd (17 reps)

• Vertical Jump — T-2nd (41″)

• 40-Yard Dash — T-4th (4.35)

His results today ranked among the top safeties that were invited to the Combine, even beating every single one of them in some categories. Gushiken should be proud of today’s performance, as it may well have raised his draft stock.

Kap’s testing vs. all 2026 NFL Combine safeties:

Broad Jump — 1st (11’)⁰3-Cone Drill — 1st (6.77)⁰Shuttle — 2nd (4.22)⁰Bench — 2nd (17 reps)⁰Vertical Jump — T-2nd (41”)⁰40-Yard Dash — T-4th (4.35)

Have yourself a DAY @kapslockbrah 🫡 https://t.co/q7U5SfLY4H pic.twitter.com/cFgU0cU6Pt

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) March 18, 2026

Overall Takeaway

Today also benefitted the Rebels who received invitations to the NFL Combine. Zxavian Harris (DT), Diego Pounds (OL), De’Zhaun Stribling (WR), Harrison Wallace III (WR), and Dae’Quan Wright (TE) all boosted their stock with more reps and drills.

All the Ole Miss participants gave everything they had today, aiming to prove they can step up to the next level.

The NFL Draft will take place from April 23rd to 25th, and Rebel fans await the possibility of hearing their team’s former players selected to play at the highest level.