Coach Yo, Ole Miss Land Talented Illinois State Transfer Doneelah Washington
OXFORD, Miss. — Once again, Ole Miss and head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin have landed another portal prize, this time signing Illinois State transfer forward Doneelah Washington.
Coach Yo and the Rebels add talented transfer forward Doneelah Washington from Illinois State.
She averaged 16.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in her sophomore year. Hotty Toddy! pic.twitter.com/KCiZ7bs5P7
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) April 19, 2026
Washington, a six-foot-one sophomore forward from Lincoln, NE, is a highly efficient scorer. She averaged 16.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in her sophomore year. She spent the last two seasons with the Redbirds, where she started in all 38 games after playing in 37 games her freshman year.
Washington was an efficient scorer last season, shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 29.9 percent from three. She was primarily at the five position for the Missouri Valley Conference Redbirds, but she will likely move to the three or four with the Rebels, as she is a physical presence no matter where she is on the court. Washington is a smooth mover and good defender, who adds length and an overall interior presence that is needed to be a competitor.
We asked Washington why she chose Ole Miss.
“From the moment I stepped on campus at Ole Miss, the dedication of the coaches, and the energy of the team made it feel like home for me. I can’t wait to see where this year takes us!“
Doneelah Washington on why she chose Ole Miss
Coach Yo and the Rebels have acquired a chess piece that can be moved to almost any position on the court. Washington’s size allows her to legitimately play the one through five and be effective in any role. That role will likely be that of a rebound monster who is a force in the paint and someone who can go in and stop an opposing team. Washington has two years of eligibility remaining, allowing Coach Yo and the Rebels to develop her further.
Follow along with The Rebel Walk as we bring you all of the women’s basketball coverag! Hotty Toddy!
Luke Dunavant
Luke Dunavant is a junior at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Journalism, with an emphasis in Sports Media and a minor in Sports Management. He is originally from Hernando, Mississippi, and graduated high school from Magnolia Heights. His favorite sports are basketball, football, and soccer. Growing up, he played baseball, football, and soccer at different points, immersing himself in the world of sports. He tries to always bring the same passion he had playing sports into covering them.
