From Oxford to the League: Breaking Down Ole Miss’ 2026 NFL Draft Prospects

OXFORD, Miss. — As the 2026 NFL Draft gets underway in Pittsburgh tonight, Ole Miss finds itself in a different position than it did just one year ago.

Dreams become reality this weekend.

The 2026 #NFLDraft is here‼️ pic.twitter.com/eOiYxGgiBn

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) April 23, 2026

Twelve months removed from a historic draft that saw eight Rebels selected—including first-rounders Walter Nolen and Jaxson Dart—this year’s class might lack the same top-end buzz. Nevertheless, Ole Miss has a handful of players with legitimate chances to hear their names called, along with several others who could carve out NFL opportunities as undrafted free agents.

The first round will take place tonight, while Rounds 2 and 3 will be on Friday evening, and Rounds 4-7 will occur Saturday.

While stars like Trinidad Chambliss, Kewan Lacy, and Suntarine Perkins opted to return to Oxford, the Rebels’ draft presence will hinge on a smaller—but still intriguing—group of prospects.

De’Zhaun Stribling headlines the group

One Rebel with a realistic chance to come off the board early is wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling.

After transferring in and quickly becoming a reliable target, Stribling turned in a strong 2025 campaign with 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns, leading the team in scoring catches. His size, route-running ability, and consistency have made him one of the more appealing mid-round receivers in the class.

Projections for Stribling vary, reflecting the depth of this year’s wide receiver group. Some outlets, including The Athletic, have him climbing as high as the second round, while others project him in the third to fifth range. Regardless of where he lands, Stribling’s versatility and experience against SEC competition give him a great chance to stick at the next level.

Zxavian Harris brings value in the trenches

On the defensive side, interior lineman Zxavian Harris could hear his name called somewhere in the middle rounds.

Harris posted 58 tackles and three sacks last season, serving as a steady presence along the defensive front. While he may not carry the same national profile as recent Ole Miss defensive linemen, his size, strength, and ability to occupy blockers make him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth inside.

Some projections have Harris going as early as the third round, highlighting his potential value as a rotational defensive tackle with upside in the right system.

Diego Pounds offers size and experience up front

Offensive tackle Diego Pounds is another name to watch late in the draft.

At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Pounds has the physical tools NFL teams covet, along with two years of experience protecting the edge in the SEC. While he remains a developmental prospect, his size and positional value could make him an appealing late-round selection, with projections placing him in the sixth round range.

Players with Pounds’ frame and experience often find their way onto rosters, even if their path begins as a depth piece.

Dae’Quan Wright could be a late-round steal

Tight end Dae’Quan Wright quietly put together one of the more productive seasons among Rebels skill players, finishing with 39 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns.

Wright’s combination of size and receiving ability gives him intrigue as a late-round option, particularly for teams looking for a pass-catching tight end who can stretch the field. Some projections have him landing in the sixth round, though his draft position could ultimately depend on team fit and scheme.

Harrison Wallace positioned for an NFL opportunity

Wide receiver Harrison Wallace III may be one of the more interesting cases in this class.

After transferring from Penn State, Wallace led Ole Miss with 61 receptions and 934 yards, emerging as a consistent and explosive presence in the passing game. His performance earned him an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, a strong indicator of league interest.

Should he not hear his name called, Wallace’s production and athletic profile make him a strong candidate to sign as an undrafted free agent—and potentially outperform his draft status at the next level.

Other names to watch

Keep an eye out on these Rebels as they could definitely be selected as undrafted free agents.

Jayden Williams
Kapena Gushiken
Logan Diggs
Andrew Jones
Wydett Williams Jr.

A different kind of draft year in Oxford

This year’s draft may not feature the headline-grabbing names or first-round certainty that defined Ole Miss’ 2025 class, but that doesn’t mean the Rebels won’t be represented.

Instead, this group reflects a different phase of the program—one where depth, development, and opportunity intersect. Several players have positioned themselves to take the next step, even if it comes later in the draft or through the undrafted route.

And with key stars returning for another run in 2026, the Rebels may once again be building toward a larger draft presence in the near future.

For now, though, Ole Miss will wait and watch as the next wave of Rebels looks to make its mark at the professional level.

Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all your Ole Miss NFL Draft coverage!