2025 Transfer Portal | Names to Watch for Ole Miss Football in the Transfer Portal

The 2025 college football season is set to be another exciting chapter for Ole Miss, as head coach Lane Kiffin continues to build a dynamic and competitive roster. The ever-expanding landscape of the NCAA Transfer Portal has become an essential part of team building, and the Rebels are expected to be active in seeking talent to address specific needs and continue their rise in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

As we enter 2025, the Transfer Portal continues to have a profound impact on the college football ecosystem. For Ole Miss, the portal provides an opportunity to strengthen their roster and fill in any gaps from both recruiting and development. The Rebels will be looking for players who can contribute immediately or have the potential to develop into key assets over the next few seasons.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the top names that may be in the Transfer Portal for Ole Miss Football in 2025, focusing on potential areas of need and candidates that could make an immediate impact.

1. Quarterback (Key Position of Focus)

In a quarterback-driven offense like the one Lane Kiffin runs, finding the right signal-caller is essential to success. After the departure of Jaxson Dart following the 2024 season, Ole Miss could be on the lookout for a quarterback with experience and a strong arm to step into the starting role.

• Cam Ward (Washington State)
  Cam Ward is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks potentially available in the Transfer Portal for 2025. The former FCS standout at Incarnate Word, who transferred to Washington State, has shown remarkable playmaking ability and poise in the Pac-12. Ward’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make difficult throws could make him a perfect fit for Kiffin’s high-flying offense. If Ward enters the portal, Ole Miss would be wise to pursue him as a potential starter for the upcoming season.
• Tyler Van Dyke (Miami)
  Van Dyke, the former 4-star recruit, was once considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country. After a rocky 2023 season, he could be seeking a change of scenery to reinvigorate his career. Known for his big arm and ability to push the ball downfield, Van Dyke would be an excellent fit for Kiffin’s system. If he enters the portal, he would immediately be one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the market.
• DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State)
  If DJ Uiagalelei continues his upward trajectory at Oregon State, he may choose to enter the transfer portal in hopes of taking his game to a bigger stage. The former Clemson star, who transferred to Oregon State, is a physical quarterback with a lot of potential. His size, arm strength, and mobility would mesh well with Kiffin’s offensive philosophy. Should he decide to leave Oregon State, Ole Miss would likely be among the teams making a push for him.

2. Wide Receiver

One of the standout features of Lane Kiffin’s offenses has been the reliance on elite wide receivers who can stretch the field. As such, adding a dynamic wide receiver in the portal would be a priority for Ole Miss to stay competitive in the SEC.

• Trey Harris (Louisiana Tech)
  Trey Harris had a breakout 2024 season with Louisiana Tech, establishing himself as one of the top receiving threats in the Group of Five. He is a fast, explosive receiver who can make plays both inside and on the perimeter. With Ole Miss needing to add depth and talent to their receiving corps, Harris could come in and make an immediate impact.
• Jacob Cowing (Arizona)
  Cowing is another wide receiver who could be on Ole Miss’ radar. After transferring from UTEP to Arizona, Cowing showed that he could be one of the top playmakers in the Pac-12. He has great hands, speed, and sharp route-running ability. With Ole Miss expected to look for more experienced playmakers at receiver, Cowing would be a natural fit in Kiffin’s offense.
• Xzavier Henderson (Florida)
  Henderson, a 6’4” receiver with elite size and athleticism, has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. His ability to win contested catches and stretch the field vertically would bring a unique dynamic to the Ole Miss offense. If Henderson doesn’t find a fit at Florida, he could explore options in the Transfer Portal, and Ole Miss should be ready to make a push for him.

3. Running Back

While Ole Miss has traditionally relied on a strong running game, the running back position is an area where they could benefit from bolstering depth and adding another top-tier playmaker. A dual-threat back capable of both running and catching passes out of the backfield would be an ideal fit in Kiffin’s offense.

• Raheim Sanders (Arkansas)
  Raheim “Rocket” Sanders is one of the most explosive running backs in the SEC. If he were to enter the portal, Ole Miss would certainly be interested in adding him to their stable of running backs. With his combination of speed, power, and vision, Sanders could immediately take over the primary running back role and provide a game-changing element for the Rebels.
• Jalen White (Appalachian State)
  Jalen White is another name to keep an eye on, as he’s been an incredibly productive running back in the Group of Five. Known for his speed and breakaway ability, White could make an immediate impact as a playmaker in the SEC. If Ole Miss is looking for depth and a capable starter, White would be a great addition.
• Jase McClellan (Alabama)
  While McClellan has spent time in the Alabama backfield behind a slew of other talented backs, he is an incredibly skilled runner and could look for an opportunity to be the featured back elsewhere. His ability to gain yardage in a variety of ways would be a big addition for Ole Miss. A proven player in the SEC with a complete skill set, McClellan could give Ole Miss a reliable, high-end option in the backfield.

4. Defensive Line

With the SEC being one of the most physically demanding conferences in college football, adding depth and talent to the defensive line will be crucial for Ole Miss. Look for the Rebels to target disruptive defensive linemen who can contribute immediately and help with both pass rush and run defense.

• Tyler Davis (Clemson)
  Davis has been a cornerstone of Clemson’s defensive line over the past few seasons, and his ability to rush the passer and stop the run would make him a perfect fit for Ole Miss. A veteran player with experience in high-stakes games, Davis could provide an immediate boost to the Rebels’ defensive front. If he decides to enter the portal, Ole Miss should be among the teams making a strong push for him.
• Maason Smith (LSU)
  Maason Smith, a highly recruited defensive lineman from LSU, has shown flashes of greatness. However, injuries have kept him from reaching his full potential. If he enters the portal to seek a fresh start, Ole Miss could offer him the chance to play in a new system and provide a significant impact on the defensive front. His size, power, and athleticism could help transform Ole Miss’ defensive line.
• DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M)
  Leal has been one of the more talented pass rushers in the SEC and has shown that he can dominate the line of scrimmage. If he looks to explore other options or take his game to the next level, Ole Miss could be an ideal landing spot. Adding a playmaker like Leal would give the Rebels’ defense a dynamic playmaker capable of impacting the game from the defensive line.

5. Defensive Back

With the SEC’s high-powered offenses and explosive wide receivers, adding depth and playmaking ability to the secondary is a priority for Ole Miss. In particular, look for the Rebels to target cornerbacks and safeties who can come in and start immediately or contribute significant snaps in key games.

• Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
  Kool-Aid McKinstry has been one of the top cornerbacks in college football over the past few seasons. His ability to lock down wide receivers and his physicality would provide an immediate upgrade to Ole Miss’ secondary. If he were to enter the portal, he would likely be one of the top targets for any program looking to improve their defense.
• Jaylon Johnson (LSU)
  Jaylon Johnson has been a key contributor in the LSU secondary, showcasing his ability to cover ground and make big plays. Johnson’s combination of speed, ball skills, and football IQ would be a great fit for Ole Miss. If he chooses to transfer, the Rebels should prioritize his addition.
• Jordan Battle (Alabama)
  Jordan Battle, one of the more underrated safeties in college football, could be another target for Ole Miss in the transfer portal. His leadership, experience, and ability to read the quarterback would strengthen the Rebel defense. Adding a player with Battle’s experience would be an invaluable asset for the Ole Miss defense moving forward.