2025 Transfer Portal: Names to Watch for Ole Miss Football

The NCAA Transfer Portal has transformed the landscape of college football, providing players with more opportunities than ever before to find a program that suits their needs. For Ole Miss Football, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge, as the Rebels have had to balance player development with the added influx of talent via the portal. With the 2025 transfer window now open, Coach Lane Kiffin and his staff are closely monitoring the portal for potential reinforcements.

Ole Miss is coming off a successful season, but as with any competitive program, there’s always room for improvement. Whether it’s adding depth to key positions, securing immediate contributors, or adding depth for the future, the transfer portal offers the chance to elevate a roster quickly. Here, we take a look at some of the names and positions that Ole Miss fans should keep an eye on as the 2025 Transfer Portal unfolds.

1. Quarterback Prospects

One of the most crucial positions to monitor is quarterback. Ole Miss has been a program that’s seen significant success due to its offensive prowess, often relying on dynamic quarterbacks like Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart. While Dart has been solid for the Rebels, there’s always room to upgrade or develop a backup quarterback who could push for the starting role or provide solid depth.

Names to Watch:

Tyler Van Dyke (Miami): The former Miami starter has seen a rise and fall throughout his collegiate career, but he still has the tools to be a dynamic presence under center. If he enters the portal in 2025, Ole Miss could be a potential landing spot to add competition and possibly secure a veteran quarterback capable of leading the offense.
DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson): Another intriguing name that could hit the portal is DJ Uiagalelei. Despite struggles at Clemson, Uiagalelei has elite physical attributes and a high ceiling. A fresh start at a high-powered offense like Ole Miss could be just what he needs to unlock his potential.

2. Wide Receivers

Lane Kiffin has built an offense that thrives on the passing game, and he’s always on the lookout for playmakers on the outside. Ole Miss has enjoyed success in recent seasons with wideouts who can stretch the field, but with some departures, there’s a need to reload at wide receiver.

Names to Watch:

Traeshon Holden (Alabama): The former Alabama wideout has shown flashes of brilliance but has often been overshadowed by other talented receivers in the Crimson Tide’s deep receiving corps. Holden is a physical receiver who could fit well into Kiffin’s system and be an immediate contributor for the Rebels.
EJ Williams (Clemson): A highly recruited talent coming out of high school, Williams has the size and speed to be a game-changer at receiver. His production has fluctuated at Clemson, but with a fresh start at Ole Miss, he could be a player who helps solidify the passing game for the Rebels.
Romeo Doubs (Nevada): While Doubs is more of a long shot, his talent could elevate any program. Known for his ability to make contested catches and stretch the field, Doubs could provide a spark for the Rebels’ offense if he decides to transfer and test himself in the SEC.

3. Defensive Linemen

Ole Miss has made strides in bolstering its defense under Kiffin, but defensive line play remains an area for potential improvement. While the Rebels have had some strong individual performances along the defensive front, adding another dynamic pass rusher or run stopper could make a huge difference.

Names to Watch:

Dante Stills (West Virginia): Stills is an experienced defensive lineman who can anchor the interior of the defensive line. He’s known for his ability to clog running lanes and pressure the quarterback, and his leadership and maturity could make him a perfect fit for Ole Miss’ defense.
Jordan Burch (South Carolina): Burch is an explosive edge rusher who has all the tools to be a top-tier pass rusher at the next level. If he enters the portal, Ole Miss could look to add him as a rotational piece who can make an immediate impact on the defensive line.
Mason Smith (LSU): A top recruit out of high school, Smith has battled injuries during his college career. However, when healthy, he’s one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the SEC. If he enters the portal and is fully healthy, Ole Miss could look to secure him as an anchor for the defensive front.

4. Linebackers

Linebacker play is another critical area for Ole Miss as they continue to search for ways to improve their defense. The Rebels need to add depth at linebacker and possibly secure a starter with experience, given the high level of competition in the SEC.

Names to Watch:

Isaiah Land (Florida A&M): Land is a dominant FCS linebacker who has shown an ability to disrupt offenses with his sideline-to-sideline play. His experience and ability to cover ground could translate well to the SEC, and he could be a dynamic addition to the Ole Miss defense.
Jack Howell (Colorado State): A proven tackler and leader on defense, Howell could provide immediate help in terms of experience and leadership. His playmaking ability and instinctive nature would make him a valuable addition to an Ole Miss defense that is looking to improve in the linebacker room.
Jahari Rogers (Texas A&M): Rogers is a linebacker who has been effective for Texas A&M and could bring additional leadership and athleticism to the Rebels. His versatility in coverage and pass-rush situations could provide Kiffin with a valuable piece for the 2025 season.

5. Defensive Backs

One of the most important areas to address in the portal is the defensive backfield. Ole Miss has shown inconsistency in the secondary, and the addition of experienced cornerbacks or safeties could make a significant difference.

Names to Watch:

Eli Ricks (Alabama): Ricks is one of the top cornerbacks in college football, having transferred from LSU to Alabama. If he were to enter the portal again, Ole Miss would be wise to pursue him. His ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers would bolster the Rebels’ secondary immediately.
Julius Brents (Kansas State): Brents is a physical corner with excellent ball skills and great size. His ability to match up with larger receivers and disrupt passing lanes would be a welcome addition to the Ole Miss defense, especially in the tough SEC West.
Tykee Smith (Georgia): A veteran safety who has played in high-pressure games, Smith brings experience and leadership to the secondary. He’s an instinctive player who can read the quarterback’s eyes and make big plays. Smith could immediately contribute at safety or in nickel packages for the Rebels.

6. Offensive Line

While Ole Miss has one of the better offensive lines in the SEC, adding depth to this unit is always a priority. Offensive linemen are prone to injury, and adding an experienced player who can step into the starting lineup or provide solid depth would strengthen the Rebels’ offensive front.

Names to Watch:

Tanner Mordecai (SMU): An experienced tackle with the ability to start right away at the Power Five level, Mordecai could provide a significant boost to the Ole Miss offensive line. His ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes would help solidify the offensive line.
Jovaughn A. (Florida): Another solid offensive line prospect, Jovaughn A. has been effective in the SEC and could bring valuable experience and size to Ole Miss’ line. His versatility to play both guard and tackle would offer much-needed flexibility for the coaching staff.