Princewill Umanmielen Enters Transfer Portal After Breakout Season at Ole Miss
In a move that's turning heads across college football, Ole Miss edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen has entered the NCAA transfer portal-just months after anchoring one of the most disruptive defenses in the country. It’s a surprising twist, especially considering the impact he made in just one season in Oxford.
Umanmielen transferred in from Nebraska ahead of the 2025 campaign and wasted no time becoming a force off the edge. He racked up 45 tackles, 9.0 sacks, a pass breakup, and even snagged an interception, quickly establishing himself as one of the top defensive playmakers in the SEC. His presence helped power a Rebels defense that played a central role in one of the most successful-and chaotic-seasons in program history.
What makes this move even more intriguing is that Umanmielen had previously re-signed with Ole Miss, signaling a return. But now, despite that commitment, he’s back on the market. According to reports, Ole Miss plans to hold him to his existing NIL agreement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The timing of his departure is especially notable. Ole Miss is coming off a season that exceeded expectations, especially considering the shakeup at the top.
When Lane Kiffin left for LSU, defensive coordinator Pete Golding was promoted to head coach. Under Golding’s leadership, the Rebels didn’t just stay afloat-they surged.
They steamrolled Tulane 41-10 at home in the playoff opener, then pulled off a dramatic 39-34 win over Georgia to punch their ticket to the national semifinals. The run ended with a loss to Miami, but there’s no question it was a banner year for the program.
Now, with Umanmielen’s departure, Golding is facing a major challenge: replacing one of the most impactful defenders in the country. And with speculation swirling about a potential reunion with Kiffin in Baton Rouge, the story is far from over.
Before his time at Ole Miss, Umanmielen spent two seasons at Nebraska, where he totaled 35 tackles and 1.5 sacks. A former four-star recruit, he’s now ranked No. 22 overall in the portal and the fifth-best EDGE rusher available-a hot commodity for any program looking to beef up its pass rush.
For Ole Miss, the loss is significant. Umanmielen wasn’t just a stat sheet stuffer-he was a tone-setter, a player who could flip a drive with one explosive play. As the Rebels look to build on their historic season, replacing that kind of production and presence won’t be easy.