The transfer portal has been buzzing in Oxford this January, and Ole Miss is right in the thick of it. Under new head coach Pete Golding, the Rebels have been aggressive in retooling their roster, bringing in fresh talent to build on the momentum of their recent College Football Playoff semifinal run. But while the influx of new faces has been a major storyline, the flip side of the portal has hit just as hard-especially with the departure of one of their defensive cornerstones.
On Thursday, standout edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen officially entered the transfer portal, a move that delivers a significant blow to the Rebels’ defense. After a breakout junior season in Oxford, Umanmielen’s decision to explore new opportunities immediately makes him one of the most coveted names on the market.
Umanmielen’s journey has already taken a few turns. A 4-star recruit in the 2023 class, the Texas native began his college career at Nebraska. Over two seasons with the Cornhuskers, he appeared in 23 games and notched 1.5 sacks-flashes of potential, but not yet the dominant force he'd become.
That changed when he transferred to Ole Miss ahead of the 2025 season. The move paid off in a big way.
Umanmielen thrived in Golding’s system, emerging as the Rebels’ top pass-rushing threat and finishing the year with a team-high 9 sacks. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks became a defining element of the Rebels’ defensive identity.
Now, with Umanmielen back in the portal, he’s poised to draw serious attention from programs across the country. Proven edge rushers with his production and upside don’t come around often, especially ones with Power Five experience and a proven ability to adapt and excel in a new system.
For Ole Miss, it’s a tough loss-no way around it. Umanmielen’s presence helped elevate the defense during a historic season, and replacing that kind of impact won’t be easy. But as the Rebels continue to reload through the portal, they’ll be looking for the next breakout star to step up in his place.
As for Umanmielen, wherever he lands next, expect him to be a game-changer. He’s already shown he can thrive in a new environment. Now, he’s looking for the next stage to take his game even higher.