The transfer portal continues to shake up college football, and once again, Ole Miss finds itself at the center of the storm. This time, it’s standout edge rusher Princewill Umammiellen preparing to enter the portal, a move that signals another major shift in what’s already been a turbulent offseason in Oxford.
Umammiellen was a key cog in Pete Golding’s defense last season, emerging as one of the Rebels’ most productive players on that side of the ball. His departure would be a significant loss for a unit that relied heavily on his presence up front. But what’s drawing even more attention is the ripple effect his decision is creating-not just in the SEC, but across the national landscape.
According to reports, Umammiellen has already narrowed his focus to five programs: Texas, USC, LSU, Texas A&M, and Oregon. That’s a who’s who of college football heavyweights, and it speaks volumes about how highly regarded he is as a talent.
What’s particularly interesting here is that NIL money reportedly isn’t a driving factor in his decision. In today’s portal era, where financial incentives often headline the conversation, that’s a notable shift.
For Umammiellen, it appears that scheme fit, development potential, and program visibility are taking precedence.
That kind of mindset makes sense for a player of his caliber. He’s already proven he can produce in the SEC.
Now, the next step is finding a place where he can elevate his game even further-whether that’s in the Pac-12, Big 12, or staying within the SEC footprint. Each of his reported top schools offers something unique in terms of coaching, system, and exposure.
Meanwhile, Lane Kiffin’s name continues to hover over the situation, even if he hasn’t addressed it publicly. His reputation for aggressively working the portal is well-established, and every time a high-profile player leaves Oxford, it fuels speculation-especially among rival fanbases. The question being whispered in SEC circles: is this just another case of a player looking for a better fit, or are deeper issues at play inside the Rebels’ locker room?
Adding to the intrigue is Kiffin’s continued connection to Ole Miss, despite no longer being with the program. After the Rebels pulled off a thrilling 39-34 win over Georgia, Kiffin took to social media to offer his congratulations, writing, “What a great finish!!!
So much fun!! Only two more to go.”
Some fans appreciated the gesture. Others saw it through a different lens-pointing out that Kiffin still stands to benefit financially from the team’s success. His previous contract reportedly includes incentives tied to postseason performance, including a $250,000 bonus for reaching the quarterfinals and a potential $1 million payout if Ole Miss wins the national title.
So while Kiffin may no longer be on the sidelines in Oxford, his fingerprints are still very much on the program-whether through players he recruited, systems he helped implement, or incentives that keep him invested in the Rebels’ postseason run.
As for Umammiellen, his next move will be one of the more closely watched decisions of this transfer cycle. He’s a difference-maker, and wherever he lands, he’s going to have an immediate impact. For Ole Miss, it’s another reminder of just how fluid today’s college football rosters have become-and how quickly momentum can shift, even for programs riding high.