Transfer Portal | Names to Watch for Ole Miss Football as Opening of Portal Approaches
OXFORD, Miss. – The 2024 regular season has officially concluded for college football, and over the past week, we’ve seen a number of talented players announce their intent to enter the transfer portal in search of a new home. With the portal officially opening on December 9th, here are a few potential portal entries to keep your eyes out for.
Jaheim Oatis – Alabama
The Columbia, Mississippi, native began his college career at Alabama, where he’s spent the last three seasons as a defensive tackle. Over his time working with Pete Golding, Nick Saban, and now Kalen DeBoer, Oatis has totaled 57 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
His 6-foot-5, 325-pound frame allows him to completely disrupt his opponent’s rushing attack while creating havoc in the pass rush. Having been recruited by Pete Golding in the past, Oatis, you can bet, will have Ole Miss at the top of his list along with several other SEC teams. It is interesting to note that Ole Miss defensive analyst Zach Arnett, who had been the head coach at Mississippi State, recruited Oatis to be a Bulldog. Though he didn’t sign with them, Oatis is said to have a great relationship Arnett, so that could be a plus for the Rebels. The junior will have two more seasons of eligibility.
Barion Brown – Kentucky
With one year of eligibility, Barion Brown is in search of a school that has a history of winning and can develop him to be an NFL player. Being a star kick returner as well, Brown possesses an elite level of versatility, something Lane Kiffin cherishes in his offense. Ole Miss recruited Brown hard when he was in high school, offering him back on January 20, 2020, before he later signed with the Wildcats in November, 2021.
Barion Brown – Kentucky
With one year of eligibility, Barion Brown is in search of a school that has a history of winning and can develop him to be an NFL player. Being a star kick returner as well, Brown possesses an elite level of versatility, something Lane Kiffin cherishes in his offense. Ole Miss recruited Brown hard when he was in high school, offering him back on January 20, 2020, before he later signed with the Wildcats in November, 2021.
This past season, Brown hauled in 29 receptions for 361 yards, averaging 12.4 yards per catch. Most notably, his longest reception of the year occurred in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on a wild fourth and seven conversion on Kentucky’s final drive of the game. We all know what happened after that. Aside from Ole Miss, the 6-foot-1 stud is rumored to have heard interest from Texas A&M, Florida State, and LSU.
Keanu Koht – Alabama
The Alabama linebacker intends on entering the portal with two years of eligibility, looking to gain experience and improvement at his next destination. Despite only collecting nine total tackles in his time at Bama, Koht stands at 6-feet-4 inches, weighing 240 pounds, possessing an NFL-level frame.
Looking at the history of linebackers under Pete Golding, there’s no question that Koht could have an opportunity to become an incredible player in Oxford, Mississippi. Up to this point, Pete Nakos of On3 has confirmed that Koht will visit Ole Miss and Vanderbilt to begin his portal recruitment.
Princewill Umanmielen – Nebraska
Princewill Umanmielen, the brother of Ole Miss defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen, will enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility after spending the early years of his college career with Nebraska. Similar to Princely, Princewill is 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, and is a disruptive defensive player. Over his last two seasons with the Cornhuskers, the linebacker recorded 35 total tackles and 1.5 sacks, being a crucial part of their defense.
Though there hasn’t been a lot of buzz surrounding his name with Ole Miss, I would be shocked if Golding and the staff didn’t do everything in their power to establish a relationship with Princewill. It’s also important to understand that he just watched his brother turn into a possible first-round pick after one season with Ole Miss.
Luke Hasz – Arkansas
The tight end out of Arkansas plans to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility following an impressive 2024 season, consisting of four touchdowns and 324 yards on 26 receptions. When the Razorbacks faced the Rebels, Hasz’s capabilities were perfectly displayed, as he caught for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Being from Bixby, Oklahoma, speculation is that Oklahoma will be a heavy favorite to land Hasz, but with the departure of Caden Prieskorn, you can expect Lane Kiffin and coaching staffs around the country to do everything in their power to land the sophomore.
What’s Next?
The transfer portal will open on December 9th, but until then, be sure to stay tuned for new portal entries and players on the radar of Ole Miss. When the portal opens, head over to our Transfer Portal Tracker for all the latest! Hotty Toddy and go Rebs.
