OXFORD — Ole Miss football is navigating a pivotal period in the transfer portal. This marks the first full season under head coach Pete Golding, following Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU after six years. Kiffin played a significant role in elevating the Rebels’ program and establishing their reputation as a team that effectively utilizes the transfer portal.

The transfer portal is open from January 2 to January 16. Regardless of how Ole Miss performs in the College Football Playoff (CFP) this season, the foundation for the 2026 season is being laid through strategic additions.

The Clarion Ledger is closely monitoring all of Ole Miss’ transfer activities for the 2026 season. Below are the latest updates on the players who have joined the program:

Who Ole Miss Has Added in the Transfer Portal

• Michai Boireau, Florida DL
  
  Boireau committed to Ole Miss on January 5, according to reports from 247Sports and On3. He started nine games this season as a sophomore and recorded 20 tackles and two sacks with one interception.

• Carius Curne, LSU OL
  
  The exchange between Ole Miss and LSU continues. Former LSU offensive lineman Carius Curne committed to Ole Miss on January 6, as reported by On3. He was a true freshman in 2025 and played in seven games, but his season was cut short due to a leg injury sustained on October 25. He made five starts and moved between left tackle and right tackle. A former four-star prospect, he has the potential to make an impact in 2026.

• Jeheim Oatis, Colorado DL
  
  Oatis committed to Ole Miss on January 5, according to ESPN and On3. A native of Columbia, he previously played for Golding at Alabama before transferring to Colorado. This season, he started four games while playing in 11 and recorded nine tackles with no sacks or tackles for loss.

• Jay Crawford, Auburn CB
  
  Auburn transfer cornerback Jay Crawford committed to Ole Miss on January 3, per On3. He started 10 games for the Tigers in 2025 and made 15 tackles. He had four pass breakups and one interception in 2025. A former four-star recruit from Atlanta, he was the first player to commit to Ole Miss in the 2026 transfer portal class.

• Keaton Thomas, Baylor LB
  
  Former Baylor linebacker Keaton Thomas committed to Ole Miss on the night of January 3. He shared the news on Instagram. Thomas is one of the top linebackers in the transfer portal, having recorded 105 tackles for the Bears in 2025. He previously played at West Virginia and Northeast Mississippi Community College, and he started all 13 games for Baylor in 2024.

• Jonathan Maldonado, Nevada DE
  
  The Rebels added the former Nevada defensive end on January 4, as reported by On3. Maldonado is a 6-foot-6 junior from Monrovia, California. He had a career-high five sacks in 2025 and recorded one interception.

• Sharif Denson, Florida DB
  
  Denson started for the Gators in 2025 and recorded 53 total tackles. He was a junior in 2025 and entered the transfer portal for the first time. A 5-foot-11, 195-pound player from Jacksonville, Florida, he brings experience to the secondary.

• Chris Jones, Southern Miss LB
  
  After two productive seasons at Southern Miss, linebacker Chris Jones will be a Rebel. He committed to Ole Miss on January 5, per 247Sports. Jones is a 6-foot, 230-pound player from Bryram. He led Southern Miss with 133 tackles in 2025, along with 3.5 sacks and an interception.

Ole Miss Football Players Who’ve Entered the Transfer Portal

• PJ Wilkins, OL
  
  Wilkins announced on January 5 that he’s entered the transfer portal. He transferred from Charlotte this season and started the first two games at left guard but has since fallen behind Delano Townsend on the depth chart.

• Austin Simmons, QB
  
  Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is entering the transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel on January 2. Simmons, who served as Trinidad Chambliss’ backup, is expected to remain with the Rebels for the rest of their CFP run. He began the season as the starting quarterback but suffered an injury in the Rebels’ Week 2 win over Kentucky, leading to Chambliss taking over the starting role.

• Domonique Thomas, RB
  
  Running back Domonique Thomas has entered the transfer portal, according to a report from Chris Hummer of 247Sports on January 2. Thomas is a transfer who started his career as a walk-on. He did not record any stats in 2025 but overcame personal tragedy and filled in as an occasional backup for the Rebels in 2024.