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When Lane Kiffin abruptly left Ole Miss for LSU, the Rebels' football program underwent a major transition. Pete Golding stepped in and has guided the team to a pair of College Football Playoff victories, keeping Ole Miss firmly in the CFP conversation. The transfer portal was a whirlwind for the Rebels, who brought in 29 new players while 25 departed. Below is a breakdown of how several key former Rebels have performed at their new schools.
Defensive End Princewill Umanmielen (LSU)
Umanmielen followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge and has continued his disruptive ways. After leading Ole Miss with nine sacks last season, he has nearly matched that total in just eight games with the Tigers, recording 32 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Widely regarded as one of college football's premier pass rushers, his NFL draft stock is climbing steadily.
Quarterback Austin Simmons (Missouri)
Simmons opted to transfer after losing the starting job to Trinidad Chambliss and has thrived with the Missouri Tigers. He has completed 132 of 209 passes for 1,773 yards with 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. In his first game against his former team, Simmons struggled and failed to throw a touchdown, but overall, he has been outstanding, and many Rebels fans are rooting for the senior quarterback.
Linebacker TJ Dottery (LSU)
Dottery, Ole Miss' leading tackler last season, was a significant loss for the Rebels' defense. He has seamlessly transitioned to LSU, where he again leads the team in tackles (58) while adding three pass deflections, half a sack, and two forced fumbles. His aggressive playing style remains intact, and he recorded five tackles in the Tigers' loss to Ole Miss.
Wide Receiver Cayden Lee (Missouri)
Lee joined Simmons at Missouri and has emerged as the team's top wideout. He has already eclipsed his reception and yardage totals from last season, hauling in 47 passes for 678 yards and five touchdowns. Lee has posted three 100-yard games and ranks among the most productive former Rebels. Against Ole Miss, he caught five passes for 62 yards.
Defensive End Da'Shawn Womack (Auburn)
Womack has matched his sack total from last season with two sacks and has added 14 tackles and one interception, ranking fourth on Auburn in sacks. The former Rebel will face his old team on Saturday, and Ole Miss will need to account for him. Conversely, four former Auburn players will suit up for the Rebels this week.
Wide Receiver Winston Watkins Jr. (LSU)
Watkins has become a key component of LSU's passing attack, recording 37 receptions for 487 yards and two touchdowns. He has caught at least three passes in every game and posted two 100-yard performances. While drops have been an issue, the former Ole Miss wideout has performed well in his first season in Baton Rouge.
Key Analysis
The transfer portal has significantly reshaped Ole Miss' roster, but the Rebels have managed to stay competitive under Golding. The departures of Umanmielen and Dottery, in particular, have been felt on defense, yet Golding's squad has found ways to win. Meanwhile, the success of Simmons and Lee at Missouri highlights the talent that once wore the Ole Miss uniform. As the season progresses, these former Rebels will continue to be monitored, especially when they face their old team.