LSU Football Emerging As Top Landing Spot For No. 1 EDGE in Transfer Portal Market

Lane Kiffin and Co. are in pursuit of the top players in America, linked to No. 1 defensive player in the Transfer Portal.

Oct 11, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Princewill Umanmielen (1) sacks Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) during the fourth quarter at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Ole Miss Rebels edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen has emerged as the No. 1 defensive prospect in the NCAA Transfer Portal after revealing intentions of entering on Thursday night.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Texas native joined the Ole Miss program last offseason after starting his career with the Nebraska Cornhuskers across a two-year stint in Lincoln.

Once Umanmielen arrived in Oxford, he took his game to the next level where he is fresh off of a strong junior campaign - logging 45 total tackles while also tallying a strong 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two pass breakups and an interception on the season.

Now, the Ole Miss Rebels defender checks in as the No. 5 overall player in the NCAA Transfer Portal and the No. 1 EDGE in the market.

As soon as Umanmielen revealed intentions of entering the Transfer Portal, Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers were the school that was immediately linked to the coveted defensive weapon.

Oct 11, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Princewill Umanmielen (1) defends during the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Fast forward 24 hours later and buzz continues swirling surrounding the Umanmielen sweepstakes with the Bayou Bengals picking up momentum.

The elite defender played a major role in leading Ole Miss to arguably the most historic season in program football history with LSU looking to lure in the talented edge rusher as his portal process intensifies.

LSU is also trending for Ole Miss Rebels linebacker TJ Dottery after officially entering the NCAA Transfer Portal market this week - with the Tigers hosting him on a visit to campus on Thursday.

It's clear that once the 6-foot-2, 230-pounder locked in his LSU visit that Kiffin and Co. would begin picking up momentum where the program is now trending for the SEC defender.

The Alabama native totaled 98 tackles, including 48 solo, to lead the Rebels in both categories across a massive 2025 campaign amid a College Football Playoff run. He also added two forced fumbles, a pair of pass breakups and 1.5 sacks during the season.

Ole Miss Rebels linebacker TJ Dottery (6) celebrates his tackle against the Miami Hurricanes during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dottery had his breakout season in 2024 where he logged 76 tackles (42 solo) with a pair of sacks, a forced fumble and a PBU where he's accumulated 90 solo tackles (174 total) across his time in Oxford.

Now, all eyes are on Dottery and Umanmielen as two targets on Kiffin's radar in the Transfer Portal.

More LSU News:

LSU Football's Transfer Portal Class Skyrockets To The Top After Sam Leavitt Decision

LSU Football's Transfer Portal Departures Quickly Finding New Schools Amid Rebuild

LSU Football Officially Signs No. 1 Transfer Quarterback Sam Leavitt to Portal Class

Join the Community:

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU Tigers.