Forecasting Ole Miss Football's Starting Offense After Elite Transfer Portal Class

Pete Golding and Co. reloaded the receiving corps this offseason, multiple newcomers to keep tabs on.
Dec 27, 2024; San Diego, CA, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. (82) celebrates after catching the ball against Washington State Cougars during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; San Diego, CA, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. (82) celebrates after catching the ball against Washington State Cougars during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images | Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images

In this story:


Pete Golding and the Ole Miss Rebels have dominated the offseason after assembling a top Transfer Portal Class with over two dozen newcomers heading to Oxford.

Once Golding took over the Rebels on Nov. 30, he hit the ground running after capturing consecutive College Football Playoff wins, but he also carried his momentum into the offseason on the recruiting scene.

Ole Miss has since landed the No. 2 rated Transfer Portal Class headlined by six Top-100 players set to join the roster as it continues reloading.

But there are question marks heading into Spring Camp. Will Ole Miss receive significant snaps from an SEC transfer offensive lineman? Can the Rebels' top wide receiver addition emerge as WR1?

Forecasting the Starters: Newcomers That Can Thrive

Quarterback:

Projected Starter: Trinidad Chambliss

Depth: Deuce Knight, Walker Howard, AJ Maddox

All eyes remain on Trinidad Chambliss amid his waiver process as he fights a legal battle behind the scenes in search of eligibility in 2026. If he's in, Ole Miss' expectations skyrocket. If not, insert Deuce Knight as the future where he looks to get an early start.

Ole Miss Rebels Football: Trinidad Chambliss.
Courtesy of Ole Miss Rebels Football.

Running Back:

Projected Starter: Kewan Lacy

Depth: Joshua Dye, Makhi Frazier, Shekai Mills-Knight OR JT Lindsey

Ole Miss retooled the running back room via the NCAA Transfer Portal in a major way to take the load off of Kewan Lacy in 2026.

From Southern Utah's Joshua Dye - arguably the No. 1 running back in the FCS - to Michigan State's Makhi Frazier, Ole Miss has reloaded this offseason.

Wide Receiver:

WR1: Deuce Alexander, Caleb Cunningham, Samari Reed
WR2: Darrell Gill, Isaiah Spencer, Dillon Alfred
WR3: Johntay Cook, Traylon Ray, Cameron Miller

Ole Miss could roll out a starting unit of Deuce Alexander, Darrell Gill, and Johntay Cook in 2026 with the dynamic trio having an opportunity to shine for Pete Golding and Co.

But the depth of the room is what stands out with Caleb Cunningham looking to take that next step along with the additions of Cameron Miller and Isaiah Spencers via the Transfer Portal.

Ole Miss Rebels Football: Horatio Fields.
Courtesy of Horatio Fields on Instagram.

Tight End:

Projected Starter: Luke Hasz

Depth: Caleb Odom, Michael Smith, Brady Prieskorn, Hayden Bradley

Arkansas Razorbacks transfer Luke Hasz didn't make the impact many expected in 2025 after dealing with an ankle injury across Fall Camo, but all signs point towards a breakout season in 2026.

From there, Caleb Odom and Co. will look to make a difference in the passing game under new offensive coordinator John David Baker.

The Offensive Line:

LT: Terez Davis, Connor Howes, Enoch Wangoy
LG: Delano Townsend, John Wayne Oliver
C: Brycen Sanders, Troy Everett
RG: Patrick Kutas, Carius Curne, John Wayne Oliver
RT: Carius Curne, Connor Howes

Ole Miss will have an embarrassment of riches to work with in the trenches headlined by newcomer Carius Curne - where he can play in multiple spots.

More Ole Miss News:

Ole Miss Football's Transfer Portal Class Reaches New Heights After Latest Addition

Ole Miss Football Enters Race for Prized LSU Tigers, USC Trojans Priority Target

'Growing Optimism' That Ole Miss Football QB Trinidad Chambliss Will Play in 2026

Join the Community:

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and Ole Miss Rebels On SI: @OleMissOnSI for all coverage surrounding the Ole Miss program.


Published | Modified
Zack Nagy
ZACK NAGY

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Ole Miss Rebels On SI, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Rebel Football, Baseball, Basketball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving Ole Miss athletics. Nagy has covered the Southeastern Conference for over half a decade after being born and raised in New Orleans (La.).

Share on XFollow znagy20