The Grove Report

Ole Miss Football Transfer Portal Update: Multiple Rebels Departing the Program

Lane Kiffin and Co. have seen multiple Rebels enter the free agent market, searching for new home.
Zack Nagy|
Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin walks off the field before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin walks off the field before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

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Ole Miss Rebels

Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels continue working through a critical offseason in Oxford with the program reconstructing the roster.

With the spring window of the NCAA Transfer Portal officially open for business, Ole Miss has seen multiple Rebels elect to enter the free agent market.

Despite the program seeing members of the 2025 spring roster depart, the Rebels remain on the prowl to bring in more talent via the portal.

Which members of the current Ole Miss roster have departed Oxford this week?

The Transfer Portal Departures:

Akelo Stone: Defensive Lineman

Ole Miss defensive lineman Akelo Stone is set to officially enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after two seasons in Oxford, according to On3 Sports.

Stone, who initially joined the Rebels after three seasons with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, appeared in 11 games for Lane Kiffin's program in 2024.

After double-digit appearances, Stone finished the season with 15 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one quarterback hurry and a pass breakup last season.

Stone will be exercising his sixth season of eligibility at his next destination.

With the Ole Miss defensive line undergoing an overhaul this offseason, the expectation was that Stone would see significant playing time.

The Rebels have lost their entire starting unit up front in Walter Nolen (defensive tackle), Princely Umanmielen (EDGE) and Jared Ivey (defensive end) all departing for the 2025 NFL Draft. The trio remains high on NFL Big Boards.

Stone played 286 snaps for the Rebels while taking reps with both the defensive unit and the special teams unit throughout his time with Ole Miss.

He wrapped up his stint in Oxford with 27 total tackles (12 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and a pass breakup across two seasons.

Jordan Simmons: Running Back

The Rebels saw running back Jordan Simmons, who only spent the spring with Ole Miss, also enter the portal this week.

Simmons, who transferred in from Akron during the winter window of the Transfer Portal, departs after less than a handful of months with the program.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder will search for a new home in what will be his final season of eligibility during the 2025 season.

Simmons departed the Akron program after leading the Zips with 664 yards and two touchdowns across 11 games in 2024.

Prior to making the move to Akron, Simmons spent four seasons with the Michigan State Spartans where he accumulated 520 total yards on 34 carries during his time in East Lansing.

During Spring Camp in Oxford, it was LSU transfer Logan Diggs and Kewan Lacy handling the majority of reps across the double-digit practices.

For Simmons, he's made a business decision in order to find instant playing time at his next destination.

“I have decided to re-enter the transfer portal as a post-bachelor student-athlete with one year of eligibility remaining,” Simmons wrote via social media.

“I want to sincerely thank Ole Miss for the opportunities and support. I am now excited and open to exploring the next chapter in my journey.”

Jarnorris Hopson: Wide Receiver

Jarnorris Hopson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after one season in Oxford, according to On3 Sports.

The well-traveled wideout made his way to Ole Miss following stints as walk-on with Mississippi State in 2022 and one season with Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2023.

Now, the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder has elected to depart Lane Kiffin and the Rebels after one season with the program.

Hopson was a Top-100 JUCO prospect following one season with Northwest Mississippi. He was a Top-15 wide receiver available once he signed with the Rebels a season ago.

During his breakout season at the JUCO level, Hopson posted 35 receptions for 443 yards and four touchdowns.

The Mississippi native is now back on the market after a pair of seasons in the SEC with both the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels.

More Ole Miss News:

Ole Miss Quarterback Confident He's "The Best" QB in the 2025 NFL Draft

Top-10 Quarterback in America Locks in Ole Miss Visit

Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels Confirm Spring Game Plans in April

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

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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.).

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