The Defensive Player Who Could Emerge as Ole Miss' Biggest Surprise in 2026

The Rebels have major questions in the secondary after Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding attacked the transfer portal to try and make the defensive back group much better than it was in 2025.

The Ole Miss defensive line looks to be elite once again, as the Rebels return key players, including Will Echoles, Suntarine Perkins and Kam Franklin. All of these players need to continue the success they had in 2025 for the 2026 season to go well.

The linebacker room is beefed up as well, as the Rebels brought in elite linebacker transfers Keaton Thomas from Baylor and Luke Ferrelli from Cal. Both the defensive line and linebacker groups will help the secondary going into the new season.

Edwin Joseph Could Be Key to Ole Miss’ Secondary

Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles safety Earl Little Jr. (0), defensive back Ashlynd Barker (27), defensive back Edwin Joseph (3), and defensive back Ja'Bril Rawls (11) celebrate after an interception during the first half of the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Edwin Joseph can have a huge impact immediately for the Rebels after transferring from Florida State following their disappointing 2025 season. The safety was a key part of their secondary, which was surprisingly one of the few bright spots of the Seminoles’ season.

Joseph brings a lot to the Rebels’ secondary in 2026. The six-foot, 195-pound safety from Florida can do it all over the field, as he can come up in the box, guard in man coverage if needed, while also having very good ball skills on deep throws.

Ole Miss will have to decide where Joseph will line up heading into arguably one of the most important seasons in program history, as the Rebels start the year ranked No. 9 in the AP Poll and news outlets believe this team can make a deep playoff run in 2026.

What Role Will Edwin Joseph Play for Ole Miss?

Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding watches football practice in Oxford, Miss., on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

New defensive coordinator Bryan Brown has a lot to figure out when it comes to who will play in a secondary that is arguably the most talented it has been in years, while also finding the best positions for each player to maximize their talent in 2026.

Joseph has taken reps at cornerback during fall camp, which is somewhat surprising considering he primarily played safety at Florida State. During his time with the Seminoles last season, he recorded 19 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and three interceptions.

It will be interesting to see where Golding and Brown use the talented safety, as he seemingly can fit into nearly every defensive back role for the Rebels. That versatility could make him an important player for Ole Miss heading into 2026.

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