Ole Miss to Block Transfer Portal Request of Star Player

One week ago, Ole Miss sacks leader Princewill Umanmielen was announced to be staying with Pete Golding and the Ole Miss Rebels after their fantastic run in the College Football Playoff.

One day ago, Ole Miss sacks leader Princewill Umanmielen announced that he was intending to leave Ole Miss after all and jump into the transfer portal to find a new program to play for in 2026.

Hours before the transfer portal officially closes, Ole Miss and Pete Golding are trying to stop their star player from leaving, who they believe is tied to the school after signing a new contract.

Welcome to the transfer portal era, everyone.

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As the time ticks down before no one else can put their name in the transfer portal and freely move within the NCAA system, both Umanmielen and Ole Miss are attempting to get their way.

Per Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Rebels are not prepared to process the paperwork needed to let Umanmielen hit the portal before it closes at midnight.

A similar issue arose with Washington QB Demond Williams. He signed a multi-million-dollar deal to stay with the Huskies, believed he could make more elsewhere, and then attempted to enter the transfer portal. After Washington stood their ground and pointed towards the contract they had, Williams withdrew his intention and is back as the projected Huskies starting QB for 2026.

Umanmielen’s departure would be a staggering blow for a program that feels it has the momentum to ride into another CFP appearance next year if it can end the transfer window on the right note. They already have one of the top-rated portal recruiting classes, but are still looking for a starting QB to compete with young five-star transfer Deuce Knight.

If he does reach the transfer portal, it will be the second time the defensive end has moved programs. Before being a Rebel, he was a Nebraska Cornhusker for two seasons before joining Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss squad for the 2025 campaign.