Analyzing the impact of Ole Miss' transfer portal class
Few teams, if any, have cleaned up in the transfer portal like Ole Miss has so far. To OMSpirit’s Zach Berry, their efforts in that area so far is a signal to him that the Rebels know there’s something special out there for them on the horizon.
Berry joined on during Sunday’s episode of ‘Andy Staples On3’ to discuss Ole Miss’ current haul of transfers. When you combine that with how their slate for next season looks, Berry believes the program is doing what they can to make a run at a significant finish in 2024.
“What I’ve been telling people? It’s like a staff that is heavily investing into winning now in real time,” said Berry
“Like, I think the way the schedule lines up next year for Ole Miss? There’s no Auburn, there’s no Alabama. You get Georgia at home, you get Oklahoma at home. On the road against LSU but that’s without Jayden Daniels,” Berry noted. “I think they’re really sensing a humongous opportunity.”
So far, Ole Miss has earned nine commitments out of the portal. However, the latest ones are truly impactful with the additions of Princely Umanmielen, Tyler Baron, Juice Wells, and Tamarion McDonald.
That’s not even including the fact that, at the moment, the Rebels are leading the way as far as predictions for Walter Nolen, the former Texas A&M defensive lineman and the top player available for transfer.
That’s when Berry turned his attention to the work by Pete Golding and the defensive staff specifically. Their additions within that group is yet another reason why his hire by Lane Kiffin last offseason was so valuable.
“Just, all the natural connections and relationships with the staff? I mean, Pete Golding? The ROI on that one continues to just soar through the roof,” said Berry. “He knows all the top players in the country, he recruited them when he was at Alabama.”
“I think that that’s starting to really pay off with him being able to sit down and have those face to face meetings with these elite defensive guys,” Berry continued.
Ole Miss has put in a lot work in the transfer portal and could very well add a few more pieces.
In Berry’s opinion, it’s because, in their eyes, a path to the playoff is there after this season and into the next one. Now, with these additions, they feel even better about their chances of potentially getting there come next fall.
“We know the playoff expands next year. If it was expanded this season? Not only would it be just an incredible playoff but Ole Miss would be in it,” said Berry.
“I think they’re sensing that it’s time to seize the moment, seize the opportunity,” Berry said. “Let’s make a run now.”