Ole Miss linebacker Chance Campbell has declared for the NFL Draft. What now?

The Ole Miss defense took another hit on Saturday.

Senior linebacker Chance Campbell announced he’s forgoing his final year of eligibility and entering the NFL Draft. Campbell, a graduate transfer from Maryland, led the Rebels in tackling last season, when Ole Miss finished 10-3, including its 10th overall appearance in the Sugar Bowl. 

The Rebels are one of four SEC schools and 16 nationally to make a New Year’s Six bowl game in three or more years since its inception in 2015.

“The process of leaving home and going to a brand new team in an unfamiliar state is unnerving,” Campbell wrote, in an announcement letter he released on social media. “Luckily, this transition was made easy by so many great people that I can’t thank enough, but in this note I will try. 

“Thank you to the town of Oxford and all the great fans. This place has become a second home, both to me and the people I love most. You created game day atmospheres that I could never forget.

“Thank you to my teammates. I am so grateful for the way you took me in and let me join a group that is truly special. A team this close is rare, and I have no doubt that I’ve formed relationships that will last a lifetime. 

Excited for the Next Step! pic.twitter.com/xTZGEYOxMA

— Chance Campbell (@ccam42) January 8, 2022

“Thank you to all the support staff. Transitions can be difficult, but I always felt cared for throughout my entire time here. 

“Thank you to all the coaches. I’ve learned so much from you in just one season. (Former Ole Miss defensive coordinator and linebackers) Coach (D.J.) Durkin, you’ve been a blessing in my life, and I’m so thankful for everything that you’ve done for me. 

“Lastly, I want to say thank you to my family. You guys are the most important thing in the world to me, and I couldn’t do any of this without you. I’m ready for the next step and excited that I’ll be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.”

Ole Miss, just a week ago, was optimistic Campbell would return to school.

Sources indicate NIL deals had been worked out with both Campbell and junior running back Snoop Conner. Conner, like Campbell, declared for the draft this week.

The departure of Durkin likely played a role. The two had a relationship dating back to Durkin’s time at Maryland, and Durkin was the primary recruiter for Campbell. Durkin left Ole Miss for the same position at Texas A&M on Thursday. He signed a three-year contract with the Aggies. Chris Partridge, his co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss, could be in line to be promoted to the full-time position. 

Ole Miss, defensively, will look a lot different in 2022.

The Rebels have now lost starters Sam Williams (defensive end) Mark Robinson (linebacker), Campbell, Jake Springer (safety), Deane Leonard (cornerback) and Lakia Henry (linebacker). Veteran reserve MoMo Sanogo (linebacker) transferred to Louisville.

Ole Miss signed defenders Zxavian Harris (tackle), Reginald Hughes (linebacker), Jaron Willis (linebacker), Tyler Banks (linebacker), Nick Cull (cornerback), Jarell Stinson (cornerback), Taylor Groves (safety) and Jaylon White (safety) in December. Four-star defensive back Davison Igbinosun made his pledge to Ole Miss public during the All-American Game on Saturday. Ole Miss is up to No. 21 in On3’s Top 25 team recruiting rankings.

The Rebels have committed Auburn’s Ladarius Tennison (safety) and USC’s Danny Lockhart (linebacker) out of the portal thus far. The Rebels are also pursuing, and expected to eventually land, Central Michigan’s Troy Brown (linebacker). Additional targets include Iowa State’s Isheem Young (safety) and Oregon’s DJ James (cornerback). They’re also hoping to ultimately bring in a true nose tackle.

Ole Miss allowed 24.7 points per game and 5.5. yards per play in 2021 — a huge improvement from the season prior, when the Rebels surrendered 38.3 points per game and 6.7 yards per play. Ole Miss hadn’t given up fewer points per game over an entire season since 2015.