How did former Rebels fare in their first preseason action?

The NFL preseason is under way and there is a huge swath of former Rebels who got their first taste of NFL action. We covered Jaxson Dart's debut in a separate article. We will also just be focused on Rebels that were on the 2024 team; the full list of Rebel alums in the NFL can be found here.

DT Walter Nolen - Arizona Cardinals

The Rebels' highest draft pick will most likely not suit up at all in the preseason. He suffered a calf injury during training camp and will miss a solid chunk of time, potentially even the beginning of the regular season. It is a shame not to get to see Big Walt play, but he will most likely play significant snaps during the course of the season.

WR Tre Harris - Los Angeles Chargers

Harris has played in two games so far, as the Charges participated in the annual Hall of Fame game. However, he has yet to record a reception. He has been targeted just once in each game. He has had a limited snap count as he is expected to be a regular contributor.

CB Trey Amos - Washington Commanders

Trey Amos is perhaps the former Rebel having the best training camp. He is currently penciled in as a starting corner on the outside for the Commanders. He made his debut this past weekend and looked really good in coverage. Furthermore, he also recorded two tackles. He was a total island during his lone season at Ole Miss and should translate to an excellent NFL corner.

DE Princely Umanmielen- Carolina Panthers

The third-round pick made his debut in a blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns. He didn't showcase a ton in terms of pass rushing, but did record two tackles. He also made some headlines complaining about his appearance in Madden 26

WR Jordan Watkins - San Francisco 49ers

Watkins may have had the best day outside of Dart. He really flashed and showed how he really is a perfect fit in the Shanahan offense. He was targeted a total of 6 times, hauling in 3 receptions for a total of 56 yards. The highlight was a great contested catch on a deep route.

LB Chris Paul Jr. - Los Angeles Rams

Pooh Paul was out there flying around and making plays, just like he did at Ole Miss. He played a total of 34 snaps on the defensive side of the ball and also played 9 snaps on special teams as he looks to carve out a role on the Rams. He totaled 6 tackles, including one solo tackle.

DT JJ Pegues - Las Vegas Raiders

A fan favorite during his time at Ole Miss, Pegues recorded just one tackle in his debut for the Raiders. There is buzz out of Raiders camp that he could be used on the offensive side of the ball as well in the fullback position. It sure would be cool to see the big man find the end zone in the NFL.

DE Jared Ivey - Seattle Seahawks

It is still a shock that Ivey went undrafted after three incredibly productive seasons in the SEC. He certainly looked the part of an NFL defensive end this weekend. Against Pegues' Raiders, Ivey racked up 6 total tackles. It also seems the UDFA found a great landing spot and is poised to make the 53-man roster.

K Caden Davis - Buffalo Bills

Davis was a late addition to the Bills' preseason roster due to an injury to their starting kicker. He was perfect on the weekend. He knocked through a 29-yard field goal and made his sole extra point attempt.

TE Caden Prieskorn - Denver Broncos

Prieskorn spent the rookie mini camp with the Detroit Lions before being let go. He found a place on the preseason roster of the Broncos, but faces an uphill climb to make the final roster. The more likely outcome is to look for a practice squad spot. He made the most of his one target by being the sole Rebel to find the end zone this weekend.

RB Ulysses Bentley - Indianapolis Colts

The Bentley saga overshadowed most of last season, as fans questioned the running back's usage. In his first NFL action, Bentley looked the part. He carried the rock 7 times for a total of 35 yards. His longest carry of the day went for 10 yards.

FS Trey Washington - Indianapolis Colts

Washington, an under-the-radar all-time great at Ole Miss, is putting himself in contention to make the Colts roster. Washington spent five seasons with the Rebels and was a significant contributor for 4 of them. He was a steady presence at the back end of the defense and has so versatility to play both safety positions. He was able to record a tackle in this game.