Ole Miss already in contact with players that have entered the transfer portal

Ole Miss has been one of several teams that have benefited from the new transfer portal rules over the last few off-seasons. In 2024, they secured the No. 1 ranked transfer portal class, following up from their No. 2 ranked class in 2023.

The planning starts as soon as able, and with players already redshirting and entering the transfer portal, Kiffin and his staff have made contact with players. One of those is a former Iowa running back.

Running back Leshon Williams in contact with Ole Miss and other schools

Iowa running back Leshon Williams has entered the transfer portal over the last week. Ole Miss, Texas A&M, USC, Washington, and other programs have been reported among several teams in contact with Williams.

Williams was a three-star prospect from the 2020 recruiting class, committing to Iowa over several Group of 5 teams. He was coming off a solid 2023 season with the Hawkeyes, leading the running back room in carries (170) and rushing yards (821). Williams had just two touchdowns on the season, one rushing and one receiving. His rushing touchdown game was arguably his best game for the program, against Wisconsin, where he rushed for 174 yards from 25 carries.

Ole Miss is going to lose several of their running back room after this season is done. After this season, Ulysses Bentley IV and Henry Parrish Jr. will have burnt their college football eligibility. The Rebels would still have other players on the roster, such as Logan Diggs, Rashad Amos, and Matt Jones, all having one more year of eligibility; Diggs would have to redshirt, which looks likely.

We still have six games of the regular season remaining, so Williams will not rush into any decision yet. He has one year of eligibility remaining, so he will want to find the right fit for himself. If Kiffin can get it done, Ole Miss would be a great spot for the powerhouse runner.