It was never going to be easy for Pete Golding, coming off the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Still, he is doing his best to keep his core intact with a week remaining in the transfer portal.
The Rebels were hit with a massive gut punch on Friday when it was announced that star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss would not receive an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, effectively ending his college career. While Golding has moved quickly to host five-star recruit Deuce Knight from Auburn and explore other possible options, his own team has seeing some departures during the 15-day transfer window.
Of the multiple players lost, the biggest thus far is cornerback Chris Graves. He is the sixth player from the current roster to put his name in the proverbial portal, searching for a new program in 2026. A four-star recruit out of Fort Myers, Florida, Graves is a 6-foot junior who should have several Power Four schools interested in signing the talented defensive back.
Graves’ best game with the Rebels was his last, when he recorded seven solo tackles and eight overall against Miami in the CFP semifinals. During the regular season, he also forced a fumble and was a consistent force in the Ole Miss secondary.
Aside from Graves, several other notable players have expressed their intent to transfer, including senior corner Ricky Fletcher, junior linebacker Jaden Yates, and freshman wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr.
While the loss of Graves will undoubtedly hurt, Golding appears prepared to respond decisively. It is expected that he will target one of Georgia’s starting safeties, Joenel Aguero, in a significant move designed to bolster the Rebels’ secondary for the 2026 season.
The transfer portal officially closes on January 16, 2026. With time running out, Pete Golding and Ole Miss continue to navigate the challenges of roster turnover as they prepare for the upcoming season.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/ole-miss-loses-multiple-players-to-transfer-portal-after-cfp-loss-vs-miami-11341388