Ole Miss Rebels Land the #1 & #2 EDGE Rushers in the Transfer Portal, Signifying a Dominant 2025 Class
In a major development that has set the college football world abuzz, the Ole Miss Rebels have landed two of the most coveted players in the 2025 transfer portal: Princely Umanmielen and Tyler Baron, both highly rated EDGE rushers. These two additions not only provide an instant boost to the Rebels’ defense but also solidify Ole Miss’ position as a top contender in the 2025 recruiting class. With these elite edge defenders joining the fold, Ole Miss has now positioned itself as the leader in what promises to be one of the most competitive recruiting cycles in recent memory.
Princely Umanmielen, the No. 1 EDGE rusher in the transfer portal, and Tyler Baron, the No. 2 EDGE rusher, bring a combination of raw talent, pass-rush prowess, and experience to Ole Miss. Their additions are a testament to head coach Lane Kiffin’s ability to not only recruit top talent but to also effectively utilize the transfer portal to build a roster that can compete at the highest level of college football.
Princely Umanmielen, previously a standout at the University of Florida, is known for his explosive first step, athleticism, and ability to disrupt quarterbacks from the edge. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 260 pounds, Umanmielen has all the physical tools necessary to make an immediate impact in the SEC. His ability to rush the passer, coupled with his impressive motor and versatility, made him one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. Umanmielen posted strong numbers during his time with the Gators, and his decision to join Ole Miss signals that he is ready to take his game to the next level.
Tyler Baron, a former star at Tennessee, is another major addition to the Ole Miss defense. Baron, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs around 270 pounds, has been a key player for the Volunteers over the past few seasons. Known for his physicality and leadership on the field, Baron has the ability to play both defensive end and outside linebacker in a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme, making him a versatile weapon for Ole Miss defensive coordinator Chris Partridge. Baron’s pass-rushing ability, combined with his run-stopping skills, gives the Rebels a complete edge rusher who can make plays on every down.
Together, Umanmielen and Baron form one of the most dynamic pass-rushing duos in the country, and their decision to join the Rebels is sure to make Ole Miss a top contender in the SEC for years to come.
The addition of Umanmielen and Baron to Ole Miss’ defensive line is not just a boost to the team’s immediate future—it is also a game-changer for the 2025 recruiting class. Ole Miss has already been building momentum on the recruiting trail, and these two high-profile transfers will undoubtedly attract additional top-tier talent.
As one of the top programs in the SEC, Ole Miss has become a destination for top-tier prospects, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Umanmielen and Baron’s decision to join the Rebels sends a message to other recruits that Ole Miss is a place where elite talent is developed, and success on the field is within reach.
By adding these two EDGE rushers, Ole Miss has firmly positioned itself as the leader in the 2025 recruiting cycle. With a top-tier defense now bolstered by two of the best pass rushers in the country, Ole Miss can turn its attention to other key positions, knowing that the foundation for defensive success is already in place.
For head coach Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss coaching staff, landing Umanmielen and Baron is a major win. The Rebels’ defense has historically been one of the weaker areas of the team, but with these two dominant EDGE rushers now in the mix, the defense is expected to be a force in the SEC. Both Umanmielen and Baron bring a level of experience and leadership that will elevate the play of their teammates, and their ability to get after opposing quarterbacks will significantly improve Ole Miss’ pass-rush capabilities.
Kiffin, known for his high-octane offense, has been working diligently to improve the Rebels’ defense, and the addition of Umanmielen and Baron should help close the gap between Ole Miss and other SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The Rebels now have the kind of defensive front seven that can disrupt even the most potent offenses, setting the stage for Ole Miss to compete at an elite level on both sides of the ball.
With Umanmielen and Baron now in the fold, Ole Miss is poised to have one of the most complete and dangerous defenses in the SEC. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a significant one for the Rebels, and with a defense that can disrupt opposing offenses, Ole Miss has the potential to make noise in the SEC West.
As the recruiting cycle progresses, look for Ole Miss to continue building on this momentum, attracting even more top-tier talent to Oxford. With Umanmielen and Baron leading the charge, the Rebels are well on their way to becoming a true national contender in the years to come.
In the ever-competitive SEC, Ole Miss’ ability to land the No. 1 and No. 2 EDGE rushers in the transfer portal gives the program a much-needed edge—both literally and figuratively—and signals that the Rebels are ready to take the next step in their journey toward greatness.