The transfer portal season is officially underway, and Ole Miss has wasted no time making headlines. In a bold and strategic move, the Rebels have secured a commitment from Da’Shawn Womack, the highly touted edge rusher transferring from LSU. Womack, a former five-star recruit and one of the most talented defensive players in the SEC, brings immediate impact potential to a program looking to bolster its defensive presence in 2025.
Womack entered the transfer portal as one of the most sought-after defensive players, thanks to his impressive combination of size, speed, and versatility. The 6’4”, 255-pound edge rusher was a cornerstone of LSU’s defense in 2024, tallying 8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and numerous pressures on opposing quarterbacks. His dominance on the edge earned him All-SEC honors and made him a nightmare matchup for offensive lines.
Despite LSU’s efforts to retain Womack, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff worked quickly and effectively to bring the star defender to Oxford. Kiffin’s reputation for utilizing the portal to transform his roster played a significant role in securing Womack’s commitment.
“We’re thrilled to have Da’Shawn join the Ole Miss family,” Kiffin said in a statement. “He’s a game-changer on the field and fits perfectly into what we’re building here. His ability to disrupt offenses is exactly what we need as we continue to compete at the highest level in the SEC.”
Womack’s decision to leave LSU surprised many, but his choice of Ole Miss highlights the Rebels’ growing appeal as a destination for top-tier talent. Speaking about his transfer, Womack cited his excitement about playing under Kiffin and joining a team that is poised to make noise in the SEC.
“Ole Miss just felt like the right fit for me,” Womack said in an interview. “Coach Kiffin and the staff showed me how I could take my game to the next level here, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together. The energy and vision of this program are something I want to be part of.”
Additionally, Womack was drawn to Ole Miss’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes aggressive pass rushing and creative use of edge defenders. The Rebels’ system is expected to allow Womack to showcase his full skill set and position himself for success at the next level.
Landing Womack is a significant boost for an Ole Miss defense that struggled with consistency in 2024. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run addresses critical needs for the Rebels, who aim to improve their defensive rankings and compete for an SEC title.
Womack’s arrival also signals a shift in the recruiting and transfer landscape, as Ole Miss continues to attract high-caliber players capable of elevating the program. With Womack on board, the Rebels are positioning themselves as a serious contender in the SEC West.
Womack’s transfer marks a strong start to the portal season for Ole Miss, but it’s unlikely to be the last splash the Rebels make. Kiffin has a proven track record of leveraging the portal to fill key roster gaps, and Womack’s commitment sets the tone for what could be an eventful offseason in Oxford.
For Ole Miss fans, the addition of Womack is a cause for celebration and optimism. The Rebels are not just building for the future—they are making moves to compete right now. As Womack prepares to don the red and blue, his presence is already sending a clear message: Ole Miss is here to win, and the rest of the SEC should take notice.