The 2025-2026 basketball season has officially finished, and as preparation begins for programs around the country for next season Ole Miss and head coach Chris Beard have had some time to be early swingers for potential players.
After a difficult season for Beard and the Rebels, a major bright light was brought to the teams run to the SEC tournament semifinals.
The Rebels finished the season with a 15-20 record, and as Beard enters a successful offseason will be key if the team wants to reach the NCAA tournament again.
Ole Miss did not make an appearance the NIT, as Beard and his staff have put full focus on preparing for the 2026-2027 season.
Ole Miss did major work in the portal last season, gaining nine commitments in the offseason, after a losing veteran pieces from the teams sweet 16 run.
The transfer portal window for immediate eligibility opens the day after the national championship. The time frame is April 7-21, but players have the ability to announce their departures before April 7th. It’s also important to notice that players can withdraw their names from the portal, and although it’s uncommon, players can return to programs.
Here is the latest portal moves so far for Ole Miss:
Departures:
Eduardo Klafke | Guard
Eduardo Klafke announced on his instagram on March 27, of his intentions to enter the portal after two seasons with the Rebels. As of April 8, Klafke has announced via social media that he will transfer to Butler.
A fan favorite, Klafke is a 6-foot-5 guard from Brazil who dictated a lot of effort and passion on the floor in his two years with the Rebels. Appearing in all 36 games as a freshman, Klafke made 34 appearances this past season, seeing the starting lineup 12 times. He averaged 4.6 points and 2.5 rebounds this season.
Hobert Grayson IV | Guard
Announced on March 26 by his agent, forward Hobert Grayson intends to put his name in the portal after one season in Oxfrod.
Grayson saw limited time on the floor under Chris Beard, making just five appearances all season long. He averaged 1.4 ppg, after transferring from Ouachita Baptist University.
The Louisiana native also spent in Mississippi prior to his stint with the Rebels, playing for Holmes Community College during the 2022-2023 season, and Northeast Mississippi Community College in the 2021-2022 season.
Koren Johnson | Guard
Nakos Departure was originally announced by Pete Nakos of On3 on April 7.
Making 25 appearances for Ole Miss, the Louisville transfer averaged 1.8 points and 1.4 assists in his lone season for the Rebels.
His best season came at Washington during the 2023-2024 season, where he averaged 11.1 ppg that season.
Augusto Cassia | Forward
Cassia departs after one season in Oxford, his announcement was also first reported by On3 on April 7.
After spending two seasons with Butler, Cassia transferred to Ole Miss, he appeared in 31 games this past season, while making five starts. He averaged 2.2 points, and 1.6 rebounds.
Tylis Jordan | Forward
Freshman Tylis Jordan plans to enter the transfer portal after redshirting his freshman season with the Rebels.
Jordan committed to Ole Miss in June of 2024, he was a four star rated prospect and top-50 recruit in the class of 2025. The Georgia native was also recruited by Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Illinois, and LSU before committing to the Rebels.
A 6-9 210 lbs, Jordan upside is high, and his skillset could be valuable for any team in the country.
Corey Chest | Forward
Second year forward Corey Chest entered his name in the transfer portal on April 6, after one season with Ole Miss.
Chest averaged 2.6 points and 3.8 for the Rebels, he started in four games this past season. Prior to Ole Miss, Chest spent a season with LSU, averaging 6.1 points and 6.6 rebounds with the Tigers.
Travis Perry | Guard
Sophomore Travis Perry has entered his name in the portal on April 9.
The 6-1 Sophomore guard averaged 5.3 points per game, shooting 35% from three point land. He spent one season with Kentucky prior to arriving at Ole Miss.
Staying:
Amongst the players eligible for return, Ilias Kamardine is the only player to announce his plans to come back for the upcoming season.
Kamardine was one of the top scorers and facilitators for the Rebels this past season, averaging 11.3 points, and 3.8 assists per game.
Players to look out for:
With no official commitments as of April 8, Ole Miss is in the mix for a few players that have already made put their names in the portal.
Colby Garland | Guard
After a spectacular season with San Jose State, Garland cemented himself as one of the premier scorers in the country.
The Arkansas native averaged 20.3 points per game last season, ranking inside the top-30 for scoring averages.
Amongst Contact with schools like Auburn, Creighton, Kentucky and Oregon Ole Miss has also contacted Garland since entering his name in the portal on March 20. Garland shot a remarkable 49% field goal percentage, 37% three point percentage, and 85% free throw percentage for the Spartans.
Christian Hammond | Guard
Hammond entered his name in the portal after two seasons with the Santa Clara Broncos.
Labeled at 6-foot-4, Hammond made a name for himself averaging 15.6 points per game, he was named to the First Team All-WCC.
The Rebels reportedly have interest in Hammond amongst other schools, and will have to do plenty of work to get him to Oxford next season. Other schools such as North Carolina, USC, and Xavier have also showed in acquiring Hammond.
ND Okafor | Forward
Okafor is a 6-10 forward from Washington State, and according to reports has a scheduled call with Ole Miss.
After spending two seasons with the California Bears, and two with the Washington State Cougars, Okafor will be a hot commodity for teams looking to add size via the portal. Alongside Ole Miss, Georgetown and Depaul are set to have scheduled calls with the forward.
Averaging 11 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game last season, Okafor saw career high’s in both categories this past season.
The Ireland native has been utilized as a center and power forward throughout much of his collegiate career.
Del Jones | Guard
After a explosive season with the Radford Highlanders, Del Jones looks to explore bigger opportunities and Ole Miss has wasted zero time contacting his representatives.
A 6’3 187 lbs guard, Jones made the All-Big South Second Team on the tail end of averaging 17.2 points per game for the Highlanders last season.
Jones spent a season at Clemson during the 2024-2025 season, before arriving to Radford, and quickly has gained the attention of programs since entering his name in the portal.
Alongside Ole Miss, Jones has been contacted by Indiana, Syracuse, Mississippi State, Miami, SMU and LSU.
Jones’ quickness and play making abilities can help turn around a lot of the problems the Rebels saw in fast break opportunities in the 2025-2026 season.
Daniel Freitag | Guard
Ole Miss and Buffalo transfer Daniel Freitag have already been in contact, after a special season with the Bulls.
The Sophomore put up effective numbers last season, averaging 19.8 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Freitag spent one season with Wisconsin before landing at Buffalo.