Ole Miss didn’t just shop the portal this cycle, they rebuilt balance across the roster. With impact players at every level trenches, skill positions, secondary, and quarterback , this class adds depth, versatility, and experience. That balance shows up immediately on paper and should translate quickly on Saturdays.
Below is a position-by-position breakdown of the portal class, highlighting each player’s defining strength, previous school, estimated eligibility remaining, and an NFL comparison based on build and play style.
Offensive Line & Quarterbacks
Carius Curne — OL | 6-4, 320 | From LSU | ~3–4 yrs remaining
A former high-four-star out of LSU with versatility across the line. Curne brings elite run-game power and developing pass protection instincts.
NFL comp: Lane Johnson — athletic size, adaptable technique.
Walker Howard — QB | 6-0.5, 180 | From ULL (was on Ole Miss roster prior) | ~2 yrs remaining
Efficient rhythm passer with poise and timing. Controls the pocket and delivers accurate throws on the move.
NFL comp: Brock Purdy — anticipation and precision.
Deuce Knight — QB | 6-4.5, 208 | From Auburn | ~4 yrs remaining
Toolsy young quarterback with size and arm strength. Production will catch up with his physical talent.
NFL comp: Justin Fields — build and dual-threat potential.
Running Back
JT Lindsey — RB | 5-11, 185 | From LSU | ~4 yrs remaining
One-cut runner with vision and acceleration. Can threaten vertically and contribute on special teams.
NFL comp: Aaron Jones — burst and balance.
Tight Ends
Michael Smith — TE | 6-4, 245 | From South Carolina | ~3 yrs remaining
A physical in-line blocker who can also flex into the seam as a receiver.
NFL comp: Dalton Schultz, dependable all-around piece.
Brady Prieskorn — TE | 6-5.5, 225 | From Michigan | ~3 yrs remaining
Length and athleticism give mismatch potential over the middle.
NFL comp: Mike Gesicki — vertical threat.
Wide Receivers
Darrell Gill — WR | 6-3, 175 | From Syracuse | ~2 yrs remaining
A tall, rangy target with deep-ball speed and separation ability.
NFL comp: Will Fuller — downfield assassin.
Johntay Cook II — WR | 5-11, 175 | From Syracuse | ~2 yrs remaining
Precision route runner with quickness and YAC juice.
NFL comp: Stefon Diggs — route nuance and suddenness.
Cameron Miller — WR | 5-10, 167 | From Kentucky ~4 yrs remaining
Slot speedster with quick change-of-direction skills.
NFL comp: Elijah Moore — agility and separation.
Isaiah Spencer — WR | 6-2, 185 | From Virginia Tech | ~2 yrs remaining
Possession receiver with size and contested catch ability.
NFL comp: Jakobi Meyers — chain mover.
Linebackers & Secondary
Keaton Thomas — LB | 6-2, 210 | From Baylor | ~1–2 yrs remaining
Instinctive defender with good form tackling and positional awareness.
NFL comp: Josey Jewell — steady, reliable.
Tah’j Butler — LB | 6-2, 215 | From Georgia Tech | ~3 yrs remaining
Range and coverage ability add modern flexibility.
NFL comp: Jerome Baker — coverage speed.
Jay Crawford — CB | 6-0, 180 | From Auburn | ~1–2 yrs remaining
Fluid hips and tight man coverage skills.
NFL comp: Darius Slay — smooth and competitive.
Sharif Denson — CB | 5-11, 170 | From Florida | ~2 yrs remaining
Quick recovery speed and ball awareness.
NFL comp: Asante Samuel Jr. — instincts.
Edwin Joseph — S | 6-0, 171 | From Florida State | ~2–3 yrs remaining
Center-field safety with ball production upside.
NFL comp: Jessie Bates III — anticipation.
Joenel Aguero — S | 5-11.5, 200 | From Georgia | ~2 yrs remaining
Physical presence in the box and center field.
NFL comp: Jordan Poyer — competitiveness.
Defensive Line & Edge
Jordan Renaud — DL | 6-3.5, 240 | From Alabama | ~2–3 yrs remaining
Hybrid rusher with versatility at multiple fronts.
NFL comp: Zach Allen — length and effort.
Michai Boireau — DL | 6-5, 350 | From Florida | ~2–3 yrs remaining
Massive interior disruptor.
NFL comp: Vita Vea — size and force.
Jahiem Oatis — DL | 6-5, 390 | From Colorado | ~1 yr remaining
Space-eating presence who commands attention.
NFL comp: Da’Ron Payne — power.
Blake Purchase — EDGE | 6-2.5, 240 | From Oregon | ~2 yrs remaining
Explosive first step and relentless motor.
NFL comp: Alex Highsmith — pressure pest.
Jonathan Maldonado — EDGE | 6-6, 233 | From Nevada | ~2 yrs remaining
Length and closing burst to disrupt passing lanes.
NFL comp: Jason Pierre-Paul — long lever impact.
Why This Matters
This portal class isn’t flashy for the sake of headlines it’s strategic. Ole Miss added:
- Line strength and protection
- Quarterback competition
- Downfield playmakers
- Secondary speed and ball skills
- Front-seven disruption
A balanced roster wins championships.
Ole Miss just took a major step toward becoming one
