Four of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s nine-player transfer portal haul comes straight from the SEC. Two from Tennessee, one from LSU and one from Florida.
Another came from Big 10 Penn State to go along with the leading scorer from WNIT champion Illinois State, one from Boise State, one from Maryland-Baltimore County and one from San Jose State.
McPhee-McCuin said the Rebels attacked the portal with “intent.” They had to, as Ole Miss returns only two players from the 2025-2026 season in which they finished 24-12 and 8-8 in the SEC, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
That team was composed of seven seniors and three underclassmen who decided to try their fates in the portal.
“I’m really happy with the class that we put together,” said McPhee-McCuin. “I thought we were intentional like we are every year about trying to fill in spots. We were intentional about the roster build from their years. Last year we went and got all those one-year kids. This year, I only have four seniors.
“The portal giveth and the portal takes, The goal will be in the future for retention, which is just as difficult as going out into the portal and getting new players.”
While the Rebels own an embarrassment of riches from the transfer portal, they did lose important piece Sira Thienou to the transfer portal. Thienou averaged 9.7 points per game, starting 29 contests for the Rebels last season. She is the first player McPhee-McCuin has ever lost to the transfer portal that she actually wwanted to keep around.
“We weren’t prepared (to lose Thienou) at all,” admitted McPhee-McCuin. “The portal gives it and the portal takes. For me, I’m never going to be one that sits around and be upset when someone leaves. We make a living out of the portal. It’s just a part of the game.”
Coach Yo’ (left) with Jada Richard.
Ole Miss’ 2026 transfer portal class includes Maya Anderson (San Jose State), Jaida Civil (Tennessee), Talaysia Cooper (Tennessee), Knisha Godfrey (Florida), Emily Howard (Boise State), Rachael Okokoh (Penn State), Jada Richard (LSU), Jade Tillman (UMBC) and Doneelah Washington (Illinois State). Cooper is rated as the seventh-best player in this year’s portal by ESPN, while Richard was graded as the nation’s No. 12 player in the portal. Ole Miss also welcomes 2026 standout Charleen Hudson.