Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin has singled out Nebraska Cornhuskers transfer Princewill Umanmielen as a standout performer during the team’s 2025 fall camp, signaling a potential breakout season for the defensive lineman in Oxford. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound edge rusher, who joined the Rebels via the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason, has impressed Kiffin with his versatility and physicality, earning the defensive player of the game honors in a recent scrimmage. Umanmielen, the younger brother of former Ole Miss star Princely Umanmielen, brings a proven track record from Nebraska, where he recorded 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks over two seasons. Kiffin’s praise, shared during a Saturday press conference, underscores the transfer’s potential to fill the void left by his brother’s departure to the NFL.
Umanmielen’s seamless integration into Ole Miss’ defensive front has been a focal point of fall camp, with Kiffin noting his effectiveness against both the run and pass. The Austin, Texas, native’s ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line, combined with his relentless motor, has drawn comparisons to his brother, who posted 10.5 sacks in his lone season with the Rebels before being drafted by the Carolina Panthers. Umanmielen’s work ethic, evident in his summer focus on refining pass-rush techniques, aligns with the Rebels’ deep and versatile defensive line, which he described to *Sports Illustrated* as having “different bags” of skills. His standout performance in camp, including a disruptive showing against Ole Miss’ starting offense, has positioned him as a key piece in defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s aggressive scheme.
The Rebels’ aggressive approach in the transfer portal, adding double-digit impact players like Umanmielen, reflects Kiffin’s strategy to retool the roster for a competitive 2025 season. With the loss of Princely Umanmielen and other defensive stalwarts, Princewill’s emergence is timely as Ole Miss aims to improve on their 10-win 2024 campaign, which included a Gator Bowl victory over Duke. His mindset, encapsulated by his “go 1-0 every day” mantra, resonates with Kiffin’s emphasis on daily improvement, especially as the team prepares for their season opener against Georgia State on August 30. Umanmielen’s ability to disrupt, evidenced by his 20% pressure rate on pass-rush snaps at Nebraska, could make him a linchpin for a defense eyeing an SEC Championship run.
As Ole Miss navigates the final weeks of fall camp, Umanmielen’s rise has sparked excitement among fans, with posts on X praising his potential to become a “game-wrecker” in the SEC. Kiffin’s public endorsement, coupled with Umanmielen’s familial ties to the program, adds a layer of intrigue to his journey from Lincoln to Oxford. With the Rebels ranked No. 15 in the preseason Coaches Poll, the pressure is on for newcomers like Umanmielen to deliver. His ability to translate camp dominance into game-day impact could solidify Ole Miss as a contender, making him a player to watch as the season kicks off.[](https://www.si.com/college/olemiss/football/nebraska-cornhuskers-transfer-ole-miss-football-lineman-has-lane-kiffin-s-attention-01k2ddcdcxvq)[](https://www.si.com/college/olemiss/football/nebraska-cornhuskers-defensive-line-transfer-set-to-impact-ole-miss-football-in-2025-01k25msfwb22)
