'I'm Actually Getting Developed Here': Rebels' Umanmielen Takes Shot at Former Team

Ole Miss Rebels edge rusher Princely Umanmielen did not hold back when talking about his former team, the Florida Gators, on Tuesday.

Florida Gators defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) sacks Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tate / Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA

OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss Rebels edge rusher Princely Umanmielen is already making headlines in Oxford despite not yet taking the field.

The former Florida Gator was one of the biggest additions to Pete Golding’s defense this offseason after being rated as the No. 2 edge rusher available in the transfer portal. Umanmielen was the only good thing that came out of "The Swamp" in 2023, as he led the Gators in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (11.5) while also finishing fifth on the team with 39 total tackles.

Umanmielen decided to look for greener grass after Florida posted a miserable 5-7 record in 2023, and quickly settled on the Rebels, who are looking to make a playoff run in 2024. On Tuesday, Umanmielen got the opportunity to speak with the local media for the first time since arriving at Ole Miss and praised his new coaching staff, but also took a shot at Florida.

The Manor, Tex., native was asked about his final season as a Gator and explained that there is a significant difference in coaching between Florida and Ole Miss.

“I feel like [at Ole Miss] I’m getting coached harder,” Umanmielen told reporters. “The way I was coached at Florida, it was almost as if they were telling me to go out there and use my talent – if that makes sense. But here, the coaches are really on me about the little things.

“I feel like I’m actually getting developed [at Ole Miss]."  

 The senior will get his shot at a revenge game this upcoming season when Ole Miss travels to Gainesville on Saturday, Nov. 23.

 “I’m going to be happy to go back over there and play another game in The Swamp,” Umanmielen said.