Two Ole Miss Rebels Named To PFF All-Transfer Squad

New Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman Walter Nolen and edge rusher Princely Umanmielen made the cut by Pro Football Focus

Ole Miss had the top transfer portal class of 2024, but did the program snag the top player at a position?

According to one publication, the Rebels added two. 

Defensive lineman Walter Nolen (Texas A&M) and edge rusher Princely Umanmielen (Florida) were named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Transfer Team, the publication announced Friday. Both players were also listed as the top transfers at their respective position when entering the portal back in December. 

Nolen, the nation’s former top defensive recruit, excelled as a run-stuffing defensive tackle during his time with the Aggies under Jimbo Fisher. PFF graded him out as the SEC’s top defensive tackle during the regular season.

Florida Gators defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) tackles Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tate Rodemaker (18) during the first half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 25, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] :: © Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

“The former top recruit in the 2022 class, Nolen began to live up to that hype in his sophomore season. His seven sacks this past year tied for third among SEC interior defensive linemen, as did his eight tackles for loss or no gain. He placed fourth among SEC defensive tackles with a 9.9% pass-rush win rate, as well. Nolen is staying within the conference and will play for Ole Miss in 2024.” - PFF

After mixed results in Year 1, Nolen bolstered his numbers in 2023, playing in 12 games and posting 37 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.

Umanmielen was a wrecking crew for the Gators last season when on the field. The All-SEC second-team edge rusher led the team in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (7) and had 39 total tackles.

PFF listed Umanmielen as one of the top 10 pass-rushers among Power 5 schools last season and has high hopes for his future under new coordinator Pete Golding.

“Umanmielen was one of the eight FBS edge defenders to record a higher pass-rush win rate than Scourton this past season, placing seventh in that department (22.2%). He was also eighth among Power Five edges in pressure rate (19%) this year. Umanmielen will join Walter Nolen on Ole Miss’ defensive line in 2024.” - PFF

Ole Miss also was featured by PFF as a departure location for one of the top players. Running back Quinshon Judkins, who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns, was listed as the top tailback following his transfer to Ohio State.

Judkins might be the nation’s leading rusher entering 2024, but he’ll be splitting carries with TreVeyon Henderson in Columbus. Still, PFF is sold on his potential. 

“Judkins has been a superstar since he entered the college football ranks. His 2,726 rushing yards over his first two seasons are the most by any Power Five running back since 2022. Judkins also leads all returning FBS backs in yards after contact (1,800), rushing touchdowns (31) and forced missed tackles (154) in that span.” - PFF

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The Rebels finished 2023 with an 11-2 overall record after defeating Penn State in the Peach Bowl. In a 12-team playoff, Ole Miss would have garnered the No. 11 seed and fought its way to a shot at the CFB title. 

With the additions of Nolen and Umanmielen, the question isn’t if the Rebels will make the postseason, but rather how high of a seed they’ll be in a potential playoff bid.