Ole Miss NIL Collective Fuels Football Success

Rebels' transfer portal dominance showcases the impact of NIL

In 2023, Ole Miss Football achieved its second 10-win regular season in three years. To put the team’s recent success in perspective, between 1970 and the onset of NIL in 2021, the team only had three 10-win seasons.

The Rebels are currently in the top three of 247Sports' transfer class rankings, having just landed Walter Nolen – defensive lineman for Texas A&M and top rated overall player in the transfer portal this offseason according to 247Sports. 

There is no downplaying the effect that NIL has on the Rebels' program. Walker Jones, who leads Ole Miss's "The Grove Collective," has sold NIL as the "great equalizer" for the school, which has thus far proven to be true.

The key behind The Grove Collective's strategy, according to Jones, is education. "A confused donor doesn't give," Jones explained. Garnering donor interest is essential for the success of a collective. Donors want to know exactly how their contributions translate to success on the field.

"Eighteen to 24 months ago, we really said, 'Look, let's educate our people,' because if they're confused or conflicted, then they're going to find somewhere else to spend their money," Jones said. "What happened this past month is a direct result of those things that happened 18 months ago." 

Success on the field and in the transfer portal for the Rebels has been fueled by support from the collective. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who has been openly critical of the transfer portal and has referred to it as "free agency," made clear the pivotal role that NIL and collectives play in college football.

"From the beginning, NIL and collectives are important in this," Kiffin said last week. "People used to say they aren't, but they are."

The Rebels hope that their transfer portal success earns them a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoffs next season. In the meantime, the No. 11 ranked Rebels are preparing for the Peach Bowl on Saturday against No. 10 ranked Penn State.