Ole Miss' 2024 defense set a new standard. The 2026 version has 'a chance to be' better

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OXFORD – It’s certainly high praise, particularly given he was on staff at the time and saw just what havoc Ole Miss’ 2024 defense wreaked on opposing offenses. But Ole Miss defensive coordinator Bryan Brown believes the 2026 edition of the Rebels’ defense has a chance to be one for the ages.

After a slow start to last season – nine new starters ensured there would be an adjustment period – Ole Miss’ defense quietly became one of the more consistent units in the nation in 2025, finishing the year ranked 37th nationally in points per game allowed (21.1) and 48th in yards per game allowed (348). While the transfer of leading pass rusher Princewill Umanmielen (nine sacks in 2025) to LSU isn’t to be overlooked, the Rebels return a handful of key pieces in 2026.

That list of names starts with junior defensive tackle Will Echoles, a preseason All-American who shined in his first season as a starter. Add in the returns of junior defensive end Kam Franklin, senior linebacker Suntarine Perkins, senior cornerback Jaylon Braxton and fifth-year cornerback Antonio Kite and talented transfer portal newcomers like junior linebacker Luke Ferrelli and fifth-year linebacker Keaton Thomas, and the Rebels figure to make significant strides.

Behind the play of a dominant defensive front that led the nation with four sacks per game and ranked second nationally in rushing yards allowed, the 2024 Rebels finished second in scoring defense at 14.4 points per game, the fewest allowed by an Ole Miss team since 1993. That team featured All-Americans and All-SEC talents like defensive tackle Walter Nolen, defensive end Princely Umanmielen, linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul and cornerback Trey Amos.

The 2026 Rebels admittedly still have a lot of work to do to catch the lofty example set by the team from two seasons ago. But Brown, who was elevated to defensive coordinator this season after two seasons as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, believes this group has a chance to achieve greatness.

“I think when you compare those two, that group in ’24 was really, really talented. And I think this group is – we have a lot of talent. I think we have a little bit more depth … especially up front. And I think secondary-wise we have a little bit of depth as well,” Brown said. “I wouldn’t say that right now and say, ‘Hey, they’re going to be better than that group.’ We have a chance to be, for sure, if we do things right, if we do our job and we execute at a high level. But we do have a chance to be better than that group.”

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