Ole Miss football, Pete Golding add 4 players to 2026 roster from transfer portal

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

OXFORD — Despite still playing in the College Football Playoff, Ole Miss football is off to a hot start assembling its transfer portal class for 2026.

New coach Pete Golding has added four players for the 2026 Ole Miss football roster since the transfer portal opened on Jan. 2, per player announcements and media reports.

Former Auburn cornerback Jay Crawford was the first player to commit to the 2026 class. He committed on the night of Jan. 3.

Crawford was a starter for Auburn in 2025 and made 15 tackles. He is ranked as the No. 2 cornerback in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings.

Golding, who was promoted to head coach from defensive coordinator, then added former Baylor linebacker Keaton Thomas.

Thomas racked up 105 tackles for Baylor in 2025 as a starter and team leader. He is ranked as the No. 19 linebacker in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings.

Former Nevada defensive end Jonathan Maldonado committed to Ole Miss on Jan. 4, per On3. He is a 6-foot-6 junior from Monrovia, California, who had a career-high five sacks in 2025, and one interception.

Former Florida defensive back Sharif Denson became the fourth player to commit to Ole Miss. He announced the news on social media on Jan. 4. He was a starter for the Gators in 2025 as a junior. Denson had 53 tackles during the season.

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss football adds 4 players to 2026 roster from transfer portal

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos