Ole Miss, Pete Golding Lead Race for Miami OL in Transfer Portal

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Ole Miss, Pete Golding Lead Race for Miami OL in Transfer Portal

The Ole Miss Rebels could be investigated by the NCAA after Friday’s allegations of tampering from Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney, but that’s not stopping coach Pete Golding from trying to bolster their 2026 transfer portal class further.

Ole Miss has continued to push for the commitment of an ACC player and CFP finalist with Miami, and his addition to the Rebels roster appears closer than ever before.

The Rebels, who have already landed 27 transfers this cycle, have set their sights on Hurricanes offensive lineman Tommy Kinsler and are close to landing him, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Per Nakos, reporting on Saturday morning, Kinsler is nearing a decision, and the Rebels appear to be the favorite to sign the stout offensive lineman.

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Pete Golding Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Ole Miss and Pete Golding are trending to land another transfer portal commitment, On3 has learned,” Nakos wrote. “Miami offensive lineman Tommy Kinsler has made visits to Auburn and Ole Miss, but sources tell On3 that the Rebels hold the momentum.”

With five offensive linemen departing the program, Kinsler’s addition would help solidify the unit heading into spring, joining three other linemen — Troy Everett, Enoch Boireau, and Carius Curne — who arrived in the SEC program earlier this cycle.

Assuming Nakos’ report is correct, Golding and the Rebels are expected to close this recruitment soon, even though Arkansas and Auburn remain involved.

Kinsler, a 6-foot-6, 340-pound tackle, has drawn interest from several SEC schools since entering the transfer portal following the Hurricanes’ run to the national championship.

The veteran lineman has two years of eligibility remaining and spent the last two seasons backing up five-star, NFL-bound Francis Mauigoa at Miami.

Kinsler has appeared in 19 games over the three seasons he’s spent at Coral Gables, making him one of the more experienced trench players left in the portal after he redshirted in 2023.

According to Pro Football Focus, Kinsler took 113 snaps in those three years, allowing just one quarterback pressure and no QB sacks with him on the field.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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