Ole Miss Targets Texas Longhorns Defender in Transfer Portal

The NCAA Transfer Portal is about to open for college football. A key Texas Longhorns defender plans to enter it. Safety Derek Williams Jr. will seek a new team for the 2026 season.

This news arrives as the Ole Miss Rebels prepare for the College Football Playoff. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding has signaled the Rebels will be highly active in the portal. Williams, a former top recruit, immediately becomes a prime target for Oxford.

Ole Miss Poised for Aggressive Portal Strategy

The transfer window opens on January 2. Teams have two weeks to recruit players who have entered their names. For Ole Miss, this period is critical for retooling a championship-level roster.

Pete Golding has openly discussed the program’s appeal. He stated Ole Miss is a special place with high expectations. The mission is to recruit at the highest level and compete for titles.

This mindset makes a player like Derek Williams Jr. a logical pursuit. The Louisiana native was a coveted SEC recruit before choosing Texas. His entry into the portal creates a significant opportunity.

Derek Williams Jr. Brings Proven SEC Talent

Williams was a standout freshman for Texas in 2023. He recorded 42 tackles that season. His combination of size and skill fits the modern safety role perfectly.

Injuries disrupted his 2024 campaign, leading to a redshirt year. He returned in 2025 to contribute 23 tackles. Now, with multiple years of eligibility remaining, he is one of the portal’s most attractive defensive backs.

For Ole Miss, securing a player of his caliber would address a key position. It would demonstrate the program’s pulling power in the new era of college football. The Rebels’ current playoff run only enhances their sales pitch to transfers.

The potential addition of Derek Williams Jr. would be a major coup for Ole Miss football. It underscores the program’s status as a premier destination in the Transfer Portal era. All eyes will be on Oxford when the window opens January 2.

A quick knowledge drop for you

When does the NCAA Transfer Portal open?

The portal window for football players opens on January 2, 2026. It will remain active for two weeks, allowing players to formally enter and be contacted by schools.

What is Derek Williams Jr.’s playing history?

Williams was a freshman standout at Texas in 2023 with 42 tackles. He redshirted in 2024 due to injury and returned to play a reserve role in the 2025 season.

Why would Ole Miss want him?

Ole Miss seeks experienced, talented defenders to maintain its elite status. Williams is a former top recruit with SEC experience and multiple years of eligibility left, making him an ideal target.

Who is Pete Golding?

Pete Golding is the defensive coordinator for the Ole Miss Rebels. He is a key figure in the program’s roster strategy and has emphasized aggressive use of the transfer portal.