As Ole Miss football continues to build its reputation under head coach Lane Kiffin, a new wave of players is emerging, one that often flies under the radar but has the potential to make a significant impact at the next level. While the spotlight is often on blue-chip recruits or established stars, the underrated Rebels are poised to surprise and excel as they transition into professional football. These players may not have received the same level of hype during their recruiting process, but their work ethic, skill set, and opportunity at Ole Miss will help them make their mark in the NFL or on other professional stages.
One of the most exciting things about the current group of Rebels is the program’s ability to develop players who may not have been highly rated out of high school but have the traits that translate well to the next level. Ole Miss has seen a number of players from smaller recruiting profiles make a name for themselves, and that trend is likely to continue with this batch of underrated athletes.
Take, for example, wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Mingo entered the program as a talented but relatively under-the-radar recruit, and though he wasn’t a five-star prospect, he gradually grew into one of the SEC’s most reliable playmakers. His progression as a pass-catcher under Kiffin’s offense made him a standout, eventually earning him an NFL opportunity. While Mingo might not have always had the same attention as some of the bigger names in college football, his determination and ability to thrive at Ole Miss helped him develop into a player ready to succeed at the professional level.
Similarly, players like tight end Michael Trigg and linebacker Troy Brown show the potential to thrive in the NFL despite not always being highly sought after early in their careers. Trigg, a former transfer from USC, has the size and athleticism to be a mismatch in the passing game, and while his recruitment didn’t make headlines initially, he quickly became an integral part of Ole Miss’ offensive attack. As he continues to grow and refine his skills, Trigg’s ceiling remains incredibly high, especially considering his upside in the right offensive system.
On defense, players such as cornerback Deantre Prince and linebacker Austin Keys are poised to excel at the next level. Prince, who has demonstrated a combination of speed and ball skills, is often overlooked when discussing elite cornerbacks in the SEC, but his ability to lock down receivers and make game-changing plays has proven invaluable for Ole Miss. Similarly, Keys’ hard-hitting and athletic playstyle has not gone unnoticed, and he is a player with the potential to thrive in the NFL as a versatile linebacker who can do it all.
These players exemplify the success stories of underrated Rebels. While they may not have been five-star recruits, their development within Ole Miss’ system—both in terms of skill and mental toughness—has positioned them well to succeed at the next level. With Kiffin’s emphasis on high-paced offense and defensive versatility, the program has fostered an environment that helps players like these unlock their full potential.
For NFL scouts and fans alike, it’s important to keep an eye on these lesser-known names. While they may not have the high-profile college careers of other top prospects, these underrated Rebels have the ability, grit, and coaching to carve out successful futures at the professional level. As Ole Miss continues to elevate its program, the rise of these hidden gems will be an exciting part of their ongoing journey.
