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By Tyler Erzberger
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It was never going to be easy for Pete Golding, coming off the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Still, he is doing his best to keep his core intact with a week remaining in the transfer portal.
The Rebels were hit with a massive gut punch on Friday when it was announced that star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss would not receive an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, effectively ending his college career.
While Golding has moved to host five-star recruit Deuce Knight from Auburn and other possible options, his own team has seen some departures into the 15-day transfer window.
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Out of the multiple players lost, the biggest thus far is cornerback Chris Graves. He was the sixth player from the current roster to put their name in the proverbial portal hat, searching for a new program in 2026.
A four-star recruit out of Fort Myers, Florida, Graves is a 6-foot junior who should have several Power Four schools seeing if they can sign the talented defensive back.
His best game with the Rebels was his last, when he had seven solo tackles and eight overall against Miami in the CFP semifinals. Graves also forced a fumble during the regular season and was a consistent force in the Ole Miss secondary.
Aside from Graves, senior corner Ricky Fletcher, junior linebacker Jaden Yates, and freshman wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. are notable names who have expressed their intent to transfer.
While the loss of Graves will hurt, Golding seems prepared to fire back, as it's expected that he will poach one of Georgia's starting safeties, Joenel Aguero, in a significant move to help the Rebels' secondary for 2026.
The transfer portal officially closes on Jan. 16, 2026.
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