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Princewill Umanmielen’s dramatic transfer portal saga should soon come to a close. It may very well end with a commitment to LSU.
The Tigers are reportedly in high pursuit of the talented defensive lineman. Should Umanmielen heed the words of his brother, Princely, his career will continue in Baton Rouge.
The defender totaled 44 tackles and nine sacks in his junior year. He is considered one of the top prospects on the market.
Umanmielen made intentions to enter the transfer portal known just before the window closed. By filing his paperwork, he opened up his options, though Ole Miss is fighting against his entry.
Princewill Umanmielen signed a contract.
Umanmielen re-signed with Ole Miss earlier this month. At worst, any school that lands him would owe Ole Miss buyout money in excess of $500,000, sources tell the Ole Miss Spirit. An LSU source was more specific, putting the number at $590,000. The total offer from LSU is believed to be around $2 million.
The Rebels will enforce a buyout north of a half-million dollars should Umanmielen go through with his transfer, according to Garrett.
At this point in time, it is 50/50 as to whether he returns to Oxford in 2026 or leaves for another school. The contract certainly provides an obstacle. Should he go through with his transfer plans, LSU is the favorite to land his signature.
Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for Baton Rouge at season’s end. He has taken a few former players with him.
Umanmielen has ties obvious to Kiffin, but the head coach also brought with him an assistant that has impacted the family greatly.
Umanmielen’s older brother approves.
Princely Umanmielen played one season at Ole Miss after a transfer from Florida. He credited position coach Lou Spanos with furthering his development before becoming an NFL pro.
“When I was at Florida, it was like they would just tell me to drop to this area and I would have to figure out everything else on my own,” the older brother said of the transition from Gainesville to Oxford.
“Here (at Ole Miss), they go real in-depth. I feel like I’m actually getting developed here… (Lou Spanos) gets me right with the details… It’s always something to improve on, so that’s why I appreciate him for that.”
Kiffin was able to bring Spanos with him to LSU. It could play a role in his recruitment of Princewill Umanmielen, whose brother has been nothing but complimentary of the Tigers since the coaching change.
(Kiffin) might f— around and win (a championship) in year one, he’s that good.
-Princely Umanmielen / X
Reading the tea leaves, it would seem LSU is in a strong position to bring the pass rusher in. Lane Kiffin must be willing to pay his old school in order to do so.