After Ole Miss signed 12 high school players in the December 2022 signing period, it was assumed by most that the Rebels might be done with prep recruiting for the 2023 class, turning their attention instead on the transfer portal. And while Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss did find 14 more players in the portal, they whiffed mightily on several defensive line and linebacker prospects that the coaching staff seemingly felt good about landing.
The Rebels lost defensive tackle KD Hill, defensive end Tavius Robinson, and linebacker Troy Brown to graduation. They also lost linemen Isaiah Iton, Brandon Mack, and Demon Clowney, along with linebackers Austin Keys and Jaron Willis, to the portal.