Image source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding wrapped up his first season in charge, but the offseason brought new problems instead of rest. The transfer portal finally slowed down, yet the NFL Draft cycle quickly delivered bad news for the Rebels.
Running back Logan Diggs officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, creating a major roster hole for Golding and his staff.
Diggs went public with his NFL choice through a message posted to social media, where he expressed appreciation for the schools that helped shape his college journey. He specifically thanked Notre Dame, LSU, and Ole Miss for giving “a young man from Louisiana” an opportunity to grow, and then stated that he will be entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
The announcement spread quickly online and drew plenty of reactions from fans and reporters (via Diggs’ social media statement).
The fifth-year senior grew up in Boutte, Louisiana, and played at Archbishop Rummel High School. Diggs committed to Notre Dame in 2021 and saw the field early. He posted 230 rushing yards in eight games as a freshman and followed with 822 rushing yards across 12 games as a sophomore, according to team statistics.
After the 2022 season, Diggs entered the transfer portal for the first time and landed at LSU. He produced 653 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in Baton Rouge, per LSU records. Following the 2023 campaign, Diggs hit the transfer portal again and joined Ole Miss ahead of the 2024 season.
Logan Diggs also battled adversity during this stretch. While at LSU, he suffered a serious knee injury during the Tigers’ Gator Bowl win over Wisconsin. He went through surgery and rehab before choosing Ole Miss.
According to Diggs, the Rebels were patient during his recovery, even though Golding was not the head coach at the time. Diggs said Ole Miss wanted him to focus on rehab and aimed for him to return by late 2024, then contribute in 2025.
His peak moment with the Rebels came during the Fiesta Bowl in January 2026. In the CFP semifinal against Miami, Diggs took over at running back after Kewan Lacy left the field following a 73-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. Diggs kept the ground game moving during a critical stretch before Lacy returned at the start of the third quarter.
Golding often praised Diggs’ “team-first” mentality. Diggs echoed that mindset before the Sugar Bowl, saying he had never been part of a team like this in his five years of college football and that he was willing to do “whatever it takes to win.” That attitude makes his departure even tougher for Ole Miss.
While Diggs heads to the pros, Golding may not be done holding his breath. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is still stuck in NCAA limbo. The NCAA denied his eligibility waiver on Jan. 9, and Ole Miss filed an appeal seeking a retroactive redshirt for his medically inactive 2022 season at Ferris State, per Ross Dellenger.
The appeals committee met this week but did not issue a ruling and has requested more information. Reports from CBS indicate Chambliss could seek an injunction, but if the NCAA ultimately rules against him, he may declare for the draft as well.
Diggs is not the only Rebel turning pro. Linebacker Tahj Chambers declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after one strong season in Oxford. Chambers recorded 45 tackles, including 27 solo stops, and defended three passes across 15 games. His size, closing speed, and physical style reportedly gained early interest from scouts.
These losses sting, but Ole Miss cannot hit pause. The transfer portal has already helped reload parts of the roster, and Golding will have to keep building while key decisions unfold. For now, the Rebels must watch the draft process and wait on the NCAA as their offseason takes another dramatic turn.
FAQ:
Who is Pete Golding?
Pete Golding is the head coach of the Ole Miss football team. This was his first season as head coach after previously serving as the defensive coordinator.
Why is Logan Diggs in the news?
Logan Diggs announced that he will enter the 2026 NFL Draft. His decision removes a key offensive player from the Ole Miss roster.
Where did Logan Diggs play before Ole Miss?
Diggs played at Notre Dame and LSU before transferring to Ole Miss.
How well did Logan Diggs play in college?
Diggs had productive seasons at Notre Dame and LSU. He also stepped up for Ole Miss during important games, including the Fiesta Bowl.
Why is Diggs’ departure important for Ole Miss?
Diggs was a reliable running back who fit the team-first culture. Losing him creates a hole in the backfield for the Rebels.
What is happening with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss?
Chambliss is waiting on an NCAA decision about a retroactive redshirt for his 2022 season. If the NCAA denies it, he may leave for the NFL Draft.
What is the NCAA appeal about?
Ole Miss appealed to give Chambliss an extra year of eligibility due to medical reasons tied to his 2022 season at Ferris State.
Could Chambliss still play for Ole Miss?
Yes. If the appeal is approved, he can stay. If it is denied, he may need to move on and enter the draft.
Who else from Ole Miss declared for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Linebacker Tahj Chambers also declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after one strong season with Ole Miss.
What does this mean for Ole Miss going forward?
The team has lost talent to the NFL, but the transfer portal has helped reload the roster. Pete Golding will continue adjusting during the offseason.
Also Read: A&M’s Push for 5-Star Mark Matthews Complicated by Winter Weather
