Sep 12, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Johntay Cook (2) runs from Colgate Raiders defensive back Kenny Langston (22) after making a catch in the second quarter quarter at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Ole Miss Football Expecting Major Contributions From This Coveted Transfer Receiver

Originally posted on Ole Miss Rebels on SI | By Zack Nagy | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 11:53 AM ET

Pete Golding and the Ole Miss Rebels continue navigating a pivotal offseason in Oxford with the program reconstructing the roster via the NCAA Transfer Portal.

In what became a critical stretch for Golding and the staff in the Magnolia State, Ole Miss landed the No. 2 rated class via the portal with multiple game-changers on both sides of the ball.

On offense, it starts with the new-look receiving corps after adding multiple ACC and SEC transfers to the roster - namely Syracuse pass-catchers Darrell Gill Jr. and Johntay Cook.

Gill, a 6-foot-3, 190-pounder out of the Lone Star State, signed with the Syracuse Orange as an unranked prospect in the 2023 Recruiting Cycle where he's now blossomed into a standout wideout at the collegiate level.

Across the 2025 season with the Orange, Gill appeared in all 12 games for his ACC program - finishing with 32 catches for 506 yards and a career-high five touchdowns.

It marked the second consecutive season that he eclipsed the 500-yard mark after posting 570 yards a year ago as a sophomore.

“I think Gill has got the top-end speed you want,” Golding said. “Obviously, he’s stretched the field vertically where he’s been. He’s got experience.

As for Cook, the well-traveled 6-foot, 198-pounder amassed 273 yards and two touchdowns on 32 catches across 18 games in two seasons with the Texas Longhorns - where he originally signed out of high school.

From there, Cook departed the program and joined Syracuse ahead of the 2025 season where he made 12 appearances and recorded 45 catches for 549 yards and two touchdowns.

“I think Johntay Cook is a kid obviously that we recruited when I was at Alabama. Extremely talented, very elusive. I think he allows you to do some different things from an offensive standpoint that create issues in the pass and the run game.

“Between [Horatio] Fields and some of the other guys, I just think there can be some breakout guys that y’all aren’t saying their name right now just based on how they’re wired.

"They’re really tough and they’re really competitive, and LD’s done a great job with that group and [John David Baker’s] done a really nice job.”

Ole Miss will look to continue receiving contributions from the receiving corps in Spring Camp with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss flaunting an embarrassment of riches to work with in 2026.

This article first appeared on Ole Miss Rebels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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