Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Pete Golding, Ole Miss Lose WR to College Football Transfer Portal After Miami Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 8:54 PM ET

It's been less than 24 hours since Ole Miss lost to Miami in a thrilling College Football Playoff semifinal game.

The two teams traded blows with one another, especially in the fourth quarter, until Miami quarterback Carson Beck scored the game-winning touchdown with 18 seconds left. Ole Miss tried a Hail Mary inside Miami territory on the ensuing possession, but it didn't work out.

Now that Ole Miss's season is over, one of its players has entered the transfer portal. According to On3/Rivals' Hayes Fawcett, Ole Miss true freshman wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. is in the portal and looking for a new school.

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Pete Golding Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Watkins Jr. was a four-star recruit in the 2025 recruiting class and the No. 41 recruit in Florida, per 247Sports Composite rankings. He was also the No. 32 wide receiver recruit in the country and the No. 267 overall recruit.

He finished the 2025 season with 26 receptions for 373 yards and a touchdown. His best individual performance came against Oklahoma on Oct. 25 when he finished with four receptions for 111 yards.

Pete Golding will be the head coach for the entire 2026 season and beyond after taking over for Lane Kiffin at the end of the 2025 regular season when the latter left for LSU. Golding won two games in the CFP before losing to Miami.

Despite the loss, it was still an outstanding season for Ole Miss. It was the first time that the school ever won 13 games in a season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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