The recruiting process for the 2025 college basketball class is still in its early phases. With two four-star commits, Ole Miss is ranked close to the top of the team standings. Chris Beard, the head coach, is pursuing an in-state four-star prospect as well.

The 6-foot-8 power forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming disclosed his final four teams of interest today. The native of Mississippi considered James Madison and LSU in addition to her two home state universities, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

Where we going??👀 https://t.co/nrArpJboyY

— jamarion davis-fleming (@jamariondavis11) July 23, 2024

Additionally, Davis-Fleming stated that she would make a decision on October 15th and gave a commitment date. Davis-Fleming, a senior at Canton High School, has only made two unofficial trips thus far, to LSU and Mississippi State.

Davis-Fleming is ranked No. 97 overall and No. 11 among centers by 247Sports. Fleming is regarded as the No. 24 power forward by On3, and he is rated as the top player in Mississippi by both recruiting services.

Fleming gave an account of his final four colleges in an interview with On3.

“”I recently reconnected with Ole Miss.” It’s an excellent school. They let their bigs play, play through them, and play inside-out. In addition to being a fantastic coach, Coach Beard has a winning mindset. I want to go somewhere where I can win because when I talk to them, they preach about winning.”

The gifted in-state recruit is arranging a visitation date with Ole Miss. Chris Beard is an unstoppable recruiter, as evidenced by the large number of prospects and portal players who leave Oxford prepared to commit. Mississippi State is now the favorite to sign Fleming. There is still more work to be done in his hiring process, though.

Just one Ole Miss defensive player is included on the Bednarik Award watchlist for the preseason.

Princely Umanmielen of Ole Miss is the latest player to be included to the preseason watchlists for the Bednarik Award. It is well merited given his performances with his last squad, Florida, and more is expected in 2024.

Bednarik Award Watch List 👀🦈@d1princely | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/o82V1Hnsup

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 12, 2024

That he was the only defensive player added to the list was unexpected. Walter Nolen was a significant contributor, earning first-team All-SEC selections from numerous media outlets. He was added to the watchlists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Outland Trophy a few weeks ago. Although he was predicted to win the Bednarik Award, he may yet be added throughout the course of the campaign.

The addition of Umanmielen by the Bednarik committee was a kind gesture. When it comes to preseason All-SEC teams, he appears to be Ole Miss’s defense’s forgotten man.

Umanmielen ended with 99 total tackles, 15 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in his four seasons with Florida. He recorded 17 quarterback hurries in 2023, making him a dangerous threat from the edge for the struggling Gators.

On the watchlist, Umanmielen will face some of the best defensive players in the nation, such as Nic Scourton (Texas A&M), Malaki Starks (Georgia), and Caleb Downs (Ohio State). With a strong season, Ole Miss edge has as much of a shot as anyone to win the trophy.

The season of Princely Umanmielen’s birth.

Princely Umanmielen will enter the NFL Draft following the 2024 season, therefore he needs to perform well to be selected highly. He has been made fun of by draft analysts from the first to the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Speaking during the Fall Camp week two press conference, Umanmielen said he isn’t trying to focus too much on the NFL Draft, preferring to just show here and work for the team.

“This is a pretty big year for me, but I don’t worry about the NFL Draft all the time. I simply show up for work each day and go in. I make an effort to be professional and consistent, making sure I don’t take any of these days for granted. My goal is to have the finest collegiate season ever.””

During Fall Camp, Princely Umanmielen was speaking.
In 2024, a number of players are in the same situation as Umanmielen, with their ultimate objective being the NFL Draft following the season. For now, they are committed to giving it their all each and every day in order to assist the club win a championship in the upcoming season.