News Summary
As the 2025 NFL season begins, 36 former players from the University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, are actively contributing to various teams. Highlighted by first-round draft pick Walter Nolen III with the Arizona Cardinals and other notable alumni like Dawson Knox and Tavius Robinson, the impact of Ole Miss on professional football continues to grow. Additionally, rookies such as Princely Umanmielen and Tre’ Harris are making their debuts, while some players face challenges with injuries. The strong presence of Ole Miss graduates in the NFL underscores the university’s legacy in producing elite talent.
Oxford, Mississippi – The 2025 NFL season has kicked off with a strong representation from the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, as 36 former Rebel players grace the active rosters of various teams across the league for Week One. This remarkable number highlights the growing impact of Ole Miss alumni in professional football, showcasing their talent and hard work at the highest level of the sport.
Among the notable alumni is Walter Nolen III, a defensive end who has begun his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals after being selected in the first round as the 16th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Nolen’s addition to the Cardinals marks a significant milestone for both the player and the university, signifying the continued development of elite talent at Ole Miss.
Also making waves is Tavius Robinson, an outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, who enters his third NFL season. Robinson played all 17 games in 2024, underscoring his reliability and importance within the Ravens’ defense.
On the offensive side, Dawson Knox, now in his sixth NFL season, plays as a tight end for the Buffalo Bills. During the previous season, Knox recorded 22 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown. His contributions are crucial as the Bills aim for a strong season. Alongside him is fellow Rebel Elijah Moore, a wide receiver also with the Bills, starting his fifth year in the league after making 61 catches for 538 yards and a touchdown last season.
New faces on this year’s rosters include Princely Umanmielen as an outside linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, who begins his rookie season after being selected in the third round, 77th overall. The Carolina Panthers are looking to bolster their ranks with Umanmielen’s potential and talent.
Jaylon Jones, now a cornerback for the Chicago Bears, is set for his fourth season, having made 15 tackles over eight games in 2024. His experience will be pivotal in reinforcing the Bears’ defense as they strive for success this season.
Another rising player is Daijahn Anthony, a safety for the Cincinnati Bengals, who is entering his second NFL season after participating in 13 games in 2024. Meanwhile, Evan Engram, a tight end returning for his first season with the Denver Broncos, had 47 receptions for 365 yards and one touchdown in 2024, indicating his ability to contribute on offense.
Other notable Ole Miss alumni include D.J. Jones, the defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos, who enters his ninth season, having appeared in all 17 games last season with 42 tackles, and Malik Heath, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, returning for his third season after playing in 13 games in 2024.
Additional Players Making Their Mark
Other rookie players are making their debut this 2025 season as well. Tre’ Harris, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, was selected in the second round as the 55th overall pick, while JJ Pegues, a defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders, was the 180th pick in the sixth round. Both of these selections represent the skill level and potential of new Ole Miss talent in the NFL.
Returning for another season, Ben Brown, a center for the New England Patriots, begins his third year in the league, having participated in 10 games previously, and Benito Jones, a defensive tackle who averages 24 tackles with 9 solo tackles secured in 2024 for the Miami Dolphins.
Practice Squad and Injuries
In addition to those on active rosters, Ole Miss players such as Isaac Ukwu (defensive end) for the Detroit Lions and Ulysses Bentley IV (running back) for the Indianapolis Colts are currently on practice squads. Furthermore, injuries have sidelined players like Dayton Wade (wide receiver) for the Baltimore Ravens and Jonathan Mingo (wide receiver) for the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing the ongoing challenges athletes face in maintaining their health and competitive edge.
This impressive display of former Ole Miss Rebels on NFL rosters highlights the school’s impactful presence in the sport, as these players contribute significantly to their respective teams in the pursuit of success in the 2025 season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Mississippi Endowment Surpasses $1 Billion
Remembering Charles Richard Hinton: NFL Center and Family Man
Exploring the Legacy of Ole Miss Football
University of Mississippi Faculty Honored with Teaching Awards
Greenwood Honors Legal Trailblazers
Eta Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Celebrates 50 Years
Oxford: Second Fastest-Growing College Town in America
Reviving Idealism: Impact of Young Activists in Politics
Additional Resources
- The Rebel Walk
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss
- Red Cup Rebellion
- Google Search: Ole Miss football
- Oxford Eagle
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss NFL players
- Clarion Ledger
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss football
- Sports Illustrated
- Google News: Ole Miss NFL 2025
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
