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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 1: defensive end Kam Franklin #5 of the Ole Miss Rebels reacts during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Fall Camp is set to kickoff Aug 6th for Ole Miss, their first one with new head coach Pete Golding. As with every fall camp, hope abounds and fans begin to endear themselves with the new faces in the program. The defensive side of the ball underwent massive upgrades and should return to their dominant state from two seasons ago. So let’s look at each position group, meet the new guys and predict our depth charts. First up on the defensive side of the ball is the EDGE rushers.
#1 Jordan Renaud – Jr. 6’3” 265 (Alabama)
#3 Blake Purchase – Jr. 6’3” 250 (Oregon)
#5 Kam Franklin – Jr. 6’5” 295
#15 Landon Barnes – Fr. 6’3” 250
#17 Jonathan Maldonado – Sr. 6’6” 250 (Nevada)
#45 Talib Graham – rFr. 6’1” 250
#54 Tre Ellis – Fr. 6’1” 260
#55 Cam Clark – So. 6’2” 255
#99 Carmelow Reed – Fr. 6’6” 275
According to Phil Steele, the two starting EDGE players in his depth chart are Jonathan Maldonado and Suntarine Perkins. The team website lists Perkins as a linebacker, but he is a unique hybrid that will play both depending on personnel.
Projected depth chart:
Jonathan Maldonado
Kam Franklin
Jordan Renaud
Blake Purchase
Carmelow Reed
Cam Clark
Landon Barnes
Talib Graham
Both Maldonado and Franklin bring size and length. While Franklin is more of a power rusher off the edge, JM is a speed guy. Reed also brings that length needed on a SEC defensive line while Purchase and Renaud could have some stand up rushing opportunities much like Perkins. This squad is a solid four deep without Perkins so Golding should have little issue having a fresh body chasing down quarterbacks.
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