The transfer portal is done and dusted for this year. But that doesn’t mean that programs have stopped their dramatic antics. Pete Golding still hasn’t given up on poaching an important player who had just arrived at his new home.

Clemson football had made everything official with the arrival of one of its biggest transfer portal wins: linebacker Luke Ferrelli. He was formally entered into the student directory and had also begun attending classes and practice. However, a late and desperate push from Ole Miss might have lured him over to Oxford. According to The Clemson Insider, Ferrelli has informed the Tigers staff of his intent to leave this Friday. He also spoke to Dabo Swinney about his plans.

Ferrelli was absent from classes on Friday after attending them for a week. He even removed all mentions of Clemson football from his social media, furthering the idea of him transferring to Ole Miss. According to Rubbing the Rock, the LB was not answering calls from Clemson staffers during this week. All of this happened mere days after Luke Ferrelli officially signed with Clemson. Though the transfer portal closed on January 16, the NCAA gives at least 2 more business days for programs to enter names into the portal.

This feat is yet another example of how volatile the transfer portal can become, especially when the deadline nears. And it is no small victory for Golding, because he put a lot on the table for Ferrelli.

Lane Kiffin whisked away TJ Dottery to Baton Rouge, creating a problem for Ole Miss at a bad time. Golding had to push for Ferrelli with very little time remaining for the portal to stay open. But his rival being Clemson, he had to put up a strong fight. Ole Miss was reportedly offering the LB a seven-figure sum, but the Tigers pushed back vehemently. In retaliation, the Rebels doubled the offer, Tiger Illustrated reported. Pete Golding was also personally in touch with him.

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It is unclear what Clemson offered Luke Ferrelli, but Ole Miss might be going way higher than the $316,000 valuation he had when he committed to the Tigers.

Luke Ferrelli was a key part of Dabo Swinney‘s plans for 2026, after Clemson’s fall from grace in the 2025 season. His departure is a massive blow to the Tigers’ LB room, which lacked impactful players.

What Clemson is losing in Luke Ferrelli

Luke Ferrelli used a redshirt for the 2024 season. But in 2025, the linebacker just couldn’t be stopped. He racked up 91 tackles, 6 shy of tying with Cade Uluave, who led the team. Ferrelli also hauled in one sack, one interception, and two passes defended. Plus, his heroics earned him the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Pete Golding landed a tough blow on one of Dabo Swinney’s problem areas, which the latter was hoping to fix with Ferrelli.

The linebacker position became an urgent need for Clemson when Jamal Anderson and Dee Crayton entered the portal. Veteran LB Wade Woodaz, who finished 2nd in the defense in tackles this past season, ran out of eligibility. Ferrelli, with his power to be explosive from the get-go, proved to be a great option to be paired with leading LB Sammy Brown.

Luke Ferrelli’s transfer portal saga simply drives home how powerful NIL has become in today’s world. Programs are willing to go the extra mile for non-quarterback players, breaking norms in this arena with every move like this. Players still focus on the football aspect when choosing their new homes, but they are also looking at how green the grass is.