Two Ole Miss football players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft held in Pittsburgh, marking the sixth straight year the team has had multiple draftees. De’Zhaun Stribling was picked 33rd overall by the San Francisco 49ers, and Jayden Williams was selected 217th overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
Stribling, a wide receiver, became the highest drafted Rebel at his position since Laquon Treadwell went 23rd overall in 2016. He is the eighth Ole Miss receiver drafted in the first two rounds since 2010, joining players such as AJ Brown, DK Metcalf, and Elijah Moore.
Williams, an offensive lineman, was the first Rebel offensive lineman drafted since 2023. He is the highest offensive lineman pick from Ole Miss since Royce Newman was selected in 2021. Williams joins former teammate Walter Nolen in Arizona, where he will compete for a spot on the Cardinals’ roster.
Other Rebels signed as undrafted free agents include linebacker Tahj Chambers, defensive back Kapena Gushiken, and tight end Dae’Quan Wright, among others. Stribling received praise from 49ers officials, and Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort highlighted Williams’ experience against top competition in the SEC.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and team officials celebrated the draft selections, which continue the program’s strong track record of developing NFL talent.
