Photo: Princely Umanmielen; Credit: Zach Goodall

Former Florida Gators edge rusher Princely Umanmielen is officially uniting with Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss to play out his final season of collegiate eligibility, he announced via social media on Friday.

His pledge confirms several reports regarding his potential move to Oxford.

In 45 games with the Gators, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound edge rusher accounted for 99 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and three forced fumbles.

He’ll look to build on his success with defensive coordinator Pete Golding and the Rebels in 2024.

A surprise signee to Florida out of high school, Umanmielen presented a highly talented defensive end piece with the potential to bloom into a key cog for the UF defense, then led by Todd Grantham.

After two years of development, Umanmielen was thrust into a prominent starting role in year one of Billy Napier’s reign as head coach, giving play-caller Patrick Toney two edge rushers to lean on as he worked opposite Brenton Cox Jr. and Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.. He accordingly saw an uptick in production, showcasing his impressive pass-rushing skillset with his blend of power and bend at a higher clip.

He finished the year with 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Then, ahead of 2023 with Napier and Austin Armstrong, the Manor, Texas, native switched from the strongside defensive end position to the standup edge rusher (JACK) spot ahead of the 2023 season. The move proved fruitful for Umanmielen’s growth as he accounted for a career-high in tackles (39), tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (7).

He earned considerable praise as a potential day two selection in the 2024 NFL Draft as a result, suggesting his move for the pros following his fourth season at the University of Florida.

However, instead of following that path, Umanmielen entered the transfer portal, striving to boost his draft stock into a day-one selection.

He’ll aim to do so at Ole Miss.

Umanmielen’s departure leaves Florida with a void at JACK edge rusher. True freshman TJ Searcy — who saw an uptick in usage as the year rolled on on early downs — presents the most viable option to take over Umanmielen’s starting duties in 2024.

Depth at the position is currently unknown, although the Gators have compiled an influx of young edges since Napier arrived in Gainesville, including Kelby Collins, Kamran James and Jack Pyburn. Each player occupied a role at F end for Florida during the 2023 campaign.