In a move that’s sparking buzz across the college football landscape, former Oklahoma State quarterback Maealiuaki Smith has officially committed to Ole Miss via the transfer portal. The talented signal-caller, who showed flashes of promise during his time in Stillwater, is now set to bring his skills to Oxford, offering the Rebels depth and potential at the quarterback position heading into the new season.
Smith, a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, joined Oklahoma State with expectations of developing into a dynamic playmaker. Although his time with the Cowboys was marked more by development than playing time, coaches praised his arm strength, football IQ, and leadership on and off the field. With a crowded quarterback room and limited opportunities to take the field, Smith entered the transfer portal in search of a better fit—and it didn’t take long for Lane Kiffin and the Rebels to take notice.
Ole Miss, known for its explosive offense under Kiffin’s guidance, offers Smith a new environment to compete and grow. While the Rebels already have an established starter, the addition of Smith boosts their quarterback depth and provides another capable option should injuries or circumstances arise. More importantly, Smith’s presence creates healthy competition in the quarterback room, which often elevates the performance of everyone involved.
The move also represents a fresh start for Smith, who has the tools to thrive in Ole Miss’s system. Known for blending tempo, creativity, and aggressive downfield passing, the Rebels’ offense could suit his skill set well. With the right development and opportunity, Smith could become an impactful contributor and perhaps even challenge for meaningful snaps in the future.
For Ole Miss, this is another savvy addition through the portal as the program continues to build a roster capable of competing in the ever-tough SEC. For Smith, it’s a chance to reset, refine, and realize his potential at a program with a strong track record of quarterback success.
As fans wait to see how the quarterback battle unfolds in Oxford, one thing is clear—Maealiuaki Smith’s transfer adds another compelling storyline to the Rebels’ 2025 season. Stay tuned for updates as spring workouts and summer camp bring this new chapter to life.
See more on what Smith brings to the table and how he fits into Lane Kiffin’s offensive vision in our full player breakdown and team preview.