It has been four months since former Clemson Tigers linebacker Luke Ferrelli transferred to Ole Miss on Jan. 22. After Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney raised a complaint against Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding, the NCAA has reportedly opened an investigation. 

"Thanks for speaking with us earlier today," the associate director wrote in the email to Ole Miss senior associate athletic director for compliance, Taylor Hall, as per the documents obtained by ESPN. "As we discussed, the enforcement staff is opening an investigation into the football program at the University of Mississippi.

According to the email, the associate director sought forensic imaging of both official and personal phones used by Pete Golding. The NCAA expanded the request to include devices belonging to Ole Miss general manager Austin Thomas and outside linebackers coach Matt Kitchens, among others. 

During a January 23 press conference, Swinney claimed that Golding texted this message while the quarterback was in his 8 a.m. class.

“I know you’re signed. What’s the buyout?” read the message. 

Per details provided by Swinney, Tigers general manager Jordan Sorrells spoke with Ferrelli’s agent and was informed that Golding had continued recruiting the player while enhancing the proposed deal. Despite that, Ferrelli reportedly assured Sorrells outside the facility that he still intended to remain with the Clemson Tigers football.

However, hours later, Sorrells received a call from the Clemson Tigers football compliance office informing him that Ferrelli wanted to re-enter the transfer portal.

Months later, the NCAA requested forensic imaging of Ferrelli’s devices and also directed that phone records for all individuals involved between December 2025 and January 2026 be submitted to enforcement personnel.

NCAA Investigation Puts Ole Miss Rebels football Under Scrutiny in Golding’s First Year

It’s Golding’s debut year in Ole Miss after Lane Kiffin took the head coaching job at the LSU Tigers. According to reporting from USA Today’s John Leuzzi and Sam Sklar, Golding's program may receive a Level II violation if the NCAA proves improper contact occurred after Ferrelli enrolled at Clemson Tigers football. 

The case could become a Level I violation if more evidence shows the program gave financial benefits during that time.

As per NCAA Bylaw 19.2, member institutions and their personnel carry an “affirmative and automatic duty” to preserve and produce all relevant digital records when an investigation is underway.

In case Ole Miss Rebels’ staff members fail to provide requested devices, or if forensic experts find deleted messages after the Jan. 23 notice, the program could be charged with “lack of cooperation” infractions.

Share your thoughts on the new updates from the NCAA.

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Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar