Ole Miss has taken legal action against former football players Devin Harper and Prince Umanmielen, filing two separate lawsuits on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, over breach of contract claims. The university alleges the players owe a combined $950,000 in buyout fees after transferring to LSU to play under former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.

Before transferring, both Harper and Umanmielen signed revenue sharing agreements that included provisions requiring compensation to Ole Miss if they left before fulfilling their commitments. The players participated in Ole Miss's College Football Playoff run, which ended with a loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, before entering the transfer portal and enrolling at LSU.

Ole Miss attempted to settle the dispute out of court but ultimately decided to pursue legal action. The university emphasized its commitment to honoring obligations to student-athletes and expects the same commitment in return from players and their representatives.

The lawsuits add a new layer of tension ahead of the upcoming Ole Miss versus LSU game this season. LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin recently spoke at the SEC Football Kickoff Media Day in Tampa, Florida, on July 23, 2026.

Sources