Why Former Oklahoma State QB Maealiuaki Smith’s Shocking Transfer to Ole Miss Could Change Everything

Branching out in the ever-shifting realm of college football, Ole Miss has quietly but decisively bolstered its quarterback room with a fresh face from Oklahoma State’s roster. Maealiuaki Smith—a 2024 recruit who’s already navigated the choppy waters of a tough season in Stillwater—has switched allegiances, injecting new life and depth into the Rebels’ quarterback situation. With a challenging campaign behind him and a wealth of eligibility still ticking on the clock, Smith’s arrival is more than a mere roster move; it’s a calculated step toward shaping Ole Miss’ future under center. Especially with Jaxson Dart’s recent leap to the NFL, and Austin Simmons gearing up to take the reins, this transfer—not the first from the Cowboys, mind you—adds an intriguing layer to a quarterback room in flux. The Rebels are clearly aiming to keep eyes on the prize by stacking talent through the portal, making sure nothing slips through the cracks next season. Curious about the full story? LEARN MORE

According to Rivals’ Rebel Grove, Ole Miss has landed Maealiuaki Smith from OSU. The class of 2024 product spent one season in Stillwater and made two starts in his time with the Cowboys. Smith entered the transfer portal this spring after the Cowboys added Hauss Hejny via the transfer portal and brought back Garret Rangel and Zach Flores.AdvertisementSmith, who was one of the better quarterbacks still available in the portal, was 44-of-74 passing for 489 yards and two TDs with four interceptions. Smith appeared in four games overall as he and Rangel were among three different quarterbacks who threw passes in what was a lost season for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State was 3-9 overall and 0-9 in conference play in the worst season of coach Mike Gundy’s tenure.

Smith, who was one of the better quarterbacks still available in the portal, was 44-of-74 passing for 489 yards and two TDs with four interceptions. Smith appeared in four games overall as he and Rangel were among three different quarterbacks who threw passes in what was a lost season for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State was 3-9 overall and 0-9 in conference play in the worst season of coach Mike Gundy’s tenure.

Smith has three seasons of eligibility remaining and four if he takes a redshirt. Simmons has three seasons left after redshirting in 2023 behind Dart and Sanders. Simmons was a four-star prospect in the class of 2023 and the No. 10 pro-style QB in the country. Smith was the No. 25 pro-style QB in the class of 2024.The former three-star recruit immediately becomes a likely candidate to back up Austin Simmons at Ole Miss. The Rebels will enter 2025 with a new QB as three-year starter Jaxson Dart was a first-round pick of the New York Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft. Simmons appeared in nine games in 2024 and was 19-of-32 passing for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He was 5-of-6 for 64 yards against Georgia after Dart twisted his ankle early before returning in the 28-10 win.