What finally brought Jehiem Oatis home to Mississippi?
OXFORD – If he’s being honest, Ole Miss fifth-year defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis missed the food while he was away. Oatis, a Columbia, Mississippi native, was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class who began his college career at Alabama under then-defensive coordinator Pete Golding. He started 10 games as a true freshman for the Crimson Tide and racked up 55 tackles over his first two seasons. ...
Jehiem Oatis, a defensive tackle from Columbia, Mississippi, found his way back home to the University of Mississippi after a brief stint at Colorado. The 335-pound, 6-foot-5 Oatis, a four-star recruit in 2022, began his college career at Alabama, but only played in four games in 2024. He transferred to Colorado for the 2025 season, but decided it was time to return to Ole Miss.
He cited the food in Mississippi as a factor in his decision, noting that it "tastes a little thicker." Oatis expressed his desire to join the defensive line, which includes seniors Will Echoles, Kam Franklin, and Jamarious Brown, as well as transfer portal additions like Jordan Renaud and Blake Purchase. Oatis praised his predecessor defensive coordinator, Pete Golding, for his honesty and leadership.
His connection to Golding, who joined Ole Miss as head coach after the 2025 season, remains strong. The proximity to his family in Columbia, about four hours south of Oxford, also played a role in his decision to return to Ole Miss.
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