The NCAA opened an investigation into Ole Miss football following Clemson coach Dabo Swinney's accusations that Rebels coach Pete Golding tampered with linebacker Luke Ferrelli. The enforcement staff contacted Ole Miss on Jan. 23, requesting forensic imaging of multiple coaches' phones as part of the probe into alleged tampering with Ferrelli, who transferred from Clemson to Ole Miss.

Swinney alleged Golding sent Ferrelli a photo of a $1 million contract offer during class and that other Ole Miss personnel contacted Ferrelli after he had already enrolled at Clemson. Ferrelli, the 2025 ACC Defensive Rookie of Year at Cal Bears, had signed a revenue-sharing contract with Clemson before transferring to Ole Miss, where he became a starter after TJ Dottery joined Lane Kiffin at LSU.

Both Ole Miss and Clemson declined comment on the investigation, which remains in early stages. Golding, who replaced Kiffin at Ole Miss, acknowledged "there's two sides to every story" when asked about the allegations. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of transfer portal tampering in college football.