Ole Miss Transfer Portal Spotlight: LB Keaton Thomas
Ole Miss Transfer Portal Spotlight: LB Keaton Thomas
The Ole Miss Rebels added a veteran presence at linebacker during the offseason.Tanner Shapiro|
In this story:
Ole Miss RebelsThe Ole Miss Rebels had a strong linebacker room during their historic 2025 season, led by Suntarine Perkins, who returns for the 2026 campaign and T.J. Dottery, who transferred to LSU following former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge.
Perkins is the leader of the defense, as he recorded 41 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception during the 2025 season. Perkins was a key factor in Ole Miss' victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff, as his strip sack provided the Rebels with crucial momentum during a pivotal moment of the game.
New head coach Pete Golding added linebacker Keaton Thomas from Baylor, a player who adds veteran experience and an extremely hard hitting presence to the Rebels' 2026 roster.
Thomas Brings Much Needed Experience
The Rebels will rely on the experience of Thomas and Perkins in 2026, as they navigate a new nine game SEC schedule. The duo of Thomas and Perkins could potentially be one of the best linebacker duos in the SEC, and maybe even in the country.
Thomas put up impressive numbers in 2025, as he recorded 62 solo tackles, one sack, and one interception. In 2024, Thomas recorded 62 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception, while also scoring a touchdown against TCU on a scoop and score.
Golding and his staff may have found the perfect linebacker to replace the production of T.J. Dottery. The Jacksonville, Fl., native has big shoes to fill, as the Rebels have had many stout linebackers over the past four seasons.
Thomas has strong attributes, including very good speed for a linebacker and impressive hands for the position. Expect Thomas to be a huge contributor to the defense.
Ole Miss Building an Elite Linebacker Room for 2026
Not only did Pete Golding go out and get Keaton Thomas, but he also added transfer linebacker Luke Ferrelli, who will help round out the defense and maintain the style of play Golding wants heading into a new and important 2026 season.
The Rebels will also have a different defensive identity in the secondary, as they added several new faces at defensive back. If the Rebels’ defensive back room lives up to the hype, the linebacking group should be able to thrive in 2026.
Ole Miss was not very good against the run last season, as the Rebels allowed 4.1 yards per carry to opposing rushers during the 2025 season. The Rebels will look to rely on Keaton Thomas to help address that issue.
Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook and X for the latest news.
Published 5 minutes ago
TANNER SHAPIROTanner Shapiro is a senior at the University of Mississippi pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in marketing. He is a staff writer for The Daily Mississippian, covering basketball and contributing sports coverage for the campus community. Outside of journalism, Tanner enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Follow TannerShapiroHome/Football
Use Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS for $15 bonus on Ivory Coast-Norway, Mexico-Ecuador at 2026 World Cup
There are three more Round of 32 matches in the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, and that's three more chances for new users to deploy the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS to get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades. Sign up for the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS, trade $15 and receive your $15 bonus here:
SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green has revealed his picks and analysis for Norway vs. Ivory Coast, France vs. Sweden and Mexico vs. Ecuador, and we've taken his top soccer predictions to compile our best Tuesday Kalshi trades for World Cup 2026. Kalshi prices Norway at $0.65 per share to advance, while the Ivory Coast is trading at $0.36 per share.
For the full terms and conditions and how to claim the referral, read our Kalshi referral code review.
How to claim the Kalshi referral code
New users can use the Kalshi referral code to claim this offer. For those who haven't used Kalshi and want a $15 bonus, follow these steps below. Here's how to sign up.
- Click "CLAIM BONUS" on this page or click here.
- Sign up for a Kalshi account and make a deposit.
- Trade at least $15 in event contracts.
- Receive your $15 bonus regardless of the trade outcomes. The credit expires in 30 days and cannot be withdrawn.
After making the first $15 in trades with the Kalshi referral code, new users will be given a $15 bonus here:
Kalshi prediction markets to target on Tuesday
- Norway vs. Ivory Coast: Norway to win in regulation ($0.47 per share)
- France vs. Sweden: Both teams to score ($0.55 per share)
- Mexico vs. Ecuador: First half tie ($0.50 per share)
Norway vs. Ivory Coast: Norway to win in regulation ($0.47 per share)
"Norway's superior attacking firepower could make the difference in this game. They scored seven goals in their first two group stage games - a 4-1 win against Iraq and a 3-2 victory over Senegal - before resting 10 players for their 4-1 defeat to France this week," Green said. "The likes of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard will now be fresh for this game, and they could lead their team to victory over Ivory Coast. The Ivorians beat Ecuador and Curaçao in the group stage, but they lost to Germany, and they could struggle against another strong European team." Trade Ivory Coast vs. Norway here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS and get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades:
France vs. Sweden: Both teams to score ($0.55 per share)
"The defense has looked a little shaky at times, and France's midfield isn't as strong as Spain's or Portugal's, but the French attack is phenomenal. That gives them a great chance of outscoring any opponent -- especially a Sweden team that leaks goals," Green said. "Meanwhile, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Yasin Ayari, and Anthony Elanga are dangerous in attack for Sweden, and they could cause problems for the French defense." Trade Sweden vs. France here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS and get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades:
Mexico vs. Ecuador: First half tie ($0.50 per share)
"Everything points to a tense, low-scoring game between two evenly matched teams on Tuesday. Mexico's overall squad is probably the deeper of the two, but Ecuador boasts more star power in Chelsea's Caicedo, Paris Saint-Germain's Pacho and Arsenal's Piero Hincapié," Green said. "All three of Ecuador's group games were tied at halftime, and Mexico's last two were also tied at the break, 0-0 against South Korea and 0-0 against Czechia, which makes backing a halftime draw at -105 attractive. The first half could be tight and cagey." Trade Ecuador vs. Mexico here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS and get a $15 bonus after $15 in trades:
Responsible risk management
It's a top priority for Kalshi to look out for its users. Kalshi equips every trader with accessible risk management tools that can be enabled at any given time, including risk management actions like trading break, voluntary opt-out, and a personalized funding cap.
Prediction Markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) - an independent agency of the U.S. federal government.
Event contracts trading involves a risk of substantial loss and is not suitable for all investors. Participation in prediction markets is subject to applicable eligibility requirements. Participation may be restricted or prohibited in certain jurisdictions and participants are responsible for ensuring their participation complies with applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction.
Add CBS Sports on GoogleNBA Fan Compiles Incredible Video of Malik Beasley After Gambling Indictment
NBA Fan Compiles Incredible Video of Malik Beasley After Gambling Indictment
A social media user dug into the games in which the NBA veteran was accused of manipulating stats.Jimmy Traina|
1. Nine-year NBA veteran Malik Beasley was indicted Monday on sports betting charges.
Beasley, who last played in the NBA with the Pistons in 2025, allegedly lost millions of dollars gambling during his career. According to the indictment, Beasley agreed to manipulate his stats in several games during the 2023–24 season when he was on the Bucks so that his co-conspirators could wager on his prop bets.
I think because of Sport Illustrated’s editorial standards, I can’t sit and say Beasley is so obviously guilty until that is actually proven in court.
But in the court of public opinion, it would appear that Beasley’s goose is cooked, especially after the findings of one sleuth on social media. The evidence of Beasley’s, let’s say, shady behavior, is all here. This is just incredible work. The videos speaks for themselves but the hilarious NSFW commentary is a nice bonus.
Watch the Game That Got Malik Beasley Indicted pic.twitter.com/hFHCmsW1vM
— MD (@mike_daddino) June 30, 2026
Watch the First Game Cited in Malik Beasley's Indictment pic.twitter.com/eBETJsHrQB
— MD (@mike_daddino) June 30, 2026
2. Last week, I said I didn’t care about the Dianna Russini story. I stand by that. I have no interest at all in whatever Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel did or didn’t do.
However, I do have interest in this bodycam footage that came out Monday night of Russini getting pulled over for texting while driving in January.
The behavior by Russini and the cop is both disgusting and cringeworthy.
BREAKING NEWS: Former NFL insider Dianna Russini accused of using NFL connection to avoid ticket pic.twitter.com/PtGVicKybM
— The Center Square (@thecentersquare) June 30, 2026
3. NBC and Peacock will air all 15 MLB games being played this Sunday. Here is the schedule and the broadcasters.
NBC Sports Presents All 15 Games Live Nationally – An MLB First – On Special “Star-Spangled Sunday” Across NBC, Peacock, And NBCSN This Sunday, July 5
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) June 30, 2026
MORE: https://t.co/KagQadjWmQ pic.twitter.com/MG0MMWDh3t
NBCU's "Star-Spangled Sunday" broadcast teams: https://t.co/oC9h2zS6Ip pic.twitter.com/WFi2hTCFJK
— Jeff Agrest #🟦 (@JeffAgrest) June 29, 2026
4. Former Nationals outfielder Stone Garrett, who crossed paths with current Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor during their time together in the Marlins organization, took to Instagram on Monday to share a totally surreal story about getting stabbed by Naylor during a prank gone awry.
Josh Naylor #ConfirmedPsycho pic.twitter.com/2gGFkhPIHY
— lucerro (@supastario) June 29, 2026
5. Three days ago, an absolutely tremendous a 64-entry bracket with Mets screw ups made its way around social media.
Trying to figure out where Mr. Met’s shenanigans land on the old Mets Misery Bracket, which mind you came out 6 years ago before a bunch of other all-time Metsy moments happened https://t.co/D3vLmuchft pic.twitter.com/IQRpSlAE0l
— Clem 🏆 (@TheClemReport) June 27, 2026
Since the bracket was published, we’ve had two new gaffes.
This happened Monday night in the Mets-Blue Jays game during Toronto’s first at-bat of the game.
Another day, same Mets. Juan Soto and A.J. Ewing just turned this routine George Springer base hit into a Little League home run. pic.twitter.com/pOO7L0YvHl
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 29, 2026
Later in the same game, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez got hit with a bat by a teammate while they were both in the on-deck circle.
Ronny Mauricio hit Francisco Alvarez with a swing on the on deck circle.
— Master Flip 🇩🇴 (@Masterflip_) June 30, 2026
Thankfully, Alvy is ok 🙏🏽 #LGM pic.twitter.com/RmCokYs3pW
6. The latest SI Media With Jimmy Traina features a conversation with The Athletic’s sports media reporter, Andrew Marchand.
Topics discussed include Pat McAfee’s expected monster deal with ESPN; massive ratings increases for sports across the board; the significance of Fox buying Roku; who CBS should pair with Andrew Catalon on the NFL this season; CBS’s hiring of Russell Wilson and Kyle Long for The NFL Today; the breakup between Dan Le Batard and Stugotz; Linda Cohn retiring from ESPN, the lack of buzz surrounding Caitlin Clark and much more.
Following Marchand, Sal Licata from SNY TV and The Sal Licata Show joins me for our weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week, we discuss coming off the high of the Knicks’ postseason run, the World Cup, my horrible U.S. Open betting loss, Fanatics Fest, Larry David’s new show and the massive stir I caused on social media over a Dunkin’ Donuts post.
You can listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast below or on Apple and Spotify.
You can also watch SI Media With Jimmy Traina on YouTube.
7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: Happy 60th birthday to Mike Tyson.
Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on X and Instagram.
Published 3 minutes ago | Modified 3 minutes ago
JIMMY TRAINAJimmy Traina is a staff writer and podcast host for Sports Illustrated. A 20-year veteran in the industry, he’s been covering the sports media landscape for seven years and writes a daily column, Traina Thoughts. Traina has hosted the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast since 2018, a show known for interviews with some of the most important and powerful people in sports media. He also was the creator and writer of SI’s Hot Clicks feature from 2007 to '13.
Home/Media
