Oxford, Mississippi – May 9, 2025 – Former Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Maealiuaki Smith has officially committed to the Ole Miss Rebels, adding a promising young talent to their quarterback room. The move, announced earlier today, comes just weeks after Smith entered the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity after his freshman season in Stillwater. This acquisition provides Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin with another intriguing option as the Rebels look to build on their recent successes.
Smith, a highly touted recruit coming out of Junipero Serra High School in California, saw action in four games for the Cowboys during the 2024 season, including two starts in the latter part of the year. Despite maintaining his redshirt status, the 6-foot-4, 185-pound quarterback displayed flashes of his potential, completing 44 of 74 passes for 489 yards, with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown to his freshman campaign.
His most notable performance came against Texas Tech in late November, where he threw for an impressive 316 yards and two touchdowns, keeping the Cowboys competitive in a high-scoring affair. This performance earned him Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, highlighting the raw talent and potential that Smith possesses. However, he struggled in his second start against Colorado, completing just 11 of 29 passes for 70 yards and throwing two interceptions in a lopsided loss.
Smith’s decision to enter the transfer portal came after a spring practice period where he was competing for the starting job alongside other quarterbacks on the Oklahoma State roster. With the addition of a transfer quarterback from Tulsa, Banks Bowen, the quarterback room in Stillwater became increasingly crowded, likely contributing to Smith’s decision to seek a new environment where he could potentially find a clearer path to playing time.
For Ole Miss, the addition of Maealiuaki Smith provides valuable depth and potential to their quarterback position. Following the departure of former Louisville transfer Pierce Clarkson, the Rebels were looking to bolster their options behind expected starting quarterback Austin Simmons. Smith joins FCS transfer Trinidad Chambliss in the Ole Miss quarterback room, giving Kiffin and his coaching staff a pair of young, talented players to develop.
While Simmons is expected to lead the offense in the upcoming 2025 season, having capable backups is crucial in the demanding landscape of the Southeastern Conference. Smith’s experience starting games as a true freshman in the Big 12, coupled with his strong arm and potential for growth, makes him an intriguing addition to the Rebels’ roster. He will likely compete with Chambliss and potentially injured quarterback AJ Maddox for the primary backup role.
The transfer of Smith also marks the second former Oklahoma State player to join the Ole Miss program this offseason, with wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling also making the move to Oxford. This connection could potentially aid Smith in his transition to a new team and conference.
As a recruit in the 2024 class, Smith was a consensus three-star prospect and ranked among the top quarterbacks in his class. His athleticism and arm talent drew interest from several Power Five programs before he ultimately chose Oklahoma State. Now, he will have the opportunity to showcase those skills in the SEC under the guidance of Lane Kiffin, who has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks and orchestrating high-powered offenses.
The Ole Miss Rebels have been active in the transfer portal under Kiffin, and the addition of Smith further demonstrates their commitment to building a deep and talented roster. With a strong nucleus of returning players and several key additions through the portal, the Rebels are aiming to compete at a high level in the SEC in the upcoming season.
The arrival of Maealiuaki Smith in Oxford brings an element of intrigue and potential to the Ole Miss quarterback room. His experience as a true freshman starter in a Power Five conference provides a valuable foundation, and under Kiffin’s tutelage, he could develop into a significant contributor for the Rebels in the years to come. As he integrates into the Ole Miss program, the college football world will be watching to see how this promising young quarterback fares in his new SEC home.
