The Ole Miss Rebels have secured a significant addition to their frontcourt, landing a commitment from Washington State transfer forward ND Okafor. The 6-foot-9 big man brings a proven track record of efficiency and defensive presence to Oxford.

Okafor, who averaged 11.0 points on an impressive 58.3% shooting for the Cougars this past season, chose Ole Miss after a Friday visit. He selected the Rebels over a strong group of suitors that included Notre Dame, Georgetown, Seton Hall, and Virginia Tech.

Entering his fifth collegiate season in 2026, Okafor's journey has been one of resilience. He began his career at Cal before transferring to Washington State, where a season-ending leg injury during his sophomore year led to a medical redshirt. This makes him a redshirt senior for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign, offering Coach Chris Beard an experienced and physically mature player.

His impact goes beyond scoring. Okafor is a force on the interior, finishing second in the West Coast Conference in block percentage (6.6%) and seventh in offensive rebounding percentage (10.3%) this past season. He averaged 5.7 total rebounds per game, with 1.9 of those coming on the offensive glass, showcasing the kind of relentless energy that fuels second-chance points.

After coming off the bench in his first season at Washington State, Okafor started all 32 games this year, proving his durability and importance. For a Rebels team looking to bolster its defense and rebounding, Okafor's skill set is a perfect fit. His commitment marks a key offseason win for Ole Miss as they build a roster capable of competing in the rugged SEC.