The Montgomery, Alabama product has been a cornerstone of the Rebels’ defense over the past two seasons. After transferring from Clemson—where he redshirted following limited appearances—Dottery sat out the 2023 regular season due to NCAA rules before debuting in the Peach Bowl. He quickly became a standout, totaling 174 tackles (90 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles across 2024 and 2025. In his breakout 2025 campaign, he led Ole Miss with 98 tackles (48 solo), adding 1.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, helping anchor a unit that contributed to the Rebels’ historic 11-1 regular season and first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
Dottery’s journey reflects resilience and production. Originally a top-300 recruit and four-star prospect out of high school, he initially chose Clemson but found a better fit in the SEC at Ole Miss. Under defensive coordinator Pete Golding (who later became head coach), he evolved into a leader, earning preseason accolades like Butkus Award watch list honors and All-SEC recognition. His high motor, tackling efficiency, and ability to play in the box made him one of the most reliable linebackers in recent Ole Miss history.
The timing of Dottery’s portal entry comes after Ole Miss’ memorable playoff run, which included victories over Tulane and Georgia before a semifinal loss to Miami. While the exact reasons remain unclear, reports suggest factors like NIL opportunities could play a role in his decision, as is common in today’s landscape. Some insiders note he might be testing the market and could potentially return, but the move represents a potential major blow to the Rebels’ linebacker depth.
Alabama is expected to be heavily involved in pursuing Dottery, given his in-state roots and proven SEC production. The Crimson Tide have already added talent at linebacker via the portal (such as former Virginia Tech’s Caleb Woodson) amid their own roster adjustments, but Dottery’s familiarity with the conference, tackling prowess, and home-state connection make him an intriguing target for Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. His addition could bolster a unit looking to reload after recent departures.
As the transfer portal window remains open, Dottery’s next destination will draw significant attention. His track record of steady improvement and impact plays positions him as one of the more sought-after linebackers available, potentially reshaping defenses in the SEC and beyond for 2026. Fans from both Ole Miss and Alabama will be watching closely as developments unfold.
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