DONE DEAL: According to ESPN and multiple reports Ole Miss just signs Wisconsin wide receiver Will Pauling to a lucrative contract deal…

DONE DEAL: According to ESPN and Multiple Reports, Ole Miss Just Signs Wisconsin Wide Receiver Will Pauling to a Lucrative Contract Deal

In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Ole Miss has officially landed Wisconsin wide receiver Will Pauling in what insiders are describing as a “lucrative contract deal.” According to ESPN and multiple credible sources, Pauling’s transfer marks one of the most high-profile moves of the offseason, strengthening an already dangerous Ole Miss offense under head coach Lane Kiffin. The acquisition is not only a statement of intent by the Rebels but also highlights the evolving landscape of college football, where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are changing the rules of recruitment and player movement.

Will Pauling, who stood out as Wisconsin’s leading receiver last season, entered the transfer portal earlier this summer amid speculation about his next destination. The junior wideout compiled 74 receptions for 813 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024, establishing himself as one of the most reliable targets in the Big Ten. His speed, route-running, and ability to make plays after the catch made him a prime target for several top-tier programs, including USC, Alabama, and Texas. But it was Ole Miss that made the strongest pitch—both in terms of football opportunity and financial backing through NIL collectives.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Pauling’s NIL package with Ole Miss includes endorsements with regional businesses, performance-based incentives, and a high-profile media deal that will feature him in a series of promotional campaigns for a Mississippi-based sports brand. While exact figures have not been disclosed, insiders estimate the deal to be worth well into the mid six-figures annually. This type of agreement is becoming more common as top players leverage their brand value while still in school, creating a quasi-professional environment in college football.

Pauling’s decision to join the Rebels also reflects a strategic football move. Under Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss has become known for its explosive offensive system that heavily favors wide receivers. With quarterback Jaxson Dart returning for another season, the Rebels have the kind of firepower that can allow a receiver like Pauling to flourish. Analysts believe that Pauling could immediately slot in as WR1, filling the void left by Tre Harris, who declared for the NFL Draft earlier this year.

Fans and analysts alike are excited about what Pauling brings to the table. “This is a game-changer,” said SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic. “Ole Miss didn’t just get a playmaker—they got one of the most polished route runners in college football. He’s going to wreak havoc on SEC defenses.” Ole Miss supporters have taken to social media to welcome Pauling, with hashtags like #PaulingToTheSip and #HottyToddy trending across X and Instagram just minutes after the deal was reported.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin fans are expressing disappointment at losing such a vital piece of their offensive puzzle. Head coach Luke Fickell acknowledged Pauling’s departure in a press conference, stating, “Will is an exceptional talent and an even better person. We wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter.” The Badgers will now look to other young receivers to step up as they regroup for the 2025 season.

This signing could very well be the tipping point for Ole Miss’s SEC title ambitions. With Pauling added to an already stacked offensive roster and a defense showing steady improvement, the Rebels are making it clear that they are no longer just dark-horse contenders—they’re in it to win it. As the NIL era continues to reshape the fabric of college sports, Will Pauling’s blockbuster move to Oxford could serve as a case study in how the top programs are leveraging both talent and resources to build championship-caliber teams.