MICAH HANDLOGTEN COMMITS TO OLE MISS FROM FLORIDA TRANSFER PORTAL

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal

Former Florida Gators center Micah Handlogten has found his next college destination.

Handlogten has committed to Ole Miss, according to On3’s Joe Tipton, giving Rebels coach Chris Beard another experienced frontcourt player ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The move comes only a few months before the new college basketball season begins.

Handlogten entered the transfer portal in April while pursuing another year of college eligibility. He also signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz during the summer.

For now, though, he has chosen to remain in college basketball.

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal after 2025-26 season

Handlogten appeared in 34 games for Florida last season.

He made two starts while averaging 4.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game.

His production came after a difficult road back from a serious injury suffered during the 2024 SEC Tournament.

The injury initially forced Handlogten to plan for a redshirt season in 2024-25.

That plan changed when he returned to the court in February 2025.

Handlogten ultimately helped Florida complete its historic run to the program’s first national championship since 2007.

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal following injury comeback

Handlogten’s return gave Florida valuable depth in the frontcourt.

Although his role remained limited, his experience became important as the Gators navigated a championship season.

He continued that role during the 2025-26 campaign, appearing in 34 games.

Now, he will take that experience to another SEC program.

Ole Miss represents a familiar opponent for Handlogten, too.

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal after facing Rebels

Handlogten already played against Ole Miss during his final season at Florida.

The matchup came Feb. 21 in Oxford.

Handlogten played 16 minutes off the bench and finished with two points and three rebounds.

He also created three turnovers for the Gators.

That game gave Ole Miss an up-close look at the former Florida center before his eventual decision to join the Rebels.

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal as Chris Beard reshapes roster

Handlogten becomes the eighth transfer portal commitment for Ole Miss this offseason.

More importantly, he gives Beard another experienced option in the frontcourt.

Handlogten is also the first player among Ole Miss’ eight transfer additions who previously played in the SEC.

The Rebels have placed a clear emphasis on size and frontcourt depth.

Seven of their eight transfer commitments are classified as forwards or centers.

Handlogten fits directly into that roster-building strategy.

His SEC experience could also help him transition quickly into Beard’s system.

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal as Rebels prepare for 2026-27

Ole Miss is still putting the finishing touches on its roster and schedule.

The Rebels have not yet released their complete nonconference schedule.

They are scheduled to participate in the Maui Invitational in Hawaii.

Ole Miss will also participate in the SEC/ACC Challenge, traveling to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech.

With Handlogten now joining the roster, Beard has another experienced piece to work with before the season begins.

What does Micah Handlogten’s Ole Miss commitment mean for Florida?

Florida loses an experienced former center who understands the demands of SEC basketball.

Handlogten was not a primary offensive option for the Gators last season, but his rebounding and frontcourt experience gave Florida another rotational piece.

His departure also highlights the continued movement surrounding college basketball rosters.

The transfer portal has made roster construction an ongoing process, with players able to pursue new opportunities even after contributing to successful programs.

For Handlogten, the next opportunity comes at Ole Miss.

Micah Handlogten Ole Miss commitment: Key facts

• New school: Ole Miss
• Previous school: Florida
• Position: Center
• 2025-26 games: 34
• 2025-26 starts: 2
• Points per game: 4.1
• Rebounds per game: 5.9
• Minutes per game: 14.8
• Transfer portal entry: April
• Eligibility goal: Fifth college season
• Previous professional connection: Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz

FAQs about Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal

Why did Micah Handlogten enter the transfer portal?

Handlogten entered the portal while pursuing another season of college eligibility.

Where will Micah Handlogten play in 2026-27?

Handlogten has committed to Ole Miss and will join Chris Beard’s Rebels.

How did Micah Handlogten perform at Florida?

He appeared in 34 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 4.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game.

Is Micah Handlogten pursuing a fifth college season?

Yes. His transfer decision is tied to his pursuit of another season of college eligibility.

Why does Micah Handlogten fit Ole Miss?

His SEC experience, rebounding ability and frontcourt size fit Ole Miss’ emphasis on adding forwards and centers through the transfer portal.

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss from Florida transfer portal, giving Chris Beard another experienced frontcourt piece heading into the 2026-27 season.