Ole Miss has landed an unexpected addition to its defensive backfield with the transfer of Isreal Solomon from Hawaii. Known for intense practice duels with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter during their time at IMG Academy, Solomon brings both grit and experience to Lane Kiffin’s evolving secondary.
His path to the SEC has been anything but typical. Originally a standout at Santa Margarita Catholic High in California’s Trinity League, Solomon suffered a torn labrum in his first game. Undeterred, he transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, continuing his football journey with determination and resilience.
Isreal Solomon, Ex-Hawaii DB and Travis Hunter’s Old Teammate, Heads to Ole Miss
Ole Miss has added a key piece to its secondary with the transfer of Isreal Solomon, a former Hawaii defensive back who once squared off daily with Heisman winner Travis Hunter at IMG Academy. Known for his relentless work ethic and standout performances in practice, Solomon brings both speed and toughness to Lane Kiffin’s overhauled defensive unit.
Next chapter in the sip @RebelsFBRec @OleMissFB @alexm_brown @CoachB_BROWN @zurich_solomon God is always moving! Let’s work !!! pic.twitter.com/3TT6nBAy89
— Isreal Solomon 🇯🇲 (@IsrealSolomon_) June 1, 2025
Solomon’s football journey has been shaped by perseverance. The Dallas native spent three seasons at Santa Margarita Catholic High in California’s competitive Trinity League before suffering a torn labrum in the first game of the 2021 season.
He transferred to IMG Academy for his senior year, earning defensive captain honors while posting 45 tackles, four picks, five breakups, and 2.5 sacks.
His fierce matchups with Hunter became a focal point of IMG’s practices. Coaches and teammates recall Solomon’s ability to jam the future No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick, offering a rare challenge. He nearly came up with a pick in Colorado’s Black and Gold Spring Game before entering the portal.
Solomon joined Colorado in 2023 as a preferred walk-on under Deion Sanders but didn’t appear in any games. Now in his third program, the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has found a new home in Oxford.
Following camp appearances at USC and TCU, where he ran 40-yard dashes of 4.38 and 4.41 seconds, respectively, interest surged. Solomon prioritized joining an SEC program, and Kiffin’s Rebels capitalized.
“There’s so many new pieces,” Kiffin said of the secondary during spring camp, per Ole Miss Rebels on SI. “Right now, I feel there are a lot of guys in new schemes here… so we do a lot of reps and a lot of different situations to continue to expose guys.”
KEEP READING: Latest 2025 Power Rankings Reveal Where Colorado Stands Without Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter
Solomon joins a loaded transfer class that ranks No. 4 nationally and includes 10 four-star players, per 247Sports. He will have all four years of eligibility remaining.
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