Ole Miss football tampering update, Fresno State coach Matt Entz reaction

Fresno State football coach Matt Entz addressed a report that Ole Miss tampered with one of his players.

Two schools have called out Ole Miss football for tampering. Clemson and coach Dabo Swinney went public with allegations on Jan. 23 around linebacker Luke Ferrelli, who wound up transferring to Ole Miss .

Separately, a report broke Jan. 29 that said Fresno State wide receiver Josiah Freeman had been tampered with. Like Swinney, the report pointed the finger at Ole Miss.

Freeman did not wind up transferring. Fresno State coach Matt Entz spoke on the situation in a press conference on Feb. 5. He confirmed Freeman was the target of tampering, but did not name Ole Miss or coach Pete Golding.

“We’re naïve if we don’t think tampering is out there right now,” said Entz. “Not the first time that I have been involved or had some, you know, potential issues with some tampering.”

Freeman started all 12 games for Fresno State in 2025 as a senior. He had 52 receptions for 642 yards and six touchdowns. He was granted a sixth season of eligibility to return for 2026.

Entz said Freeman's decision to stay at Fresno State speaks positively about him and willingness to follow through on commitment.

“It speaks a lot about him,” Entz said. “He found a place that works for him. He found people that care about him. We always talk about in our program that every player needs three things. They need to belong to a community. They need to know that people care, and they need to know that there’s a process for them to get better."

Sam Hutchens covers  Ole Miss  for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss football tampering news, Fresno State coach Matt Entz reacts