Rommel Mageo has elected to transfer to Ole Miss. Since he will have his degree finished, he will be eligible to play for the Rebels in the SEC immediately.

Mageo was Oregon State's leading tackler this past season, leading the team in solo tackles, with 47, assists, with 40, and total tackles, with 87. He also was the only Beaver with multiple pass interceptions, and had 2 tackles for loss, both sacks.

Mageo, who red-shirted as a freshman, before playing in all but 1 game in 2014 over the last 3 years, was the Beavers' most experienced linebacker.

It's a significant setback for Gary Andersen's defense, which was already short-handed at linebacker in the midst of switching full time to a 3-4 base alignment, and will make life more interesting for new defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Kevin Clune.

Mageo is the 6th player with eligibility remaining to transfer away from Oregon State since the end of last season.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com