A New Journey in the SEC: Corey Chest Makes the Switch
In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, the transfer portal has become a stage where careers are reborn, narratives are reshaped, and rivalries are intensified. One such story gaining traction this offseason is that of Corey Chest, the talented 6-foot-8 forward who recently announced his transfer from LSU to Ole Miss. The move not only shifts the landscape in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but also brings fresh intrigue to an already storied basketball rivalry between two neighboring programs.
Chest’s decision comes after a freshman season at LSU that showed flashes of promise amid limited opportunities. With raw athleticism, a long frame, and a reputation as a high-motor defender, Chest now seeks a bigger role and brighter spotlight in Oxford under head coach Chris Beard—a coach known for unlocking untapped potential in versatile forwards.
But why Ole Miss? Why now? And what does this move mean for both programs?
Let’s dive deep into Corey Chest’s journey, the context behind his transfer, and what fans can expect from his SEC encore.
Hailing from New Orleans: A High School Phenom
Corey Chest’s basketball journey began in the basketball-rich soil of New Orleans, Louisiana. A four-star recruit out of George Washington Carver High School, Chest was known throughout the state as a versatile two-way forward who could guard multiple positions, rebound aggressively, and score in transition.
Chest led Carver to deep playoff runs and earned All-State honors in the process. He became one of Louisiana’s top-rated prospects in the Class of 2023, fielding offers from a range of Power Five schools. LSU, with its proximity to home and potential for early playing time, won the recruiting battle.
When Chest committed to the Tigers, there was optimism that he would become a cornerstone of a rebuilding program under head coach Matt McMahon. Yet, as the 2023–24 season unfolded, that potential was largely put on pause.
Freshman Frustrations: A Year of Learning at LSU
Corey Chest entered LSU with high expectations, but like many freshmen adjusting to the speed and physicality of SEC basketball, his transition wasn’t seamless. Logging just under 10 minutes per game, Chest averaged 2.4 points and 1.9 rebounds across limited appearances. His offensive game was raw, his perimeter shot still a work in progress, and his confidence seemingly shaken as the season wore on.
Still, there were moments.
In a midseason non-conference game against North Texas, Chest exploded for 12 points and 7 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play—flashing the rebounding instincts and open-court energy that had made him such a coveted recruit. In practices, coaches noted his tenacity and willingness to defend. But in a crowded frontcourt rotation that featured veteran forwards and transfer bigs, consistent playing time eluded him.
With LSU stumbling through another disappointing campaign and finishing near the bottom of the SEC, Chest quietly entered the transfer portal in March 2025. His next move would become one of the most talked-about shifts in the conference.
The Ole Miss Opportunity: A Perfect Fit for Chris Beard
When the news broke that Corey Chest would be transferring to Ole Miss, it sparked both surprise and admiration. Few had pegged Oxford as his next stop, but those who understand Chris Beard’s system saw the logic.
Beard, known for his defensive-oriented coaching style and emphasis on physicality, has long thrived with players like Chest. Think of past Beard-coached teams at Texas Tech—where long, rangy defenders flourished in high-pressure, switching defenses. Chest brings the tools that Beard covets: length, energy, and positional versatility.
In fact, it was Beard himself who reached out to Chest directly after the portal opened. According to sources close to the recruitment, Beard pitched a clear vision: come to Ole Miss, develop your offensive game, and be a centerpiece in one of the most dynamic defensive units in the SEC.
Chest was sold.
“It just felt right,” Chest said in a recent interview with The Oxford Eagle. “Coach Beard told me he sees me as a game-changer on defense and someone who can grow into a leader on this team. That belief means everything.”
The Rebels, fresh off a season that saw them narrowly miss the NCAA Tournament, have been aggressive in the portal. Chest is the latest addition in what’s shaping up to be a transformative offseason for the program.
Scouting Report: What Corey Chest Brings to Ole Miss
At 6’8” and 210 pounds, Corey Chest fits the modern mold of a hybrid forward. He’s not a traditional big, nor is he a wing in the classic sense. Instead, he’s something in between—a player capable of defending the 3 through the 5, capable of switching onto guards, and a transition threat in the open floor.
Strengths:
- Defensive Versatility: Perhaps his greatest asset. Chest uses his wingspan and lateral quickness to contest shots, jump passing lanes, and disrupt pick-and-rolls.
- Rebounding: A tenacious rebounder on both ends. Chest has a knack for tracking missed shots and initiating fast breaks.
- Energy & Hustle: Brings effort plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet—diving for loose balls, setting hard screens, and communicating on defense.
Areas for Growth:
- Perimeter Shooting: Chest shot just 21% from three in his freshman year. Ole Miss will need to work on his mechanics and confidence from beyond the arc.
- Offensive Creation: He’s not yet a shot creator. Most of his points come from hustle plays or dump-offs. Developing a midrange or face-up game would elevate his impact.
- Free Throw Shooting: He shot below 60% from the stripe—an area of concern if he’s going to draw fouls with increased minutes.
In short, Corey Chest is a project—but one with considerable upside. With the right development, he could become a premier defender in the conference and a valuable glue guy for a rising Rebels squad.
Ole Miss’ 2025–26 Outlook: Chest’s Role in a Reimagined Rotation
With Chest in the fold, Ole Miss’s frontcourt suddenly has a new look. Returning center Moussa Cisse anchors the paint, but Chest offers a mobile counterpart who can defend the perimeter. Beard has hinted at experimenting with small-ball lineups that feature Chest at the 4 or even the 5 against certain matchups.
Alongside returning guards Matthew Murrell and TJ Caldwell, and fellow transfers including a yet-to-be-named scoring wing, the Rebels could field one of the most balanced lineups in the conference. Chest’s job? Do the dirty work. Set the tone defensively. Bring grit and energy.
There’s also a leadership void left by departing seniors. Though just a sophomore, Chest has already been pegged by assistant coaches as someone who can lead by example. His work ethic and humility have stood out in early team meetings.
“He’s hungry,” said Ole Miss assistant Wes Flanigan. “You can tell he wants to prove something—to LSU, to the SEC, and to himself.”
Ripple Effects: What This Means for LSU
For LSU, Chest’s departure stings—not because of his freshman numbers, but because of what he could have become. Losing a local recruit with Chest’s upside is always a tough pill to swallow, especially for a program trying to re-establish an identity under McMahon.
It also raises questions about LSU’s developmental pipeline. Are young players getting the time and resources they need? Or are portal veterans crowding them out?
The Tigers will have to address those questions head-on as they pursue replacements and seek to retain other underclassmen tempted by the portal.
Meanwhile, fans in Baton Rouge will surely keep an eye on Chest’s progress in Oxford. And when Ole Miss travels to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center next season, the reunion will come with no shortage of emotions.
SEC Transfer Era: A New Kind of Rivalry
Corey Chest’s move from LSU to Ole Miss is more than a simple transfer. It’s a sign of the times in college basketball. In the portal era, traditional loyalty has given way to personal fit, development potential, and coaching relationships. Players are increasingly empowered to find the right environment, even if that means suiting up for a former rival.
In Chest’s case, he’s not running from adversity—he’s seeking opportunity. And Ole Miss, with its structured defense, evolving offense, and high-energy identity under Chris Beard, may be just the right fit.
Whether Chest becomes a breakout star or a role player remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: he’s not done yet. And the SEC just got a little more interesting because of it.