Chris Beard Bolsters Ole Miss Roster with LSU Transfer Corey Chest in Strategic Portal Win

Chris Beard continues to reshape the Ole Miss men’s basketball program into a competitive force in the SEC, and his latest move speaks volumes about his recruiting prowess. Beard and his staff landed a key acquisition in LSU transfer Corey Chest, a talented forward with significant upside, who announced his decision to join the Rebels via the transfer portal. The commitment, which was officially reported earlier this week, signals another major win for Beard in his effort to build a deep, versatile, and athletic roster that can compete immediately.

Corey Chest, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward from New Orleans, brings to Oxford a strong defensive presence, impressive rebounding instincts, and the kind of physicality that fits perfectly into Beard’s system. Chest, who completed his freshman season at LSU, played in 26 games for the Tigers during the 2023-24 campaign and started 19 of them. While his counting stats may not jump off the page — averaging 6.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game — Chest showed flashes of brilliance and an ability to impact games beyond the box score.

Beard’s decision to target Chest makes strategic sense. Ole Miss has lacked consistent interior presence and rim protection in recent years, something Chest provides in spades. He’s not only a long and athletic big, but also a high-motor player who crashes the boards relentlessly and contests shots with authority. Those characteristics make him a valuable asset for a team that is trying to impose a tougher, more physical identity on both ends of the floor.

Chest’s road to the SEC began in his hometown, where he played three years of high school basketball in Louisiana before transferring to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, for his senior season. Link Academy, known for its powerhouse national program, gave Chest the platform to showcase his talents on a broader stage. That experience prepared him well for the jump to college basketball, and although his freshman season at LSU wasn’t filled with accolades, it offered glimpses of what he could become with the right development.

During his time at LSU, Chest stood out as one of the team’s best rebounders. Tigers head coach Matt McMahon praised his instincts and effort on the glass, noting, “He just has a natural feel for how to go chase rebounds and pursue the ball, and he continues to do it at a high level. One of the better instinctual rebounders I’ve been around in my time.” For a freshman to earn that kind of praise speaks volumes about Chest’s upside and work ethic.

From a recruiting standpoint, Chest was no slouch either. A four-star prospect coming out of high school, he was ranked the No. 103 overall player and No. 17 power forward in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He had offers from programs like Florida State, Houston, Kansas State, and Mississippi State, but ultimately chose LSU. Now, with a year of SEC experience under his belt, Chest is poised to make a much bigger impact in his sophomore season — this time in a different shade of SEC colors.

What makes this addition even more significant is that Beard and his staff are not simply adding depth — they’re adding a player who could start and contribute right away. With Ole Miss expected to lose a few veterans to graduation or the draft, a player like Chest provides continuity and a foundation for the team’s frontcourt. Beard’s system places heavy emphasis on tough defense, rebounding, and smart offensive movement, all areas in which Chest excels or has the potential to grow.

The move also reflects Beard’s broader strategy in the transfer portal. Rather than chasing only marquee names, he’s focused on bringing in players who fit his culture — blue-collar athletes who aren’t afraid to do the dirty work. Chest, with his nose for the ball and unselfish approach, fits that mold perfectly. He’s the kind of player who won’t necessarily demand the spotlight but will quietly rack up double-doubles and make life difficult for opposing big men.

This transfer is also emblematic of the evolving landscape in college basketball, where the portal has become the most powerful recruiting tool available. Beard has shown he can navigate that world expertly. Last season, he added several key contributors through the portal and nearly pushed Ole Miss into NCAA Tournament contention. Now, with another offseason to reshape the roster, Beard is clearly positioning the Rebels for a breakthrough year.

For Chest, the move to Ole Miss is a chance to reboot his career in an environment that suits his style. He’ll join a program with rising momentum and a fanbase hungry for success. Beard’s track record of developing players, especially big men, should only accelerate Chest’s growth. It’s also worth noting that Chest will likely have multiple years of eligibility remaining, which gives the Rebels some long-term flexibility in building around him.

This acquisition could also help Beard in recruiting moving forward. Players take note when a program invests in developing young talent and giving them meaningful roles. If Chest flourishes in Oxford, it becomes yet another example of Beard’s ability to identify and maximize overlooked or underutilized players. That reputation is gold in the transfer portal era, where players want to go where they’ll play, grow, and win.

There’s also the matter of chemistry. With Beard bringing in new pieces each offseason, it’s important that each player fits both on the court and in the locker room. By all accounts, Chest is a high-character individual who’s willing to buy into the team concept. That matters, especially when building a program from the ground up, as Beard is doing at Ole Miss. The Rebels are no longer an SEC afterthought; they’re a team with a plan, and Chest is now part of that blueprint.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, Chest will likely be counted on to anchor the interior defense and be a key rebounder. If he can develop more offensive consistency — especially from midrange and the post — he could become one of the more productive two-way forwards in the SEC. The opportunity is there, and with Beard’s guidance, it’s not hard to imagine Chest taking a major leap forward.

While Ole Miss fans may still be digesting the highs and lows of the previous season, they have every reason to be optimistic about what’s to come. The addition of Corey Chest is more than just another name in the portal — it’s a sign of a program on the rise, led by a coach who knows how to build a winner. The journey continues, and Chest will be right in the middle of it, ready to show why his best basketball is still ahead of him.