OXFORD -- It was Jan. 9, the day after Ole Miss' Vrbo Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami in Glendale, Ariz.
Ole Miss' quest to win a national championship had ended in the final minutes of the semifinal round, but De'Zhaun Stribling had no time to mourn.
Disappointment would have to wait. So would thinking about what could've been. It was time to train.
"It was a quick turnaround since we played very deep, into January," Stribling said.
Rebels wide receiver De'zhaun Stribling (1) makes a catch against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Keionte Scott (0) in the second half during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images (Photo: USA TODAY Sports)
So on Jan. 9, Stribling was in California, working on adding some muscle and getting his body in tip-top shape for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February.
Stribling traveled to Los Gatos, Calif., a 13-mile drive from San Jose. Stribling said it was a "nice time," adding it's a "nice area" with "beautiful sun."
Apparently, the California sun agreed with Stribling, for a month later, he wowed NFL scouts with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis.
"I guess it just kind of opened everyone's eyes to my speed," Stribling said. "Personally, I always knew I was that fast, so it was just about going out there, running a great time and showing everybody. I was glad I was able to showcase my speed on a high level."
NFL interest in Stribling "kind of elevated for sure after the combine," Stribling said Wednesday after participating in Ole Miss' Pro Day in the Manning Center. Stribling said his workout in Oxford Wednesday, which mostly consisted of him running routes and catching passes from Ole Miss quarterback Walker Howard, was "great."
"My routes showed my speed and my in and outs," Stribling said. "My cuts have become very fast and very fluid. Overall, it was a great day."
NFL teams love Stribling's versatility, his ability to play inside and out, his strong hands and his physicality in the running game. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound, Kapolei, Hawaii, native caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns for Ole Miss in 2025 after catching 52 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns for Oklahoma State in 2024.
De'Zhaun Stribling runs a 4.39 at the NFL Combine 👀
pic.twitter.com/JyK0UgF99A
— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) February 28, 2026
Stribling said he's been talking to "almost everybody" as next month's NFL Draft approaches. "It's been a great journey and a great experience for sure."
The time at Ole Miss, Stribling said, only increased his stock at the next level.
"Playing in the SEC, playing in this offense really showcased all my abilities as a receiver," Stribling said. "Even towards the end of the year, being more of the go-to guy and being in different spots in the offense and having a great run in the playoffs really helped a lot.
"Me transferring around a lot in college and learning different offenses, for sure, I feel like, is going to prepare me better for the NFL, just because of my ability to learn quicker and retain information."