COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 12: Deontay Anderson #2 of the Mississippi Rebels intercepts a pass from Jake Hubenak #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the fourth quarter at Kyle Field on November 12, 2016 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Former No. 1 safety Deontay Anderson reportedly granted release to transfer

Huge news for his new team.

Former Ole Miss safety Deontay Anderson's decision to transfer to Houston has reportedly been approved by the NCAA, according to Sports Illustrated's Bruce Feldman.

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Anderson, a Houston native, announced his plans to join the Cougars in December, but needed to be granted a waiver from the NCAA.

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Houston head coach Major Applewhite commented on the addition of Anderson while speaking with reporters on Thursday.

"The main thing that excites me, other than him being a very good football player, is he expects to win," Applewhite said. "I think it says a lot about Deontay and a lot about our program. I think it's a good program that people want to come back to. But it also says a lot about Deontay in terms of him wanting to come to a program he knows he can win in."

The safety claimed he was misled by his former program about its investigation status, as well as the termination of former head coach Hugh Freeze.

The former four-star prospect, who famously announced his commitment while skydiving, hoped to be eligible at another FBS program next season based on his plea with the NCAA, rather than sit out a full season, which is likely given his situation with the Rebels.

Anderson redshirted during the entire 2017 season, which helped his case through the waiver process. He ranked as the top safety recruit, according to ESPN, as well as the No. 52 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite for the 2017 national recruiting cycle.

Ole Miss imposed a voluntary postseason ban in 2017 in order to possibly receive a much less serious punishment from the NCAA as it continues to place sanctions on the football program.

Freeze resigned just before the 2017 season. Phone records that were obtained during a defamation lawsuit by former Rebels coach Houston Nutt revealed that Freeze contacted a female escort service, which coincided with the NCAA's ongoing investigation of the program, leading to his termination.