Jonathan Mingo

Jonathan Ondreal Mingo Bio

Jonathan Ondreal Mingo is an American professional football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Mingo has established himself as a developing presence in the NFL receiving corps following his collegiate career in the Southeastern Conference.

Early Life and Background

Jonathan Ondreal Mingo was born on April 20, 2001, in Brandon, Mississippi. He grew up in his hometown and attended Brandon High School, where he developed his skills as a football player. His athletic abilities attracted attention from college programs across the southeastern United States during his high school years.

Mingo was rated as a four-star recruit coming out of Brandon High School. His performance on the field earned him offers from several major college football programs before he made his decision on where to continue his athletic and academic career.

Path to Professional Football

Mingo committed to play college football at the University of Mississippi, choosing the Rebels over offers from powerhouse programs including Georgia, Auburn, and Mississippi State. His decision to stay in his home state and develop his skills closer to home marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.

At Ole Miss, Mingo quickly demonstrated his potential as a playmaker for the Rebels offense. His progression through the college ranks prepared him for the challenges of competing at the highest level of American football, ultimately leading to his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Jonathan Ondreal Mingo Career

Ole Miss Rebels (2019–2022)

Mingo began his college career with immediate impact, starting all 12 games as a freshman for Ole Miss. He finished his debut season with 12 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown, showing promise as a reliable target in the Rebels passing attack.

His sophomore campaign saw increased production, with Mingo catching 27 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns. He continued to develop his route-running ability and chemistry with Ole Miss quarterbacks during this period of growth.

The junior season presented challenges as Mingo missed seven games due to a foot injury. Despite the setback, he managed 22 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns when healthy, demonstrating resilience in overcoming adversity.

Breakthrough 2022 Season

Mingo’s senior season in 2022 became the defining chapter of his collegiate career. He started all 13 games and tied for the team lead with five receiving touchdowns while accumulating 51 receptions for 861 yards, averaging 16.9 yards per catch. His performance earned him Second-team All-SEC recognition, validating his status as one of the conference top receivers.

The highlight of his college career came in a game against Vanderbilt when Mingo set an Ole Miss single-game record with 247 receiving yards. This extraordinary performance showcased his ability to make game-changing plays and established him as a dominant force in college football. His combination of size, speed, and catching ability made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking receiver talent.

Carolina Panthers (2023–2024)

The Carolina Panthers selected Mingo in the second round with the 39th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His draft position reflected the league’s belief in his potential to contribute at the professional level. Upon joining the Panthers, Mingo immediately entered competition for a starting role in the team’s receiving corps.

Mingo entered his rookie season as a starting wide receiver alongside veteran Adam Thielen. He appeared in 15 games with 14 starts, finishing his inaugural NFL campaign with 43 receptions for 418 yards. The transition from the SEC to the NFL presented its typical challenges, but Mingo demonstrated the ability to get open and make catches at the professional level.

Dallas Cowboys (2024–Present)

On November 5, 2024, Mingo’s career trajectory shifted when the Panthers traded him to the Dallas Cowboys. The trade sent Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to Dallas in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. This move represented a fresh start for the young receiver as he joined a Cowboys offense looking to strengthen its receiving options.

Mingo finished the 2024 season with the Cowboys, catching 17 passes for 167 yards in limited action. Heading into the 2025 season, he aimed to establish a more significant role within the Cowboys offensive scheme and build chemistry with his new quarterback.

The 2025 season began with challenges as Mingo was placed on injured reserve on August 18 due to a PCL sprain in his right knee. This injury forced him to miss the early portion of the season, requiring patience during the rehabilitation process. He was activated from injured reserve on October 21, 2025, ahead of the team’s Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos, returning to action after his recovery.

Playing Style and Strengths

Mingo possesses the size and frame that allows him to win contested catch situations and excel in jump-ball scenarios. His 6-foot-2 frame gives him a significant advantage in red-zone situations where his large catch radius makes him a difficult target to defend. His ability to high-point the football and make plays in tight coverage distinguishes him among NFL receivers.

His collegiate record-setting performance against Vanderbilt demonstrated his big-play ability and capacity to take over games when called upon. Mingo shows comfort working across the middle of the field and after the catch, displaying the physicality needed to absorb contact while maintaining possession.

Notable Milestones

Throughout his football journey, Mingo has achieved several notable milestones. His Ole Miss single-game receiving record of 247 yards against Vanderbilt stands as a testament to his explosive potential. His Second-team All-SEC selection in 2022 recognized his status among the conference elite at his position. Being selected 39th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft represented the culmination of his development from a Brandon, Mississippi high school prospect to a professional athlete.

Jonathan Ondreal Mingo Career Statistics

Across his NFL career through the 2025 season, Mingo has appeared in multiple games while competing for receptions within two different offensive systems. His professional career statistics reflect his development as he continues working toward a more prominent role in the league.

College Highlights

Mingo concluded his Ole Miss career with over 1,700 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns across four seasons. His most productive statistical year came in 2022 when he earned All-SEC recognition. The record-setting 247-yard performance against Vanderbilt showcased his ability to dominate individual matchups when positioned as the primary target.

NFL Career Statistics

Through the 2025 season, Mingo has recorded 61 career receptions for 610 receiving yards in regular-season play. His rookie year with the Panthers represented his most extensive action to date, with 43 receptions in his first season. His transition to the Cowboys and subsequent injury in 2025 have limited his opportunities to build on these numbers.

Family

Personal Life

Mingo hails from Brandon, Mississippi, where he attended Brandon High School before embarking on his college football career at Ole Miss. His journey from his hometown to becoming a second-round NFL Draft selection represents a significant achievement for the young receiver. Details regarding his family, relationships, or personal interests beyond football have not been widely publicized as of this reporting.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season began with a setback for Mingo when he suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee during the preseason. The injury required him to start the season on injured reserve, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as his teammates competed without him. This adversity tested his patience and commitment to the recovery process.

After several weeks of rehabilitation, Mingo was activated from injured reserve on October 21, 2025, rejoining the Cowboys roster for their Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos. His return represented a positive development for a receiver group seeking additional depth and playmaking ability. The Cowboys coaching staff integrated him back into the lineup following his recovery, providing him with an opportunity to contribute during the latter portion of the season.

Looking ahead, Mingo aims to establish himself as a consistent contributor within the Cowboys offense. His combination of size and collegiate production suggests potential for growth if he can remain healthy and earn the trust of the coaching staff. The 2025 season represents an important chapter in his development as he works toward fulfilling the promise that led the Panthers to select him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.