Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris (Photo credit: Ole Miss football/Instagram)

The return of Ole Miss football is just 44 days away.

 

Now-sixth-year head coach Lane Kiffin and select players took their turn at SEC Media Days on Monday. Later in the week the rest of the Rebels got their own turns in the spotlight with Ole Miss Production Day.

 

The Rebels last season won 10 games for the third time in four years. They’re replacing over 70 percent of their starting 22, but expectations remain high entering the 2025-26 campaign.

 

Vegas set the over/under for Ole Miss’ win total at 8.5. Rebel Grove interviewed four separate SEC analysts in Atlanta. All took the over.

 

“The vibe’s been awesome,” junior linebacker TJ Dottery told Rebel Grove. “The guys are very hungry. Everybody’s hungry. Everybody has something to prove, and everybody’s ready to play.”

 

A lot of the optimism for the Rebels is a result of an impressive off-season for first-year starting quarterback Austin Simmons.

Simmons, Dottery and wide receiver Cayden Lee all went to Media Days. Simmons is taking over for three-year record-setter Jaxson Dart, a first-round NFL Draft selection of the New York Giants. Dart threw for 4,729 yards, 29 touchdowns and an SEC-leading 329.2 yards last season. The SEC named him all-conference.

 

Simmons received playing time for the first time in his career and completed 19 of 32 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.

 

“I might pick over 13 right now after you meet Austin Simmons,” ESPN/SEC Network studio anchor Peter Burns said. “I mean, my God, this kid, 19-years-old, if I had that type of maturity? Hell, I’m 46 now.

The sky’s the limit. I think the most important thing, despite how much they lost, especially defensively, right now you’re looking at a team that the floor feels like it’s so much higher than it’s ever been because Lane’s there. Lane’s so much more comfortable. You see him on set with us and having some fun.

 

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“I think, defensively, they take a step back. I don’t think they take a step back offensively. In fact, I’m even more excited about what this team can do with Austin. Maybe not this year, but I think if he sticks around and has another year under his belt, why not a College Football Playoff team?”

 

Lee is the lone returner in an overhauled Ole Miss wide receiver room.

The Rebels went heavy at the position in the portal, adding No. 1 wide receivers from Oklahoma State (De’Zhaun Stribling) and Penn State (Harrison Wallace). Also signed were Caleb Odom (Alabama), Traylon Ray (West Virginia) and Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest). The Rebels landed 5-star Caleb Cunningham and 4-star Winston Watkins in the 2025 recruiting class.

 

Lee has played in 23 career games as a Rebel with 62 catches for 988 yards and four touchdowns. He was Ole Miss’ second-most productive wideout lasts season and was one of only two starters to play in all 13 games.

 

“I feel like we really have a very positive vibe for all the new guys that we brought in,” Lee said in a sit-down with Rebel Grove on Monday. “Some people may think it’s negative — who’s going to play, who’s going to do this, who’s going to do that. But the guys we brought in have been very good character guys. They just want the team to succeed.”

 

The included photos from Ole Miss Production Day were provided by Ole Miss Athletics.

 

Austin Simmons

 

 

Zxavian Harris

 

 

Terez Davis

 

 

Princewill Umanmielen

 

 

Jaylon Braxton

 

 

Princewill Umanmielen

 

 

Kewan Lacy

 

 

Ethan Fields

 

 

De’Zhaun Stribling

 

 

Jam Brown

 

 

Jam Brown and William Echoles

 

 

PJ Wilkins

 

 

William Echoles

 

 

 

 

Lane Kiffin and Co. see a priority target receive a prediction to land with the Wolverines, trending elsewhere.

 

 

Courtesy of Dorian Barney’s Instagram.

 

Carrollton (Ga.) four-star cornerback Dorian Barney has narrowed his focus to a handful of schools with a commitment date locked in for this summer.

 

Barney, one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle, has received significant interest as of late after an impressive junior campaign.

 

The Top-20 cornerback in America has earned offers from the likes of the Penn State Nittany Lions, Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines and Georgia Bulldogs, among others, during his process.

 

Now, Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels continue swinging for the fences for the highly-touted prospect out of the Peach State after getting him over to campus for a midweek official visit.

 

Barney was back in Oxford last week for an official with the Rebels after spending a few days in the The ‘Sip.

 

The 6-foot-, 170-pounder made his way to the Magnolia State for a visit with the program where he had the opportunity to check-in with Lane Kiffin, the coaching staff and more where Ole Miss is looking to chip away.

 

Barney worked through a photoshoot, one-on-one time with the Ole Miss staff and more during his trip to Oxford.

 

The Rebels will be battling multiple heavy-hitters with Penn State, Texas A&M and Alabama swinging for the fences, but the program remains in the mix following an official visit to campus.

 

According to On3 Sports, the Ole Miss Rebels are now “a factor” in Barney’s process as it ramps up this summer.

 

But one school is separating themselves from the pack: Michigan.

 

The Wolverines have received a prediction from 247Sports’ Sam Webb this week with a commitment timeline in mind.

 

The prized defensive back will pledge to the program of his choice this summer as he settles in on his contenders following multiple official visits.

 

“After the visits, by July 5, I will know where I want to go,” Barney told On3 Sports. “I am looking for a school that will develop me and a good culture to be in.

 

“A place where I can get my name out fast is important too, and the perfect fit and comfort for my family and me are other things I want in a school.”

 

Ole Miss will continue intensifying their push for the coveted Peach State prospect this offseason while battling multiple big-time schools..

 

Lincoln City (Ind.) Heritage Hills four-star athlete Jett Goldsberry committed to Ole Miss on Monday. He’ll play in the secondary for head coach Lane Kiffin and the Rebels.

 

The 6-foot, 195-pound Goldsberry chose the Rebels over his other finalists in North Carolina, Purdue, Rutgers and Wake Forest.

 

Goldsberry visited Oxford in the spring and returned in the summer. He talked about what made Ole Miss right for him.

 

“Man so much,” Goldsberry said. “It was such a special place and I just knew the first time I went there it was gonna be high on my list. The second time I went, I knew it was home.

 

“The square, the atmosphere, the coaches and the team are all so elite.”

 

One of Midwest’s top multi-sport recruits

Ranked as the nation’s No. 15 athlete and No. 3 prospect in the Hoosier State, Goldsberry becomes commit No. 13 for Kiffin and the Rebels in the 2026 class. Safeties coach Wes Neighbors was the lead recruiter.

 

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“What excites me is the way the coaches develop you not only on the field, but as a young man,” Goldsberry said. “And then also the opportunity to get developed enough to have a chance at the NFL.”

 

Goldsberry does it all on Friday nights and is coming off a terrific junior season capped by a state championship. Playing quarterback he threw for 1,807 yards and 26 touchdowns to just four interceptions with another 1,676 rushing yards and 28 more scores. A three-year starter on defense where he projects on the next level, Goldsberry has 212 career tackles, four forced fumbles and three interceptions.

 

Goldsberry finished as a state placer in the 215-pound weight class in wresting and also shines in track and field.

 

Ole Miss is working on a top 20 class, ranking No. 17 prior to Goldsberry’s pledge. He is another big pickup. His father Jon Goldsberry starred at Purdue before playing running back in the NFL.

 

Lane Kiffin and Co. continue pushing all the right buttons, Rebels making noise in the process.

 

 

Leakesville (Miss.) Greene County four-star wide receiver Jase Mathews is nearing a decision with a handful of programs set to battle down the stretch for his commitment.

 

Mathews, a top-five wideout in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle, has emerged as one of the top prospects available with Ole Miss firmly in the mix.

 

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder took official visits this offseason to the Rebels, LSU Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, Colorado Buffaloes and Auburn Tigers as he began evaluating his contenders.

 

It’s no secret why the top programs in America are beginning to make noise in his process with Mathews coming off of a stellar 2024 season in the Magnolia State.

 

During his junior season with Greene County, Mathews tallied 68 receptions for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024.

 

Following a dominant campaign in 2024, he’s shifted focus towards his recruiting process prior to what many believe will be a standout senior campaign in 2025.

 

As Mathews continues navigating his recruiting process, the Ole Miss Rebels and LSU Tigers are emerging as schools to watch.

 

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers hosted Mathews on an official visit over the summer with sources telling Ole Miss On SI that the multi-day stay checked the right boxes.

 

It’s rare to have a “bad” official visit in this day and age, but the Bayou Bengals continue pushing all the right buttons in Mathews’ process and will be a force as decision time nears.

 

For Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels, the hometown program is intensifying its pursuit for the top-ranked uncommitted prospect in Mississippi.

 

Mathews, the No. 2 rated wideout in the Magnolia State, has been to Oxford on multiple occasions with the Rebels keeping a foot on the gas.

 

Ole Miss was the first school to extend Mathews an offer as his recruitment process took off with Kiffin and Co. utilizing relationships to their advantage.

 

Now, as Mathews begins winding down his recruitment, it’ll be either Ole Miss, LSU, Texas A&M or Auburn with a top four set, according to On3 Sports.

 

Lane Kiffin and Co. see a priority Peach State prospect pledge to the Wolverines, heading to Ann Arbor.

 

 

Courtesy of Dorian Barney’s Instagram.

 

Carrollton (Ga.) four-star cornerback Dorian Barney has committed to Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines, he revealed via social media on Saturday.

 

Barney, one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle, emerged as priority target for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels throughout his process.

 

The Top-20 cornerback in America has earned offers from the likes of the Penn State Nittany Lions, Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines and Georgia Bulldogs, among others, during his prep career.

 

Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels continued swinging for the fences for the highly-touted prospect out of the Peach State after getting him over to campus for an official visit in June.

 

Barney was back in Oxford last month for an official with the Rebels after spending a few days in the The ‘Sip on a midweek trip.

 

The 6-foot-, 170-pounder made his way to the Magnolia State for a visit with the program where he had the opportunity to check-in with Kiffin, the coaching staff and more where Ole Miss was looking to chip away.

 

Barney worked through a photoshoot, one-on-one time with the Ole Miss staff and more during his trip to Oxford.

 

Now, he’s made his decision. Barney will head to Ann Arbor (Mich.) after committing to the Wolverines on Saturday.

 

“I think I could fit in that defense,” Barney told On3 Sports. “They run a similar defense to us. Their practice is very detailed, just like us. We take it very serious over here. I feel like I could just fit in there really good, and I could come in there and make an impact early as a freshman.”

 

“I’d never been to Michigan, so that was my first time,” Barney said following an official. “And then, the history of Michigan and seeing how I could be developed. They send a lot of players to the league.

 

“They’re going to have four first rounders this year, and that could be me in the next 3-4 years. The development part, the relationship I have, and just the vibe I caught when I was up there.”

 

The Rebels will continue battling multiple heavy-hitters with Penn State, Texas A&M and Alabama also looking to flip the talented defensive back down the stretch of his process.

 

Lane Kiffin and Co. see an in-state prospect pledge elsewhere, set to remain locked in on his process.

 

 

Ocean Springs (Miss.) St. Martin defensive lineman Jayden Curtis remains a priority prospect for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle.

 

Curtis, who’s quickly emerging as a talented under-the-radar prospect in the Magnolia State, has the attention of the hometown program.

 

The Mississippi native made his way up to Oxford in June to compete in the program’s offensive line/defensive line camp.

 

Curtis walked in without an offer, but quickly got the attention of position coach Randall Joyner during drills.

 

He then earned an offer with the Rebels extending one in person to the fast-rising prospect.

 

But Curtis has received a myriad of offers across his prep career with the UCF Knights, Tulane Green Wave and Memphis Tigers, among others, extending scholarships his way.

 

The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder revealed this week a commitment to the UCF Knights after going public with a decision over the Ole Miss Rebels.

 

Ole Miss recently landed a commitment from a coveted defensive lineman after flipping the Illinois native from Wisconsin.

 

Meet the Pledge: Carmelow Reed

Richton Park (Ill.) Rich Township three-star EDGE Carmelow Reed verbally committed to Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels in June after going public with a decision.

 

Reed, who pledged to the Wisconsin Badgers in April, flipped his commitment to the Rebels following a multi-day stay in Oxford this offseason.

 

The Top-100 defensive lineman comes in at 6-foot-7, 250 pounds heading into his senior campaign with a myriad of schools extending offers.

 

Now, it’s the Ole Miss Rebels that win out for his services after successfully flipping the former Big Ten pledge.

 

“The people around the city absolutely love the school and the players playing for the school so that was good,” Reed told On3 Sports. “The staff was great, too. Like everybody was just awesome. I’m so excited about this.

 

“I loved the Ole Miss visit. The love I was being shown from everyone around was great and something I want to be a part of!”

 

The recruiting efforts of Ole Miss defensive line coach Randall Joyner ultimately paid off down the stretch in this one after keeping a foot on the gas for Reed’s services despite a commitment to Wisconsin.

 

“He was a really good coach,” Reed said. “He breaks down the game of football to where if you’re a bystander you’ll understand it and he’s really energetic.”

 

Last season, Reed logged 33 total tackles with five sacks as a junior, but the expectation remains that his ceiling is sky high.

 

In a stunning 24-hour recruiting surge, the Ole Miss Rebels football program has added two highly-touted commitments, signaling head coach Lane Kiffin’s relentless pursuit of elite talent. With momentum building ahead of the 2025 college football season, the Rebels have made a powerful statement to the SEC and the national scene — Ole Miss is not just competing; it’s ascending.

 

The Rebels’ hot streak began with the commitment of four-star wide receiver Jaylen Simmons out of Houston, Texas. Ranked among the top 20 receivers in the 2025 recruiting class, Simmons brings elite speed, crisp route-running, and an explosive first step. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, he turned heads during his junior season with over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. With offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, Simmons’ decision to commit to Ole Miss speaks volumes about the vision Lane Kiffin has sold to top recruits.

 

Just hours later, the Rebels doubled down on their momentum by landing defensive standout Malik Jefferson, a versatile linebacker from Buford, Georgia. A consensus top-100 player nationally, Jefferson is known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, high football IQ, and relentless motor.

He recorded 110 tackles, 6 sacks, and 3 interceptions last season and has been praised for his leadership qualities both on and off the field. Jefferson had narrowed his final choices to Ole Miss, Clemson, and Florida State before committing to the Rebels, citing the staff’s transparency, defensive scheme fit, and the family atmosphere in Oxford.

 

For Coach Kiffin and his staff, this 24-hour haul represents more than just individual talent. It underscores the strategic and persistent efforts Ole Miss has made in developing relationships with high school programs, families, and players. The Rebels are increasingly seen not just as an entertaining offensive powerhouse but as a balanced and competitive destination for both offensive and defensive standouts.

 

Kiffin’s charisma, combined with a forward-thinking approach to recruiting — especially in the NIL era — has transformed the way Ole Miss is viewed by top-tier talent. The program has invested in facilities, embraced player branding opportunities, and modernized its culture to appeal to the next generation of athletes. These back-to-back commitments demonstrate that those efforts are paying dividends.

 

The timing couldn’t be better. As the SEC prepares for another seismic season with powerhouse clashes and playoff implications, the Rebels are positioning themselves not only for short-term success but also for long-term sustainability. Bringing in a wide receiver who can stretch the field and a linebacker who can command the defense forms a core that any championship-caliber team needs.

 

Fans in Oxford are buzzing, and rightly so. The commitments of Simmons and Jefferson have sparked excitement throughout the fan base and added valuable pieces to an already impressive 2025 recruiting class. With more visits scheduled and several targets still considering Ole Miss, the Rebels may not be done yet.

 

If the last 24 hours are any indication, Ole Miss is well on its way to becoming a recruiting force in the SEC. And under Lane Kiffin’s direction, the future in Oxford looks brighter than ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lane Kiffin and Co. make the cut for the talented edge rusher, looking to fend off pair of programs down the stretch.

 

 

Courtesy of Landon Barnes’ Instagram.

 

Duncanville (Tex.) four-star edge rusher Landon Barnes has narrowed his focus to three programs with a commitment date locked in as his recruiting process winds down this month.

 

Barnes, a consensus Top-25 EDGE in America, is coming off of a dominant junior campaign that quickly put his name on the map as one of the top defensive prospects in the Lone Star State.

 

Now, the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder has become a household name in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle with his finalists set and a decision date cemented.

 

Barnes is shifting his focus towards the Ole Miss Rebels, Ohio State Buckeyes and Washington Huskies after cutting the LSU Tigers, Arizona State Sun Devils and SMU Mustangs, among others, from contention.

 

He’s changed up multiple pieces of his process in June after altering official visit plans and now locking in a trio of finalists.

 

The Lone Star State native was expected to be in Athens (Ga.) two weekends ago for an official visit with Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs on a multi-day stay, but then changed course.

 

Barnes canceled his trip to Georgia and instead took a trip to Baton Rouge for an official visit with Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers.

 

He took a visit to LSU for a multi-day stay in June then wrapped up his official visit schedule last weekend with a trip to see the defending National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes.

 

Now, the final three are locked in with Ole Miss making the cut alongside Ohio State and Washington with a decision coming on Monday, June 30.

 

For the Rebels, the program currently holds a Top-25 Recruiting Class in America headlined by the No. 1 linebacker in America, Izayia Williams.

 

Ole Miss will keep a foot on the gas for Barnes as his recruitment process winds down across the summer months.

 

Lane Kiffin and Co. make the cut for the Lone Star State prospect, battling trio of Power Four programs.

 

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin before the start of the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 23, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin before the start of the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 23, 2024. [Doug

Houston (Tex.) Cy Springs athlete Paris Melvin is down to four schools with Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels making the cut for the two-way Lone Star State prospect.

 

Melvin, a Top-10 athlete in America, has circled the Rebels as a contender in his process as he winds down his recruitment this summe.

 

The 6-foot, 170-pounder has received offers from the likes of the Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, Houston Cougars and Arizona State Sun Devils, among others.

 

But he’s now narrowed his focus to four schools with the Ole Miss Rebels joining the Houston Cougars, Baylor Bears and Arizona Wildcats, according to 247 Sports.

 

Melvin has shined on both sides of the ball on the prep scene where ran the ball 147 times for 1,091 yards and 18 touchdowns while also reeling in 350 receiving yards as a junior in 2024.

 

On the other side of the ball, Melvin had 13 tackles, an interception and four pass deflections as a defender.

 

Melvin led his prep squad to six wins in 2024 while competing in 6A Division II.

 

Now, he’s down to four schools as he winds down his recruitment this summer with Ole Miss alongside a trio of heavy-hitters.

 

The 247Sports Evaluation: “Legitimate two-way prospect who could play the role of a skill playmaker or defensive back. Lean, wiry build that lends to a corner or nickel role, but high-volume backfield touches show a ball carrier who holds up to down-to-down punishment better than expected. Dangerous in a variety of ways as an offensive weapon who could used as a game-plan ace of the proverbial sleeve.

 

“Excellent production as a junior, primarily at running back, but also as a wildcat option and a slot. High-level functional athlete with strong track and field data that support that. Above average explosiveness with a somewhat unique gait/movement pattern that enhances versatile playmaking ability. Shows requisite vision with speed-changing awareness, subtle change-of-direction and hesitation abilities, and second-level creativity.

 

“Also a special teams ace in multiple capacities. Defensive snaps limited relative to offensive reps, but flashed as a junior in ability to break on the ball and play with coverage awareness. Will need to add some mass regardless of ultimate positional home, but represents a track standout with functional in-pads speed and athleticism and higher-caliber football instincts.

 

“Projects to the P4/high-major level as a possible impact player who could become an NFL Draft candidate.”