Ole Miss recruiting remains red hot, and according to Talk of Champions, that success is exactly why recent comments from former Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian have struck such a nerve in Oxford.
During a wide-ranging episode of the show, Ben Garrett and Zach Berry discussed Ole Miss’ growing recruiting footprint, the backlash surrounding comments made by Kiffin in a recent Vanity Fair article, and why the Rebels’ current recruiting success directly contradicts the narrative being pushed nationally.Â
Kiffin Comments Continue To Draw Criticism
The episode opened with discussion surrounding Kiffin’s recent public comments regarding Ole Miss and Mississippi, as well as Sarkisian questioning Ole Miss’ academic standards.
Garrett and Berry argued the timing and tone of the comments felt intentional, especially as Ole Miss continues building one of the strongest recruiting classes in the SEC.
“Lane Kiffin has to be in the limelight at all times,” Berry said. “It’s all about the sound bite and staying relevant.”
The hosts repeatedly emphasized they were not dismissing Mississippi’s complicated history, but instead criticizing what they viewed as bad-faith attempts to weaponize that history while Ole Miss is thriving competitively.
“What we are saying is Lane’s not using that in good faith,” Garrett said. “He’s using that to smear Ole Miss.”
Rebels Trending For Multiple Blue-Chip Prospects
While much of the national conversation has centered on controversy, Ole Miss continues stacking momentum on the recruiting trail.
Berry identified several prospects the Rebels are trending toward heading into a critical summer stretch of official visits.
Marvin Nguetsop
One of the biggest names discussed was massive edge prospect Marvin Nguetsop, a Germany native currently playing at St. Thomas More in Connecticut.
Berry described the 6-foot-7 defender as a high-upside developmental player with elite physical traits.
“He makes DK Metcalf look normal,” Barry joked.
Ole Miss is battling Tennessee, Michigan and Michigan State for Nguetsop, who has an official visit to Oxford scheduled for June 19.
According to Berry, defensive line coach Randall Joyner has built a strong relationship with the prospect.
“He really likes Oxford. He likes the university. He likes the vibe around the locker room and coaching staff,” Berry said.
Ole Miss Building Strong Pipeline In Illinois
The Rebels are also making major strides in the Chicagoland area.
Garrett said he expects four-star safety Darrell Mattison to eventually land in Ole Miss’ commitment column, while Ole Miss is aggressively pursuing fellow Illinois standout Tavares Harrington.
“It used to be such a shocking thing when Ole Miss got kids from Chicago,” Berry said, referencing former Rebels star Laquon Treadwell. “Ole Miss is a national recruiting brand now.”
That recruiting success, the hosts argued, directly undermines claims that Ole Miss is somehow struggling to connect with elite recruits nationally.
“If what you were saying was true, then explain how Ole Miss is going into Illinois and getting these kids committed,” Garrett said.
Alvin Mosley Emerging As Priority Receiver Target
Another major name discussed was four-star Texas receiver Alvin Mosley.
Berry said Ole Miss is in excellent position for the dynamic wideout from Crawford High School, describing him as a player capable of contributing both inside and outside in the Rebels’ offense.
“He’s real deal,” Berry said. “Go up, high point the football, out jump you, outrun you.”
Mosley is expected to announce his commitment in June, with Ole Miss battling Texas and Houston among others.
Easton Royal and David Gabriel Georges Remain Key Targets
The Rebels also remain heavily involved with elite Louisiana athlete Easton Royal, a Texas commitment who continues to show strong interest in Ole Miss.
Berry noted Ole Miss has already assured Royal he could compete in both football and track if he signs with the Rebels.
“He’s an absolute monster,” Berry said after discussing Royal’s speed and physicality.
The show also revisited five-star Tennessee prospect David Gabriel Georges, one of the nation’s most coveted recruits.
Barry called Georges “as close to a can’t-miss prospect as you can get,” while acknowledging Ole Miss is still chasing Ohio State and Tennessee in the recruitment.
Ole Miss Recruiting Showing No Signs Of Slowing Down
Despite offseason noise surrounding Kiffin’s departure to LSU, Garrett and Berry both stressed that Ole Miss recruiting has not slowed down under head coach Pete Golding and the current staff.
In fact, they argued the Rebels are recruiting nationally at a higher level than ever before.
“There hasn’t been a drop-off since Lane Kiffin left,” Berry said.
With official visit season approaching and momentum continuing to build, Ole Miss appears positioned to add even more blue-chip talent throughout the summer.
