Summer recruiting season is heating up, and Ole Miss continues to position itself for another strong recruiting class.
On the latest recruiting edition of Talk of Champions, Ben Garrett and Zach Berry discussed quarterback commit Keegan Croucher’s performance at the prestigious Elite 11 Finals, the Rebels’ pursuit of five-star running back David Gabriel Georges, and several key targets expected to shape the future of Pete Golding’s program.
Keegan Croucher Continues to Strengthen His Standing
The biggest takeaway from the Elite 11 Finals may have been what Ole Miss fans didn’t need to worry about. Croucher remains firmly committed to the Rebels. Berry spent time with the four-star quarterback and his family during the event and came away confident that Ole Miss remains in excellent position despite coaching changes and continued interest from major programs across the country.
According to Berry, Croucher and his family have tremendous confidence in the staff, particularly quarterback coach Joe Judge, whose continued presence has helped solidify the relationship. The Elite 11 performance only strengthened Croucher’s national profile. Berry said he was surprised the Ole Miss commitment did not make the final Elite 11 group after a strong showing throughout the event.
“He backed it up,” Berry said. “I thought he performed well enough to earn a spot.”
Why Croucher’s Ceiling Is So High
While recruiting comparisons are never perfect, much of the discussion centered around Croucher’s physical tools. At roughly 6-foot-5 with elite arm strength, the Baylor School standout has drawn comparisons ranging from Blaine Gabbert and Drew Lock to Justin Herbert.Â
What stood out most in California was his ability to make difficult throws in challenging conditions. Elite 11 drills placed quarterbacks in pressure situations that tested arm strength, velocity and accuracy. Berry noted that Croucher’s arm talent consistently stood out among the nation’s top prospects.Â
“He can make every throw,” Berry said.
If Croucher follows up his Elite 11 performance with a strong senior season at Baylor, he could push himself into legitimate five-star consideration before signing day.
The Pursuit of David Gabriel Georges
Few prospects are generating more attention in Ole Miss recruiting circles than five-star running back David Gabriel Georges.
The Baylor School star is one of the nation’s most coveted recruits and remains a major priority for the Rebels. The challenge is significant. Programs like Ohio State and Tennessee continue to push hard for George, and Berry acknowledged that the Buckeyes currently appear to have momentum.
Still, Ole Miss remains firmly involved. George has close ties to current and former Ole Miss players from Baylor School, including Shakai Mills-Knight, and maintains a strong connection with Croucher, who will be his quarterback this fall.
The Rebels also continue to benefit from the recent success of players like Kewan Lacy and Quinshon Judkins, giving the coaching staff a compelling track record when recruiting elite running backs.
As Garrett noted, Ole Miss is no longer trying to convince recruits it belongs among college football’s elite. The program has already proven it.
Ole Miss No Longer Recruits Like an Underdog
One of the more interesting themes from the conversation centered on how recruiting around Ole Miss has changed. A decade ago, landing elite national prospects often required unusual circumstances or unique relationships.
Today, Ole Miss routinely finds itself battling programs such as Ohio State, Alabama, LSU and Georgia for top-tier talent.
The success of recent seasons, College Football Playoff appearances, national exposure and player development have transformed the program’s recruiting profile.
“It’s not little Ole Miss anymore,” Berry said.
That shift is evident in recruitments like Georges,’ where the Rebels are competing head-to-head with college football’s biggest brands.
Several Key Targets Trending Toward Oxford
Beyond Georges, Ole Miss appears to be making progress with several highly regarded prospects. Berry expressed confidence in the Rebels’ position with offensive lineman Caden Moss and believes Ole Miss remains in strong contention for Antonio Berry despite heavy competition.
The Rebels are also trending positively with wide receiver Alvin Mosley, one of the more dynamic athletes in the class. Mosley has become a major target for receiver coach L’Damian Washington and the offensive staff, with both Garrett and Berry expressing optimism about Ole Miss’ chances.
Meanwhile, the recruitment of Easton Royal appears to be shifting elsewhere, with LSU and Texas emerging as the likely contenders after the receiver canceled his planned visit to Oxford.
