Ole Miss is entering one of the most important stretches of its 2027 recruiting cycle.
On the latest episode of Talk of Champions, Ben Garrett and Zach Berry broke down where the Rebels stand with several of their top remaining targets following another busy week of official visits. Headlining the discussion were five-star running back David Gabriel Georges and in-state defensive lineman Mitchell Turner, two prospects who could shape the future of Lane Kiffin’s recruiting class.
David Gabriel Georges narrows his focus
The biggest recruiting news came when five-star running back David Gabriel Georges canceled his scheduled official visit to Georgia, effectively narrowing his recruitment to Ole Miss, Ohio State and Tennessee.
While Berry still believes Ohio State holds a slight advantage, he made it clear that Ole Miss has positioned itself as a legitimate contender after Georges’ official visit to Oxford.
“I still think Ole Miss is absolutely in it,” Berry said. “I think Ohio State’s the favorite, and then Tennessee and Ole Miss are fighting for the second spot. I think Ole Miss has moved up a hair above Tennessee.”
The hosts cautioned fans against reading too much into social media posts or brief post-visit comments from Georges, noting that the star RB is naturally reserved and not someone who gives away much publicly.
Instead, they pointed to Ole Miss’ continued involvement late in the process as evidence that the Rebels have made significant progress in one of the nation’s biggest recruiting battles.
Should Georges ultimately choose another program, Ole Miss has contingency plans. The Rebels are expected to continue pursuing Mississippi running back Tai Keys, though Garrett and Berry noted that recruitment is far from a certainty despite the in-state connection.
Mitchell Turner recruitment becoming a two-team race
Another major storyline centered on four-star defensive lineman Mitchell Turner.
Following his official visit to Oxford, Ole Miss has significantly strengthened its position, with Berry describing the race between the Rebels and Alabama as virtually even.
“I think Ole Miss is right there with Alabama,” Berry said. “I’d say probably 1A, 1B.”
The hosts credited Ole Miss’ staff for building strong relationships throughout the recruiting process, particularly through the program’s Mississippi roots and its recent success developing defensive linemen.
Garrett and Berry also discussed Turner’s long-term projection, comparing his game to former Rebels such as Jesse Mitchell, Emmanuel Stephens and Woodrow Hamilton because of his explosiveness, quick first step and disruptive ability along the interior defensive line.
