Recruiting dominated the conversation on the latest episode of Talk of Champions, as Ben Garrett and Brad Logan broke down Ole Miss’ momentum on the trail, where the Rebels stand with several elite prospects, and why Pete Golding is building something the program has never accomplished before.
Ole Miss closing in on another blue-chip addition
Despite missing out on four-star cornerback Tae Walden, Garrett believes Ole Miss remains in excellent position to continue adding talent to its 2027 recruiting class.
The Rebels entered the week expecting a commitment from four-star edge rusher Antwan Jackson, a prospect Garrett identified as the most likely addition to continue Ole Miss’ climb in the national recruiting rankings. Jackson would give the Rebels another blue-chip defender and move them even closer to a top-10 class nationally.
While Ole Miss also continues pursuing Louisiana defensive back Jayden Anding, Garrett noted that simply getting Anding to delay his commitment is a positive development.
The Ruston, Louisiana, standout has long been viewed as an LSU lean, making Ole Miss’ ability to remain firmly in the race another sign that Golding’s staff is refusing to concede recruitments traditionally dominated by the Tigers.
NEW: Jayden Anding was scheduled to announce Wednesday afternoon, but now it's been postponed 👀
— Zach Berry (@Zach_Berry) July 1, 2026
Ole Miss, Pete Golding, Frank Wilson and Marcus Woodson are working behind the scenes to make the LSU Tigers sweat
INTEL: https://t.co/2gtACSYxSZ pic.twitter.com/G8ZniO06xT
Pete Golding has Ole Miss recruiting at a historic level
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the episode centered on just how unprecedented Ole Miss’ recruiting success has become.
The Rebels have already secured a program-record number of blue-chip commitments with more potentially on the way, something Garrett believes would firmly establish Golding’s first full recruiting cycle among the best in school history.
Garrett even argued that if Ole Miss ultimately lands five-star running back David Gabriel Georges, Golding’s high school recruiting efforts would surpass anything Lane Kiffin accomplished during his tenure in Oxford.
That praise comes with an important distinction.
Both hosts acknowledged that Kiffin revolutionized Ole Miss’ transfer portal strategy, but they believe Golding is building something even more sustainable through high school recruiting.
David Gabriel Georges remains the dream target
No recruitment received more attention than five-star running back David Gabriel Georges.
According to reports discussed on the show, Georges could become the first high school running back to command a NIL package worth $1 million, underscoring just how coveted he has become nationally.
Ohio State remains the perceived favorite, but Garrett believes Ole Miss has firmly established itself as Georges’ primary challenger.
Enjoy 4 minutes of David Gabriel-Georges being the best RB in the country pic.twitter.com/ZQIjihg7Qp
— Joey Petersen (@joeypetersen8) May 7, 2026
Relationships built with his quarterback, Keegan Croucher, his teammates and current Rebel players continue to keep Ole Miss squarely in the conversation despite intense national competition.
Brad Logan emphasized that relationships—not just money—could ultimately determine Georges’ decision.
If that’s true, he believes Ole Miss has positioned itself as well as anyone outside the Buckeyes.
Rebels still fighting national perception
The episode concluded with a spirited debate over preseason rankings.
Garrett and Logan questioned why Ole Miss continues to trail programs like Texas A&M in early polls despite returning quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and much of a roster that reached the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Their argument wasn’t necessarily about one specific poll.
Instead, both hosts believe Ole Miss continues to battle a national perception problem, with traditional powers receiving the benefit of the doubt while the Rebels still have to prove themselves repeatedly despite recent success.
Whether that changes in 2026 will ultimately be decided on the field, but if Ole Miss continues recruiting at its current pace, the Rebels may not have to fight that perception much longer.
