Recruiting never really slows down, even on the first day of preseason practices.
Ole Miss is juggling a handful of storylines right now, from a potential shakeup on Miami’s running back board to a rising tight end target and a defensive lineman who just transferred into one of the Rebels’ favorite high schools.
It’s a mix of long-term plays, familiar names and a few developments that could matter down the road. Here’s where things stand this week.
Ty Keys and Miami (Fla.)
Miami’s running back board might end up helping Ole Miss more than anyone expected. Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong reported Wednesday that the Hurricanes are still pushing for five-star plus running back Kemon Spell, even though he has been committed to Georgia since February. Miami was a finalist the first time around and, according to Wiltfong, still hasn’t backed off.
If Spell flips to Miami, that changes the math. It gives the Hurricanes their big back in the 2027 class, and it could open the door for Poplarville (Miss.) running back Ty Keys to rethink his commitment.
That’s where Ole Miss comes in.
Keys has been honest about how he feels. He grew up in Mississippi, grew up a fan of Ole Miss and told OMSpirit he loves the program. He has also been clear about his respect for Frank Wilson and the development track in Oxford. Before committing to Miami, he told Rivals’ Chad Simmons the Rebels were firmly in the mix.
Keys is one of the most productive backs in the country. He ran for 3,285 yards and 45 touchdowns as a junior. He has already topped 5,000 career yards and 76 touchdowns in three seasons.
Ole Miss has stayed in contact and will keep pushing. If Miami’s board shifts, this recruitment could get interesting again.
Braxton Rein’s Stock Keeps Rising
Four-star tight end Braxton Rein is becoming one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2028 class, and Ole Miss has quietly built a strong position with him.
Simmons said Rein’s recruitment is still wide open, but Ole Miss has consistently stood out. He has visited Oxford multiple times and already has familiarity with the staff through Baylor School’s growing pipeline to Ole Miss.
Notre Dame, Alabama and Florida are still involved, but the Rebels have the strongest foundation heading into the fall.
Rein plays both ways for Baylor and was once evaluated as an EDGE prospect. Tight end is now his home after a strong 2025 season. The 6-foot-6, 235 pounder caught passes from Briggs Cherry last year. This season, he will be catching passes from Ole Miss commit Keegan Croucher, which only strengthens the connection.
Cortez Carr Heads to Baylor School
Buckhorn defensive lineman Cortez Carr announced Tuesday he is transferring to Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn. for his junior season. The 2028 prospect is ranked No. 17 in Alabama and No. 57 at his position in the Rivals Industry Rankings.
For Ole Miss, the move is notable because Baylor has quietly become a satellite campus of sorts. The Rebels have signed Brycen Sanders and Shekai Mills-Knight from the program. Croucher is committed. And the staff has offered several Baylor prospects in the 2028 class, including Antwaun Adams, Xavier Bowman, Rein and Carr.
Carr’s move puts him right in the middle of a school Ole Miss knows well and recruits heavily. It’s a fresh chapter for him and another reason the Rebels will keep a close eye on Chattanooga.
