As college football moves on from the transfer portal, the recruiting class rankings are also in.
ESPN ranked its top recruiting classes of 2026, and Ole Miss is nowhere near its No. 2 transfer portal class.
ESPN ranked the Rebels 2026 recruiting class at No. 26, with 5 commits from SC Next Top 300 commits.
The ranking in itself is nowehere near bad. In fact, it's excellent. But given the potential Pete Golding displayed win his transfer portal class, there are definitely a few more blockbuster recruits loading for the Rebels.
"Despite a successful season on the field, Ole Miss finds itself in the midst of change with Lane Kiffin departing for LSU," ESPN's Craig Haubert explains, "but quickly promoting defensive coordinator Pete Golding to replace Kiffin should help deliver a second straight top-25 class."
Pete Golding's best recruiting wins so far
Kemper County's four-star running back Damarius Yates is the top offensive win of Golding, whereas Duncanville's four-star DE Landon Barnes is the top defensive prospect for the Rebels so far.
"Damarius Yates was a key in-state keep, as he rushed for more than 2,000 yards with 30 TDs as a senior for Kemper County and caught 21 passes. He possesses explosive lateral movement with the acceleration to separate from defenders," Haubert writes.
"The Rebels have reeled in some defensive talent, which fits Golding's expertise. DEs Landon Barnes and Carmelow Reed both need further development but bring good tools."
"Barnes is out of one of the top programs in Texas (Duncanville) and uses his hands well and can set the edge. Reed has a big frame and possesses good first-step quickness. The Rebels added to their four-star defensive haul with Dorian Barney, a flip from Michigan who is a fluid and instinctive cover corner."
The Rebels are already on watch for some massive recruits like four-star DL Donivan Moore, four-star safety Jayden Anding, and EDGE Antwan Jackson.