Lane Kiffin and his staff are working for the 2026 reciting class, with close attention to the in-state talent. Next year, recruits out of Mississippi look some of the best in recent years, and Kiffin is aware that adding several of them will put them in good standing.
Offensive lineman Dalton Toothman is a three-star prospect from Ocean Springs, MS, and is ranked the No. 22 player in the state per 247Sports. He is also ranked the No. 63 player at his position.
Toothman dropped his top four schools earlier today, with both home-state SEC schools making the shortlist. Two other top programs joined Ole Miss and Mississippi State in Auburn and Clemson. Despite the three-star rating, the quality of schools after his commitment shows the ability he could possess in college.
Toothman spoke to 247Sports Inside the Rebels site, was very complimentary about the Rebels staff, and indicated the possibility of staying home when heading to college.
"Every time I’ve been there (Ole Miss) or every time I’ve talked to the coaches, they just make me feel like I’m a top guy and they actually want me there. Also, it’s like the home aspect of it. It’s close and being in Mississippi. It’s kind of like a familiar place."Dalton Toothman
As it stands, Miss has zero commits from the top 25 in-state players but does have a commitment from No.33 player Braylen Williams. They are in a good place for several players, and there are still 10 months until the final signing day. The Rebels did a lot of their work during the season, and once these in-state players get to some home games, it could be a game-changer.