Ole Miss could go after these North Carolina commits now Mack Brown has been fired

Today's big news in college football was the surprise firing of North Carolina head coach Mack Brown, who had been with the program for 16 years. Speaking just a few days ago to the media, it looked like Brown was heading toward where he would stay for the 2025 season.

The news opens the door for teams to take a run at the recruits committed to the Tar Heels. The early signing window is just a week away for the 2025 class, so could Ole Miss look to push for any of the 2025 class or 2026?

Zavion Griffin-Haynes decommits; Ole Miss could show interest again

Zavion Griffin-Haynes - 2026 Edge

Four-star edge Zavion Griffin-Haynes didn't take long to announce he was decommitting from the Tar Heels after the Mack Brown news. Griffin-Haynes is a 2026 recruit, so there is no rush to announce another destination.

The Rolesville, NC native will be a highly sought-after prospect, with Ohio State, Tennessee, Miami, and others heavily involved in his recruitment. Ole Miss offered Griffin-Haynes but didn't make the final list. However, it allows them another run at the talented edge rusher.

Defensive coordinator Pete Golding has shown the nation how his defense can perform, which could be a selling point to Griffin-Haynes. He would be a welcome player at Oxford, and he already looks the part, standing at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds.

Javion Butts - 2025 Safety

One player from the 2025 class that Ole Miss was recruiting was safety Javon Butts. The three-star prospect is still committed to the Tar Heels, but it's still early after the firing of Mack Brown.

Ranked the No. 51 safety in the class, it's less likely that the Rebels could target Butts, with several safety and cornerback commits in the 2025 class. However, you can never have too many commits, so it wouldn't be surprising that Ole Miss shows interest again.

Bryce Baker - 2025 Quarterback

This is a long shot, but without a quarterback commit from the 2025 class, could Lane Kiffin take a swing at Bryce Baker? The Rebels are still chasing Deuce Knight, but it is challenging to flip his commitment from Auburn.

A four-star prospect, Baker has a chance to start in his first year at North Carolina. At Ole Miss, Austin Simmons looks to be the 2025 starter, with others behind him. It would take a lot for Baker to come to Oxford and for Lane Kiffin to offer him.