The game against Oklahoma is already pivotal for Ole Miss's 2024 season. It could also be extra significant, with several top recruits in town, including two prospects committed to other teams.
Despite another early start time, the crowd should be electric. They know every game is critical until the end of the regular season, which could help Lane Kiffin and his staff secure some commitments, maybe including a couple of flips.
Can Ole Miss really flip Alabama commit Caleb Cunningham?
The Rebels will have three players they are heavily recruiting on campus Saturday, all committed to other programs. One of those is in-state five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham. Ole Miss has not given up hope on the No.2 wide receiver in the country, even when he committed to Alabama in July. Cunningham has been sweet of the Crimson Tide for a while, but could their recent form have opened the door for Ole Miss?
Cunningham has spoken about the relationships he has formed with the Ole Miss coaching staff, a positive sign that the Rebels have some kind of chance of flipping the Alabama commit. It will be challenging, but they have an opportunity to really sell it hard this weekend.
Ole Miss will also look to do the same with Duke running back commit Nate Sheppard. The Louisiana native is a three-star 2025 commits and holds several offers from Power 4 programs. Sheppard, a December graduate, is visiting Oxford late in his recruiting, which could be a significant sign.
In a big recruiting drive, the Rebels will have other recruits on campus for the game. Alongside several already committed prospects, Ole Miss will host wide receiver TI Mims Jr., edge Josh Smith, and wide receiver Chase Campbell, just a few of the staff looking to impress.