Ole Miss has pursued 2025 four-star running back Shekai Mills-Knight for some time. He has been a primary commitment target for the Rebels, with reports suggesting they lead in his commitment over Alabama, Auburn, Miami, and Tennessee.
Mills-Knight reduced his list of schools from eight to five, with a commitment date set for August 17. The three schools he cut were Michigan, Missouri, and Michigan. The Baylor High School prospect is ranked the No. 17 running back and No. 8 player in Tennessee per the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
David Johnson of 247Sports Inside the Rebles logged a crystal ball prediction for Mill-Knight to commit to Ole Miss on July 20. Recently, Steve Wilftong from On3 also predicted the Tennesse native would commit to the Rebels on August 12.
On3's @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Ole Miss to land 4-star RB Shekai Mills-Knight🦈
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) August 12, 2024
Read: https://t.co/HA5oXEfkcN pic.twitter.com/Kp0kUZ5vln
It will be a big commitment for Lane Kiffin, with no 2025 running back yet to commit. With several current running backs with just one more year of eligibility remaining, it would be beneficial to have a young player in the room for next season.
The Rebels did have in-state prospect Akylin Dear committed to the team. However, he later decommitted, with rumors of Alabama being his next destination. There is still a slim chance he could recommit, with his recruitment still open. Having both Dear and Mills-Knight on the roster would be unbelievable work from Kiffin and his staff.
Dear was named to the state of Mississippi's Dandy Dozen, sharing the news pictured in an Ole Miss jersey. It potentially means nothing but could also mean he is still contemplating the Rebels.
Current commits Andrew Maddox, Jarcoby Hopson, and Cortez Thomas also made the Dandy Dozen, alongside current Alabama commit Caleb Cunningham. Ole Miss is still looking to flip the five-star receiver, with reports suggesting he is still conversation with the Rebels staff.