Ole Miss received a commitment from a four-star running back they had been high on from day 1. Shekai Mills-Knight chose the Rebels over Alabama, Auburn, Miami, and Tennessee. His commitment decision is the first domino to fall, with another four-star running back, Akylin Dear, set to commit on August 20.
BREAKING: Four-Star RB Shekai Mills-Knight has Committed to Ole Miss, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 17, 2024
The 6’2 220 RB from Chattanooga, TN chose the Rebels over Tennessee, Miami, Auburn, & Alabama
“If you want to win a Natty & get developed come to the Sip. Hotty Toddy!”… pic.twitter.com/tHh19zoW3C
Dear, who decommitted from Ole Miss in June, will announce a new destination with the Rebels, Alabama, and Mississippi State as his final three. With Mills-Knight announcing he is heading to Oxford, will that mean Dear will be heading to the Crimson Tide?
After in-state prospect Dear decommitted from Ole Miss, rumors suggested he would head to the Crimson Tide. That looks to be the likely outcome, but Lane Kiffin could still have a chance of landing both. Whatever Dear decides, the Rebels have a star in Mills-Knight, who knew that Oxford was the right place for him.
Speaking to On3, Mills-Knight said he knew Ole Miss was where he intended to be despite a late push from Auburn.
"“Ole Miss has always been a school high on my list and that never changed, Auburn made a late push, and since my official visit there, they worked hard to get me, but I know Ole Miss is right for me."Shekai Mills-Knight speaking to On3
It's a significant offensive commitment for Lane Kiffin and his staff, with Mills-Knight ranked the No.18 running back in the nation per the On3 Industry Rankings. The Baylor High School prospect pointed to running backs coach Kevin Smith as a factor in his commitment.
"“Ole Miss has a lot to offer. They have a lot of things I like. From my relationship with coach Kevin Smith to the feeling I have when I am on campus to how I will be used in the offense – Ole Miss just has what I am looking for.""Mills-Knight on the Ole Miss program
The commitment moves Ole Miss up the team recruiting rankings, now at the No.20 spot in the On3 Team Recruiting Rankings. Over the next two weeks, the program could see that jump further as favorites to land several other 2025 recruits.