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Four-star safety Cortez Thomas commits to staying in Mississippi with the Rebels

Rolling into July, the recruiting news is back to being positive for Ole Miss. Today, they landed a four-star prospect from in-state, safety Cortez Thomas.

By Jordan Merritt

Nov 12, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin walks through the Walk of Champions in the Grove at the University of Mississippi before the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi Rebels. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin walks through the Walk of Champions in the Grove at the University of Mississippi before the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi Rebels. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Today, Ole Miss had some positive recruiting news with the commitment of four-star safety Cortez Thomas. The commitment was made even sweeter as another in-state talent stayed home and committed to the Rebels.

Thomas had looked to be in favor of committing to rivals Mississippi State a few months back. However, a late push from Ole Miss swayed Thomas, who chose to head to Oxford thanks to safeties coach Wes Neighbors III.

Speaking to On3, Thomas explained why Neighbours III was critical in his decision to commit to the University of Mississippi.

"“Coach Neighbors, he won me over. Sitting down to talk football, understanding how I like to play and how I fit in their scheme and everything.""

- Cortez Thomas speaking to On3

Thomas is ranked the No. 25 safety and No. 11 player in the state by the On3 Industry Ranking. He also cracked the top 300, ranked as the No. 266 player nationally in the 2025 class.

Ole Miss has top 2025 recruiting class of in-state defensive players

With Cortez Thomas's commitment, Ole Miss has four players committed from the state of Mississippi, all of whom are defensive players: defensive lineman Andrew Maddox, linebacker Jarcoby Hopson, cornerback Mason Dunn, and now safety Thomas.

If the Rebels can keep hold of these four players, head coach Lane Kiffin has a core to build around for 2025 and beyond. With in-state defensive recruiting going so well, a big shout-out is needed to Kelvin Bolden, defensive coordinator Pete Golding, and his defensive staff, who have recruited well close to home.

Still, there is a long way to go until these players sign their letters of intent. However, it's always good to hear positive news about recruiting, no matter how early in the recruitment cycle.

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