Ole Miss Football: How the Rebels 2024 SEC opponents fared on Early Signing Day

Arkansas - Rank 28

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman was pleased with his high school recruits, signing some talented players from in-state. Pittman had one of the lowest numbers of signees in college football, with a focus on the transfer portal going forward to add more bodies to the roster.

Despite a late push from Ole Miss, the Razorbacks held on to their top recruit, Charleston Collins. The defensive lineman out of Little Rock was the number two in-state prospect. They also bagged the best running back from Arkansas, four-star Braylen Russell is the number 24 ranked player at his position.

They are still waiting for a decision from three-star safety Jeremy Scott, which could see them jump the rankings one spot. Arkansas have lost some big names from the team heading into the new year. The 2024 season could be difficult for the Razorbacks if they don't pick up some more guys from the transfer portal.

Biggest impact in 2024 - Charleston Collins

Mississippi State - Rank 33

It was going to be tough for new head coach Jeff Lebby to stamp his mark on the 2024 recruiting class. However, Lebby was efficient in adding players at key positions. They may have missed out on some of the top players in-state but signed several three-star players.

The two four-star players Lebby kept hold of were both on the offensive side of the ball. Florida offensive tackle Jimothy Lewis and their highest-rated Mississippi recruit, wide receiver JJ Harrell. The Bulldogs picked up their future quarterback, Michael Van Buren. Van Buren de-commited early in December from Oregon before signing with Mississippi State.

Lebby has done what he can this time, with his recruiting being judged more in the 2025 class if he sticks around after year one in Starkville.