JaReylan McCoy, a four-star defensive lineman from Tupelo, is one of Mississippi’s top prospects, ranking at No. 7 in the state’s 2026 recruiting class. Following a one-month commitment to Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers, from Jan. 2 to Feb. 3, McCoy reopened his recruitment. Now, he is back on the market, and several programs are after him, but Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels emerges as a frontrunner.

Lane Kiffin’s Rebels Emerge as Favorites to Land JaReylan McCoy
Kiffin’s pursuit of McCoy has been nothing short of determined. With at least 10 meetings between McCoy and the Rebels, it is clear that he is their top priority.
On Thursday, March 13, the defensive lineman narrowed his college choices down to five, and Ole Miss secured a spot on the list, keeping their hopes alive. However, the competition is fierce, as others are Texas A&M Aggies, LSU, Florida Gators, and Auburn Tigers.
JaReylan McCoy is bringing all the good vibes with him while dominating the competition 👋 @JaReylanMcCoy
5-star for a reason #UANext pic.twitter.com/TDN3jfzg3H
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) March 9, 2025
McCoy has begun exploring the programs. He visited Florida on March 13, followed by a trip to Miami (FL) this weekend on March 15. His upcoming schedule includes Ole Miss on March 22, Texas on March 29, and a final visit to Texas A&M on April 5.
McCoy was key in Tupelo High School’s remarkable 2024 season. The team had a 14-0 record, won Region two, and claimed the Class 7A state championship, cementing its place among Mississippi’s elite.
After his de-commitment from LSU, recruiting expert Chad Simmons from On3 predicted that McCoy could be headed to Ole Miss.
This move would be a win for the Rebels, who lost their entire defensive line to the NFL Draft, including standouts like Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen, and Jared Ivey.
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Ole Miss is in rebuilding mode, and while this year’s replacements show promise, McCoy’s talent would help fill critical gaps anticipated for the next season.
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