When Quinshon Judkins departed last season, the Rebels’ running attack broke apart, as Bentley IV and Henry Parrish Jr. could not combine for as many rushing yards as Judkins had the previous year. This is why head coach Lane Kiffin has been enlisting running back recruits in the high school class of 2026.
Lane Kiffin’s Recruiting Mastery: Ole Miss Secures Top Alabama Running Back
Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels have acquired a commitment from Ja’Michael Jones, Alabama’s No. 2 running back in the class of 2026. On March 23, 2025, Jones, a standout at Montgomery’s Pike Road High School, announced his decision on social media.
BREAKING: Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels have landed a commitment from the No. 2 RB in Alabama: Ja’Michael Jones.
The coveted 2026 prospect commits to Kiffin and Co. over Alabama and Auburn, among others.
The Rebels add one of the top running backs in the South. pic.twitter.com/wGK2BFXICU
— Ole Miss Rebels On SI (@OleMissOnSI) March 23, 2025
Jones, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound running back, is rated a three-star prospect by 247 Sports. He had 30 Division I offers, including from in-state powerhouse Alabama and Auburn, but he decided to cross borders and sign with the Rebels and head coach Kiffin.
Jones had offers from 11 SEC schools and other powerhouses, such as Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. However, Kiffin’s recruiting skills were on all cylinders when he persuaded Jones to take a chance on Ole Miss.
Kiffin has done an excellent job of recruiting through the transfer portal, but he is also gaining headway on the high school trail, which is concerning for the rest of the league and the country.
Jones’ commitment highlights his great bond with the Ole Miss coaching staff, notably running backs coach Kevin Smith, who was the first to extend an offer. Jones said of his relationship with the Rebels, “They make football a business that seems very fun to be in.”
This purchase strengthens the Rebels’ tremendous recruitment drive. In the 2025 cycle, Ole Miss achieved a Top 25 overall recruiting class, marking the fifth consecutive year under Kiffin. According to the On3 Industry Rankings, the class included nine four-star recruits, including Mississippi wide receiver Caleb Cunningham.
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As the Rebels continue to strengthen their roster, the signing of players like Ja’Michael Jones establishes Ole Miss as an offensive threat in the Southeastern Conference. Fans and experts will be eager to see how these recruitment feats translate onto the field in the coming seasons.
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