Ole Miss may not have cracked the College Football Playoff under Lane Kiffin, but the Rebels continue to be a major player in the SEC.
To maintain that status, the program must remain aggressive on the recruiting trail – especially with the conference’s landscape shifting after Nick Saban’s retirement.
With Alabama no longer the undisputed recruiting powerhouse it once was, SEC programs are setting their sights on top prospects from the state.
One of those targets is Kamhariyan Johnson, a highly regarded edge rusher from Muscle Shoals High School.
Johnson, a 6-foot-2 defensive standout in the 2026 class, is ranked No. 29 nationally at his position, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
He has already received offers from several SEC programs, including Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State.
Now, Ole Miss is stepping into the mix. Johnson is set to visit Oxford on March 22, and there’s a strong possibility the Rebels will extend an offer.
If Kiffin and his staff can make a compelling pitch to Johnson, it could be another sign that Alabama’s recruiting stranglehold on in-state prospects is loosening.
While Johnson isn’t the highest-rated recruit in the class, landing an Alabama native with an offer from the Crimson Tide would be a significant statement for Kiffin and the Rebels.
With the SEC as competitive as ever, programs like Ole Miss must capitalize on every opportunity to bring in elite talent.
Kiffin’s pursuit of Johnson could be a step in the right direction as the Rebels look to build a roster capable of making a real playoff push in the future.
What are your thoughts on the overall state of recruiting in Alabama – especially in the post-Saban era?
Would you be surprised if Kiffin and the Rebs end up landing Johnson over the Tide???
