Four-star 2025 linebacker Elijah Barnes talks about his offer from Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss continues to make strong moves on the recruiting trail, going after some of the nation’s top talent to bring them to the ‘Sip. The Lone Star state is definitely on Ole Miss’ radar as Rebs prepare to take on Texas A&M this Saturday — and as they look to Texas to find their next prospect.
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding continues to do fantastic work with the Ole Miss defense. Golding and staff have officially thrown their hat in the ring for four-star linebacker Elijah Barnes out of Dallas Skyline, offering him on October 30.
“It means a lot to get an offer from a big-time program,” Barnes told The Rebel Walk about his offer from Ole Miss. “It’s another blessing, another opportunity to showcase my talent on the big stage of college football.”
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder stands as No. 10 linebacker and No. 12 overall athlete in the talent-rich state of Texas. He’s the No.82 overall athlete in the nation in the class of 2025.
Skyline 2025 LB Elijah Barnes@ElijahBobarnes1 is fun to watch. 2 things I’ve learned about him since the spring is… he can move & he like to hit!
Not many people know about him but he’s a NAME TO KNOW 🚨🚨@SKYLINEfb @JColemanFB @WeDemBos pic.twitter.com/NcVF9s9Kbs
— Juwan Davis (@MrJDavis96) August 13, 2022
We asked Barnes what stood out the most to him about Ole Miss.
“The program in general — the fan base is amazing, the coaches are great, I mean you are surrounded by great people. It doesn’t get any better than Ole Miss.”
2025 LB Elijah Barnes on Ole Miss
Barnes, one of the nation’s most-coveted recruits, owns over 30 offers to date in addition to that from Ole Miss, including: Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas State, Auburn, Baylor, Colorado, Florida, Grambling, Kansas, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Purdue, SMU, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, A&M, TSU, Texas Tech, USC and UTSA.
“I mean, all schools are coming at me pretty hard. I’m just taking it slow and going on visits and seeing new things, trying to figure out where I’m going to go,” Barnes said of navigating all his offers.
The 2022 Texas District 11-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year and track and field standout is nothing short of explosive when he is wreaking havoc against any offense he faces.
Thank you @NextLevelD1 for giving me a opportunity to showcase my talent👍🏽 pic.twitter.com/klhDGyjLWc
— Elijah Bo barnes (@ElijahBobarnes1) January 16, 2023
Barnes’ physicality, intensity, and speed, matched with his internal radar, are obvious when you see how quickly he reads and reacts to his opponent. He is versatile, having played both Mike and outside linebacker.
“My x-factor skill is that wherever you put me, I’m going to ball, regardless. I love the game. I love what the game provides and I’m just going to go out there and play hard and showcase my talent,” he said.
385 it’s to light😴@JColemanFB @SKYLINEfb @PeterJinkens @Coach_QuestHuff pic.twitter.com/rJqaxRbqAG
— Elijah Bo barnes (@ElijahBobarnes1) February 7, 2023
His strong football IQ is aided by his experience as a running back, and it’s clear why the Rebels are so intent on getting Barnes to Oxford for a visit.
“Most definitely I will try to get up there — sooner rather than later — to see what the Ole Miss Rebels have in store for me.”
Elijah Barnes on visiting Oxford
We will keep you updated on the recruitment of this elite-level player as his journey continues.
Hotty Toddy!
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
