Rebel Walk Recruiting Watch: Some of the top talent in Texas takes the field tonight in high school playoff action as DeSoto and Willis fight to advance

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Ole Miss football closed out its regular season with a road win in Starkville. When all was said and done, the Rebels edged out the Bulldogs, 17-7, finishing their regular season at 10-2 and bringing the Golden Egg back to Oxford. Ole Miss will now await to see how things pan out to see where they will be bowling in the postseason. 

Head coach Lane Kiffin and company are now looking to finish strong on the recruiting trail, as well, not just with the 2024 class but also with the many talented athletes in the 2025 and up classes. 

Just as the Rebels look to play in the postseason, so do many of their top targets who are inching closer to their goals of a possible state title. This week in the talent-rich Lone Star State only 176 schools remain in the hunt to earn a place in the next round of state playoffs, out of the 1,251 that began the season as hopefuls.

Tonight, our Rebel Walk recruiting watch will head down to San Antonio  for perhaps one of the biggest matchups in the Texas high school playoff run, pitting No. 7 DeSoto (11-0) vs Willis (12-0) at the Alamodome.  

These teams are arguably two of the most high-powered offenses in Texas high school football. The DeSoto Eagles have averaged 50.7 points per game and 5-star Florida QB commit D.J Lagway has thrown 71 total touchdowns. And Willis’ offense is averaging 56.7 points per game, so it’s a given this third-round matchup of 6A Division II playoffs will not disappoint.

With these powerhouses colliding tonight, there will be plenty of schools on hand to take a look at some of best talent not just in Texas, but in the nation. 

Here are the recruits to keep an eye on tonight:

D.J Lagway-2024 |  5 Star| QB| Willis| Florida commit 

Lagway has put together one of the most spectacular seasons in Texas high school football history with 5,114 yards of total offense (4,269 passing, 845 rushing) and 71 touchdowns. Lagway, who holds an offer from Ole Miss, will look to continue that, but first he will have to go through the defending 6A Division 2 champs tonight. 

5-star Florida QB commit DJ Lagway is now the single-season TD leader (in 5A/6A) with 57 pass TD

The senior playing at an extraordinary levels has 74 total TD this year. Willis plays DeSoto on Friday https://t.co/xpYcnuNeCe pic.twitter.com/vHBjTHDtHH

— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) November 19, 2023

Jalen Mickens – 2025 | WR | Willis

Mickens is one of the most underrated receivers in 2025. While he does not boast a long list of offers just yet, look for that to change soon, especially after the explosive display he has put on this season, week in and week out. One of Lagway’s favorite targets in the red zone, Mickens is a force you don’t want to overlook. Get on board because his status is going to sky rocket.

Once it’s in my hands, special things will happen! 🙌🏽💯 @WRHitList @Part1Production @WOLsports @247Sports @On3Recruits @dctf @COACHGRANT6 @PrepRedzoneTX @MaxPreps @MissKYUS2011 pic.twitter.com/xpY1DZeZyi

— Jalen Mickens (@JalenMickens4) November 21, 2023

Jermaine Bishop Jr- 2026 | ATH | Willis

Bishop is another talented and versatile playmaker for the Wildkats who you will want to keep watching. In his last game, he scored 5 touchdowns with his longest reception being 76 yards.

Jermaine Bishop Jr(Willis) hauled in 9 receptions for 294 receiving yards and 5 TDs in a 42-21 win on Friday night. The Sophomore ATH now has 1,791 total yards on the season offensively, with 5 INTs defensively. #NextLevelAthlete #TXHSFB @B6Jermaine @CoachTMiller18 pic.twitter.com/SGPoTyFSif

— Next Level Athlete (@NextLevelD1) November 22, 2023

Daylon Singleton-2025 | 4-Star WR| DeSoto | SMU commit

Singleton, who has an offer from the Rebels, is probably the speediest athlete in the Eagles’ lineup. He is extremely elusive and has no trouble creating separation, making him a difficult one to cover — if you can even get within arm’s reach of him. To date, Singleton has 950 reception yards for 14 touchdowns. He is one of the favorite targets of QB Darius Bailey, and you can bet there will be plenty of big plays from Singleton this evening. 

Type of time we on🦅😈 https://t.co/FIqRExH8v6

— TheRealDaylonSingleton🐇💨✌🏾 (@akaSweet13) October 30, 2023

Deondrae “Tiger” Riden-2025 | 4-Star RB | DeSoto 

It is easy to see why the Rebels have taken a strong interest in Riden and have offered him. He is one of the Lone Star state’s top running backs. Riden is one of the more versatile and explosive backs you will see in this playoff run and the Eagles will look to utilize him tonight to help get their offense rolling against a strong Wildkat defense.

🐅 ATTACK 🐅@riden_jr is backkkkk in action for @FootballDesoto and finds a way to turn this 4th and 6 into a touchdown!

DeSoto 15
Harker Heights 0
4:59 left in 1Q pic.twitter.com/neVVyTxFPB

— Metro Sports DFW (@MetroSportsDFW) November 11, 2023

Byron Washington-2025 | 3-Star | OT | DeSoto

Washington is a larger than life personality on and off the field, and the sort of tackle you want protecting any blindside and clearing the way.  You can’t miss the towering 6-foot-8, 385-pound junior.  

The former Monroe, LA native moved to Texas to help build his future and it’s no doubt it will be bright. Washington is already catching the eyes of many Power 5 programs, including the Texas Longhorns, TCU Horned Frogs and Florida State Seminoles.

Undefeated District Champs 🦅 pic.twitter.com/ubi5yRA9tC

— Byron A. Washington (@ByronWash25) November 3, 2023

Sael Reyes-2025 | 4-star| LB | DeSoto

The Rebels have offered Sael Reyes and look to keep his mind on the ‘Sip. He played his freshman and sophomore seasons at East St. Louis, but since his arrival at DeSoto, he has been able to create plenty of chaos for the opposing offenses. Expect more of the same from him tonight. The Rebels could definitely use another gritty playmaker like Reyes on their defense.

Waxahachie goes for it on fourth-and-1 at its 41 and Sael Reyes comes out of the pile with a fumble and returns it for a touchdown to give DeSoto a 21-14 lead over Waxahachie with 6:07 left second quarter.#txhsfb @SportsDayHS pic.twitter.com/GW1ZMzxmKQ

— Greg Riddle (@DMNGregRiddle) September 23, 2023

It is going to be another duel in San Antonio tonight, and we look forward to bringing you all the latest from the Alamodome, including some of the Rebels’ top prospects. 

Kickoff is set for 7 PM. You can stream it live at Texan Live. Click here.