Elite 4-Star Running Back Akylin Dear Commits to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss earned a huge commitment Saturday afternoon from 2025 blue chip running back Akylin Dear, the nation’s No. 1 at his position per 247Sports.
home is home 🔵🔴🦈 pic.twitter.com/Qn4UGhmpVK
— ᴀᴋʏʟɪɴ(AK)ᴅᴇᴀʀ⭐️ (@akylin3) March 30, 2024
Dear’s recruitment has been one of the most sizzling this spring, to say the least, and running backs coach Kevin Smith and head coach Lane Kiffin didn’t have to go far to reel in the Quitman (Miss.) native.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder currently is the No. 42-ranked athlete overall in the nation, and the No.2 athlete to come out of the Magnolia state.
Dear’s offer list was filled with every powerhouse you could imagine, but the star running back ultimately chose Ole Miss over Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oregon, USC and others.
There is no question what a dynamic turf blazer Akylin is and why defenses are shaking in their cleats when he takes the field.
MS 4-Star RB Akylin Dear @akylin3 is one of the top backs competing at Under Armour Next Atlanta today.
Kalen DeBoer and Alabama paid him a visit last month. pic.twitter.com/ux2QvXrDpm
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) February 18, 2024
During his junior campaign, Dear rushed for 2,016 rushing yards and 27 TD.
He also earned second-team All-State honors last season and has accepted an invite to participate in the 2025 Under Armour All-America game.
As sophomore, he closed the season with 800 yards and 21 TD. It’s safe to say when his cleats hit the ground production is guaranteed.
350 rushing yards
6 touchdowns
1 2pt conversion
🚂https://t.co/wpIUehw6bd— ᴀᴋʏʟɪɴ(AK)ᴅᴇᴀʀ⭐️ (@akylin3) October 15, 2023
With his athleticism and speed, Dear will undoubtedly be in the conversation as a potentially instant impact player for the Rebels. He has a dynamic ability to maneuver his body, and he enjoys the pressure of critical-down situations.
#WORK👿 pic.twitter.com/ryrZpPVQAi
— ᴀᴋʏʟɪɴ(AK)ᴅᴇᴀʀ⭐️ (@akylin3) October 24, 2023
He became the second class of 2025 commitment for Coach Kiffin and the Rebels, joining four-star linebacker Corey Amos out of Opelousas, LA. The Rebels are indeed building another special recruiting class and we look forward to keeping you updated on our class of 2025 Rebels.
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.
