A Visit with Four-Star DL Braeden Jones, a Top Edge Rusher in the 2026 class, on His Offer from Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. – Lane Kiffin and his staff have done an incredible job maintaining their success in high school recruiting, and they are continuing to send out offers to 2025 and 2026 recruits. Earlier this week, 2026 edge rusher Braeden Jones received his offer from the Rebels.
#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachSchoonie I’m extremely blessed to receive an offer to Ole Miss!!! #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/LTCbUIQcBV
— Braeden Jones (@Braedenej99) May 6, 2024
We visited with Braeden after the offer to get his thoughts.
“I didn’t expect to get the offer… It definitely caught me off guard.“
~ Jones on receiving his Ole Miss offer
Part of Jones’ excitement comes from the simple fact that growing up, his two favorite teams to watch were Ohio State and Ole Miss. Braeden spoke highly of what interests him in Oxford.
“Ole Miss dominates every year. I grew up an Ole Miss fan, I love Ole Miss fans, and I love how Ole Miss develops defensive linemen. I don’t know anyone that went there, but they’re always on TV, you know?”
~ Jones on being an Ole Miss fan
Back home in Chicago, the four-star plays for Mount Carmel High School, a program that holds 15 state titles, the most in Illinois. Jones is also under the direction of head coach Jordan Lynch, who was a Heisman finalist in the 2013 college football season.
Braeden discussed what it’s like to be a part of such a well-known program.
“For me, there is definitely a standard, and if you’re not reaching that standard, they’re going to get on you. Coach Lynch runs a really good program. Our strength and conditioning coach, Coach Joe, runs an extremely good off-season program for us, so we’re staying healthy year-round, and he’s getting us right for the season. I really love Mt. Carmel.”
~ Jones on his high school program
As far as his on-field production goes, Jones is a force to be reckoned with off the edge. He possesses a 6-foot-5 frame while weighing 250 pounds. Looking at his film, he does a fantastic job shedding blocks and closing rushing lanes for the opposing offense. Being a 2026 recruit, his size, speed, and physicality are eye-opening from his gameplay.
Four-star DE Braeden Jones (@Braedenej99) was very good at Under Armour in Ohio yesterday. It's early but Notre Dame is standing out early. Auburn, Florida and others pursuing hard. @adamgorney / @TJamesND pic.twitter.com/fAU2RREFM7
— Greg Smith (@GregSmithRivals) April 29, 2024
Going into this summer, Jones is still figuring out where he’ll be visiting, but he informed me he will be attending a camp at Ohio State. He holds other offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Louisville, Florida Texas A&M. He also assured me that sooner than later, he would be in Oxford to check things out.
“We’re just going to try and figure it out from there, but I’m definitely getting down to all the SEC schools. I’ll be at Ole Miss a couple of times.”
~ Jones on his upcoming schedule
For all Ole Miss recruiting updates and more, be sure to stay tuned to The Rebel Walk. Hotty Toddy!
Zach Moreth
Zach is a freshman at Ole Miss and is studying Sports Administration. Outside of watching and playing sports, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones and being active. I’m excited to help cover our amazing Ole Miss sports teams!
