A visit with 2026 Rebel legacy and 4-star Deuce Geralds, the No. 6 overall defensive lineman in the country

OXFORD, Miss. — There is a saying about family that goes like this: “Family isn’t a noun. It is a verb requiring action from each of its members to keep it afloat.” When you arrive at Ole Miss, it is not just about football. Recruits tell us over and over that it’s about family to them, and there is no question Oxford is a place that for many feels like home.

This season has been one for the books when it comes to attracting some of the top prospects to help carry on the legacy head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff are building. One of those talented recruits is Class of 2026 blue chip defensive lineman Deuce Geralds.

While Geralds may call Suwanee, Georgia home — a place where he has been a force on the Collins Hill High School trenches — his roots run through Ole Miss. Geralds carries on his father’s love of not only football, but for the Rebels. Gerald’s father, Daverin Geralds, was a center for the Rebels’ Cotton Bowl champion team in January, 2010.

Can Ole Miss bring the legacy to Oxford?

Deuce Geralds, a 6-foot-2, 265-pound defensive lineman, already boasts an offer sheet with over 38 programs including: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee and others.

Deuce holds a 4-star rating and ranks as the No.77 overall athlete nationally in 2026, the No. 6 defensive lineman in the nation and the No.9 athlete at any position to come out of the Peach State. Ole Miss offered the talented Geralds in April of 2022.

DEUCE GERALDS, Collins Hill Football, Class of ’26 @DeuceGeralds @SwickONE8 @CHHSEaglesFB @CHHS_Sports @deucerecruiting @RecruitGeorgia @MyRecruitBoard @GDPfootball @GDPsports @RustyMansell_ @scoutSMART_ @Gwinnetttdclub pic.twitter.com/HdkZT3INbn

— Pete Snyder (@petesnyder7) November 9, 2024

And it’s worth pointing out that Deuce isn’t too bad at making it into the end zone when the Eagles need him. Could we have another Mayor (JJ Pegues, who plays defensive lineman and carries the ball on short yardage situations on offense) in the making?

GAME WINNING TD 🔥🙌🏾@DeuceGeralds @SwickONE8 @CollinsHillFB @On3Recruits @SportsRecruits @adamgorney @ChadSimmons_ @CoachBeck56 pic.twitter.com/z99m4yhUh9

— Jo📸 (@flicksbyjo) August 24, 2024

We had a chance to catch up with Geralds to get his thoughts on his recent return to Oxford as well as how his recruiting journey is going.

A visit with Deuce Geralds

RW: What stood out most to you about your time in Oxford?

Deuce Geralds: I liked the town and the feel of the game atmosphere.

RW: What do you notice about the way the Rebels are recruiting you?

Deuce Geralds: They do a good job of making me feel like I’m already a part of the team and recognize that I’m already family with my dad being a former player.

RW:  Are there any teams right now that really stand out in recruiting?

Deuce Geralds: Yes. Ole Miss, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU, Texas

RW: What do you think you could bring to a team like Ole Miss with your skill-set and what’s an x-factor about you?

Deuce Geralds: I think I bring a great skill-set with my ability to play both the pass and the run at a high level. I’ll also bring my versatility being able to play inside and on the edge too.

The  Rebels continue to make a lasting impression on Geralds. He commented on Ole Miss’ 28-10 win over Georgia.

Deuce Geralds

Geralds now looks to shift his focus to  his team’s Sweet 16 state playoff run this week. The Eagles are 10-1 overall and 5-1 in Region. They will face Colquitt County on the road today, Friday, November 22. Kick-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.