A Visit with 2026 Wide Receiver Christian Ward in Town for Egg Bowl: ‘…the coaches genuinely try to get to know me as a person, not just as a player’

OXFORD, Miss. — If you are a talented wide receiver, you’ve likely got Ole Miss on your mind as head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense is definitely receiver-friendly. 2026 4-star WR Christian Ward visited Oxford last April and was undoubtedly impressed by the good things going on. Ward out of Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia left that same day with an offer in hand.  The Rebels’ coaching staff has continued their strong relationship with the swiftly-rising receiver.

Last game of my Jr. season, not the outcome we expected. I appreciate all my coaches and teammates! @WaltonRecruits @coachdbrunner @SlideoutCoach @BALLERSCHOICE1 @BrettGreenberg_ @JeremyO_Johnson @ChadSimmons_ @jeffsentell @RustyMansell_ @adamgorney @LemmingReport @SWiltfong_ pic.twitter.com/H8AeoP8MB7

— Christian Ward|c/o 2026 WR/DB (@ward_chris1) November 17, 2024

The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder already boasts a strong offer sheet from 18 programs and currently stands as the No. 41 wide receiver and the No. 29 athlete to come out of the Peach State.

Today, Ward returns to the Vaught for a chance to see an epic rivalry and to continue to build his relationship with the Rebels. I watched Ward last January during the All American Bowl Combine and was able to see why he was one of Julian Lewis’ go-to targets. Ward’s younger brother, Alexander, is also someone the Rebels will want to watch as he is an up and coming talent in the class of 2027.

We had the chance to catch up with Christian before the kick-off of the Egg Bowl today to talk about his visit and recruitment.

RW: What are you most looking forward to on your trip here to Oxford?

Ward: What I’m looking forward to the most about Ole Miss games is the incredible atmosphere in Oxford. The fans are truly die-hard, and having that level of support in a program is so important to me. It’s a huge part of what I value.

RW:What has stood out most about the way the Rebels have  recruited you thus far?

Ward: The biggest thing that stands out to me about the Rebels’ recruiting process is how the coaches genuinely try to get to know me as a person, not just as a player. Football won’t last forever, but the relationships I build now can carry me far in life, and that means a lot.

RW: Are there any school right now that are standing out in particular  in your recruitment?

Ward: At this point, I’m staying open to all possibilities and trusting God’s plan as I prepare for this major decision. Even so, Ole Miss is definitely high on my list.

RW: What about the way Ole Miss has performed this season stands out to you?

Ward: What really impresses me about Ole Miss is their balanced offense. The way they spread the ball keeps defenses on high alert for both their dangerous run and passing game.

The Rebels look to close out the season strong and continue to impress and attract top athletes like Christian Ward.

Hotty Toddy!