A Visit with 4-Star WR Xavier McDonald in Oxford for Egg Bowl: ‘Ole Miss has a great way of making recruits feel valued and part of their family’
OXFORD, Miss. — Today’s Egg Bowl is a game with deep roots, played in a state that is passionate not just about football, but especially THIS rivalry.
The stage is big, not just for the Rebs on the gridiron but also on the recruiting front. The sidelines will be filled with some of the nation’s best talent who will be taking it all in. While some recruits are coming in from out of state, there is plenty of elite talent that is ‘Sip made that will be on hand today in the Vaught. One of those is 2026 4-star wide receiver Xavier McDonald.
The elite McDonald doesn’t have to travel too far to take in the game he has known and loved growing up in Mississippi. The 6-foot-3, 160-pounder out of Morton, MS will be in Oxford, along with his talented brother, class of 2027 4-star corner Dolph McDonald. The Rebels undoubtedly will be working overtime to make sure this talented sibling duo has Ole Miss on their minds!
Here’s a clip of Rebel target Deuce Knight, an Auburn commit throwing to Xavier at the OT7 Finals.
#NotreDame commit @DeuceKnight is cookin’ on championship Sunday at the OT7 Finals
Touchdown to @Xavierkeonmac https://t.co/6aGI333IC9@247Sports pic.twitter.com/VBvh7Bh0nb
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) June 9, 2024
Xavier comes in as the No. 68 overall athlete in the nation for 2026, the No. 12 wide receiver in the country and the No.3 athlete in Mississippi. The talented pass catcher oozes with talent already and is exciting to watch.
2026 Four-star WR Xavier McDonald @Xavierkeonmac out of Morton, Mississippi with a nice snag on the out-route. Holds a Florida State offer among others. @Osceola_Rivals @Rivals pic.twitter.com/QTfD4ZQprF
— Nick Carlisle (@NCarlisleRivals) June 26, 2024
We had a chance to catch up with Xavier prior to the Egg Bowl kick off today to talk about the visit and the recruitment.
A Visit with 4-star WR Xavier McDonald
RW: Being from in-state, you know first-hand how special this rivalry is. What are you most looking forward to on your visit today for the Egg Bowl?
McDonald: The Egg Bowl is such an exciting event! I’m really looking forward to the intense atmosphere and seeing the passionate fans on both sides. It’s always a thrilling game.
RW: What has stood out most about the way Ole Miss has recruited you thus far?
McDonald: Ole Miss has a great way of making recruits feel valued and part of their family. Their focus on building strong relationships and providing a welcoming environment really stands out.
RW: What does it mean to get to share in the recruiting experience with your brother?
McDonald: It adds a special layer of support and excitement, making the journey even more meaningful.
Take a look at this ‘SIP-made talent you definitely want to know, Rebels. Glad to have the McDonalds on the sidelines today. Hotty Toddy!
Mid-season highlights (4 Games)https://t.co/7gj3B1UOCc@M3SPORTS_ @Dedric_McDonald@zjones_mhs @shayhodge3
@MarshallRivals@SWiltfong247 @samspiegs @ChadSimmons_ @Zach_Berry @TomLuginbill @CraigHaubert@MacCorleone74— Xavier Mcdonald (@Xavierkeonmac) October 1, 2024
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.
