Ole Miss Eyes Future with 2026 Elite Four-Star QB Landon Duckworth
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss has consistently demonstrated its ability to develop quarterbacks—whether through the transfer portal or the high school ranks. Rebels’ head coach Lane Kiffin is a true quarterback whisperer, so it’s no surprise that when it comes to building depth for the future, he’s targeting top-tier talent such as 2026 four-star QB Landon Duckworth, who is also a talented basketball player.
🤦🏾♂️😂🟣🟡#FinalFourBound#WIN2 pic.twitter.com/OC3gbVUe3Y
— Landon “DUCK🦆” Duckworth (@LandonDuckworth) February 19, 2025
Ole Miss has set the bar high in its quarterback recruiting efforts, and Duckworth one of the top names on its board. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound, four-star prospect from Jackson High School in Alabama is ranked No. 47 overall in the class in the nation, the No. 6 overall quarterback, and the No. 3 player in Alabama. He is coming off last season where he threw for 4,000+ yards and 50+ TDs, so it’s no wonder why so many top programs are pursuing him.
He has already helped lead his team to back-to-back state championships—not just in football, but in basketball as well.
Reps🏈‼️ 🦆🎯 @JacksonFootball @QBCountry @overtime pic.twitter.com/oFhWffVQmV
— Landon “DUCK🦆” Duckworth (@LandonDuckworth) March 26, 2025
The former South Carolina commit has one of the highest ceilings in his class, and his growing offer sheet reflects that. Fresh off a strong showing at an Elite 11 regional, Duckworth has also committed to the 2026 All-American Navy Bowl in San Antonio.
🏈🦆After talking with @TomLoy247 I am committed to the 2026 All-American Navy Bowl Game @AABonNBC @Andrew_Ivins@JacksonFootball @QBCountry! pic.twitter.com/AAaDCCwGqC
— Landon “DUCK🦆” Duckworth (@LandonDuckworth) March 28, 2025
This past week, Duckworth returned to Oxford for another visit, and we had the opportunity to catch up with him.
📍@OleMissFB 🔴🔵🦈 pic.twitter.com/wf0NxsM1N9
— Landon “DUCK🦆” Duckworth (@LandonDuckworth) March 27, 2025
It’s clear that Coach Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. have made Duckworth a top priority in their recruiting efforts, and Duckworth shared with us what has stood out to him.
“Coach Kiffin and Coach Weis’ offense and development plans for QBs, and them just letting me know I’m their top guy,” Duckworth says about what has caught his attention.
This wasn’t Duckworth’s first visit to Oxford, but he emphasized what he was most looking forward to. “Just getting back around everybody to learn more about the program,” he explained ahead of the visit.
Even for elite athletes—especially quarterbacks—finding the right fit within a program is crucial. We asked Duckworth what Lane Kiffin has shared with him about his potential fit in the Rebels’ offense in the future.
“The offense he runs and what he likes to do fit my play style and who I am as a QB.”
Landon Duckworth on how Coach Kiffin sees him fitting in with the Rebs
The Rebels have positioned themselves well in Duckworth’s recruitment. Of course, they’ll have to fend off competition from other top programs. Here’s his schedule of visits as of this writing.
Landon Duckworth’s Official Visits:
- Georgia: May 30 – June 1
- South Carolina: June 6 – 8
- Florida State: June 13 – 15
- Ole Miss: June 20 – 22
There’s no question the Rebels have a proven track record of developing quarterbacks at all levels, helping them unlock even greater potential when they come to play in the ‘SIP.
We’ll be on hand this weekend in Dallas at OT7 to see Duckworth in action with his team, RWE. Stay tuned!
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.
