Ole Miss Stays in Hunt for 4-Star 2026 QB Gavin Sidwar
OXFORD, Miss. — When an athlete not only oozes talent but also possesses the kind of potential that screams high ceiling, you don’t want to let him get away—even if he is committed to another program. With constant changes on the recruiting trail and dominoes falling daily, especially among the top 2026 talent, the programs that come out on top are those willing to stay in it for the long haul.
Lane Kiffin and the Rebels are good at playing the long game, and that is sure evident with their recruitment of 4-star QB Gavin Sidwar.
I have had the opportunity to scout the talented Sidwar, a player who — at least early on — was not receiving as much buzz as some of his peers. But Ole Miss was in early on the 6-foot-3, 190-pound prospect out of La Salle College High School in Pennsylvania. Sidwar currently stands as the No. 25 overall quarterback in his class and the No. 12 overall player from Pennsylvania.
We spoke with Sidwar earlier this week following his in-home visit from Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis to talk about his thoughts on the Rebels and his recruitment thus far.
Early Interest from the Rebels
Sidwar’s recruitment journey with Ole Miss has been interesting. Throughout various changes to the recruiting board, he has remained a player they’ve tracked closely. He is no stranger to Oxford, having visited earlier this spring, where the Rebels made a strong impression.
“The facilities are great, but what stood out the most was the resources they put into their qb room. Coach (Joe) Judge was great. He’s coaching QBs. He’s just about the ball and works hard making sure the QBs are set up to be successful. Coach Weis does an excellent job of running their QB meetings and Coach Kiffin sits in them as well. They devote a lot of resources to that position, and not all programs do that.”
Gavin Sidwar on Ole Miss
Committed to Missouri—for Now
Sometimes the timing and fit of a recruitment take another direction. For Sidwar, that meant finding a home with the Missouri Tigers, verbally committing in mid-April. However, after seeing him up close, I firmly believe that if the Rebels were to reshuffle their 2026 quarterback board, Sidwar would have to move up. Seeing is believing, and it looks like Ole Miss is back in the hunt after spending additional evaluation time with Sidwar during the spring evaluation period.
The Quick Scout
As a freshman in 2022, Sidwar quickly earned the starting role. Despite a season-ending collarbone injury after just five games, his numbers were impressive: 68 completions on 108 attempts (68.9%) for 651 yards and 7 touchdowns, along with 2 rushing scores.
As a sophomore, he broke La Salle’s passing record with 186 completions on 285 attempts (65.2%), totaling 2,438 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading his team to a 6-5 record and a second-round playoff berth.
As a junior, Sidwar dominated, completing 220 of 318 passes (69.2%). His performance showcased precision and skill: 32 touchdowns to just six interceptions. His ability to consistently connect with receivers in crucial moments was a masterclass in quarterback play.
In live evaluations during the OT7 circuit this spring, Sidwar impressed again. The event provided a unique opportunity to see some of the nation’s top 2026 quarterbacks side by side—and Sidwar made his case as one of the best.
Super impressed by Level82 QB @Gavin7Sidwar consistency all game long here at Day 1: Week 4 at OT7. Sidwar has the Rebels in his top schools. #RWRecruiting pic.twitter.com/eKVdrAisrB
— LeeAnn Herring (@LeeAnnHerringRW) April 5, 2025
Sidwar’s Unique Skill Set
In high school football, where every throw can change a game, Sidwar stands out for threading the needle in tight coverage. His pinpoint throws not only lead to successful catches but also give receivers the best chance for yards after the catch.
Sidwar also shows outstanding mobility. When defenders close in, he remains calm, maneuvering skillfully to extend plays. His ability to keep focus under pressure is a testament to his poise.
Level 82 up against the Cold Hearts 14-7 with a @Gavin7Sidwar TD to Kitchens! #OT7 pic.twitter.com/A2jdIdhE9Y
— LeeAnn Herring (@LeeAnnHerringRW) April 5, 2025
Sidwar manipulates safeties with subtle glances, works through progressions, and avoids predetermined throws. He consistently puts his receivers in a position to succeed, even against tight man coverage.
He also adjusts his throwing velocity with ease, whether it’s a short dart or a deep strike. His deep ball—often traveling over 50 yards—is particularly impressive.
Back in the Hunt
Could Ole Miss be gaining ground in Sidwar’s recruitment? The Rebels aren’t holding back. Assistant Coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends coach Joe Cox watched Sidwar throw last Thursday, followed by an in-home visit Tuesday night from offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.
Gavin expressed how meaningful it is for him that Ole Miss continues to prioritize him despite his current commitment.
“After they saw me throw in person, they’ve made it clear that I’m a priority for them. That’s significant given their offensive success and the positive trajectory of their program.”
Gavin Sidwar
Gavin also highlighted the importance of Coach Charlie Weis Jr.’s personal visit to Pennsylvania:
“It doesn’t go unnoticed that Coach Weis took the time to see me and spend quality time with us. Whenever a coordinator makes such an effort, it’s a big deal. I genuinely appreciate the time he dedicated.”
Gavin Sidwar on Coach Weis’ home visit
The Rebels continue to push for an official visit. Sidwar says he plans to discuss that with his family and coach before deciding. Ole Miss clearly views him as more than just a top target—they see him as a potential program cornerstone.
Went 5-0 and punched our ticket to the OT7 playoffs‼️ See ya in June 🌴@EliasCoke1 🫡 pic.twitter.com/7BtPVMGn3E
— Gavin Sidwar (@Gavin7Sidwar) April 8, 2025
Stay Tuned
It won’t be easy, but Ole Miss is making all the right moves to get Sidwar to have Mississippi on his mind once again. Stay with The Rebel Walk for the latest twists and turns in Gavin Sidwar’s recruitment.
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.
