Four-star 2026 DE Landon Barnes Commits to Ole Miss

OXFORD, Miss. — On Monday afternoon, Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding tweeted the iconic Landshark emoji indicating a recruit’s commit could be imminent. What talent was about to surface? The answer came swiftly as blue-chip edge rusher Landon Barnes from powerhouse Duncanville High School decided to join the ranks of the Rebels!

Home 🏠 https://t.co/kILjC5PCAP

— Landon Barnes (@LandoB26) June 30, 2025

This commitment sets an electrifying tone for the Rebels. Defensive line coach Randall Joyner has been tirelessly working to attract some of the most exceptional defensive players in this recruiting class, and he struck gold once again by landing the No. 18 edge rusher in the country, an impressive feat considering Barnes is also ranked as the No. 28 overall athlete out of Texas.

The 6-feet, 235-pound Barnes played a pivotal role in leading Duncanville to the Texas 6A Division I State Semifinals last season. As he embarks on his senior year with Ole Miss in mind, fans can expect even more explosive performances from this rising star.

After receiving over 32 offers and narrowing his choices down to Ohio State and Washington, it’s clear that Barnes has made a significant decision.

The Fit in the Sip 

So what makes Landon Barnes such a strong addition to Ole Miss? His explosive first step and formidable power as an edge rusher are just scratching the surface. Not only does he excel at pressuring quarterbacks, but he also showcases remarkable skills as a run defender who can effectively set edges. With so much potential still untapped, Barnes is truly a “beautiful nightmare” for opposing offenses—a player you want on your roster.

Here’s what we’ve observed about him this past fall and offseason that will make him an invaluable asset for the Ole Miss defense:

Exceptional Point-of-Attack Strength: He commands engagements with remarkable power, consistently overpowering his opponents.

Dominant Bull Rusher: His formidable inside hand technique provides him with a distinct advantage against taller pass protectors, allowing him to assert his will in the trenches.

Explosive Pursuit Speed: Once he breaks free, he rapidly closes gaps, demonstrating an impressive ability to track down ball carriers.

High Pass-Rushing Potential: By honing his rush entry techniques, he has the opportunity to elevate his performance to new heights, unlocking even greater success on the field.

This is a huge win for the defensive side of the ball, as Barnes performs at a high caliber and will be a strong prospect that can fit in various roles in personnel sets.