Ole Miss Zeroes In: The Race for 2027 Kentucky QB Commit DJ Hunter Heats Up this June
OXFORD, Miss. — As the whirlwind of June recruiting approaches its climax, coaches and general managers are racing against the clock before a two-month dead period sets in.
But for those committed to building a lasting football program, the pursuit of top talent never truly pauses. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about identifying athletes who bring invaluable intangibles to the game. Ole Miss is on the hunt for elite prospects, and with the 2027 contact period now open, they’re zeroing in on a position that has become synonymous with success during Lane Kiffin’s tenure—the quarterback.
With summer temperatures rising, so too are scholarship offers. Enter Class of 2027 quarterback DJ Hunter, who is making significant waves on the recruiting scene. The Kentucky commit showcased his skills last season at Bearden High School in Knoxville.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound, three-star athlete ranks as the No. 28 quarterback nationally and No. 14 overall athlete in Tennessee. Despite only appearing in eight games due to injury, Hunter completed an impressive 76 of 142 passes for 1,431 yards and nine touchdowns while also adding three rushing touchdowns to his tally.
Now poised for even greater success, Hunter will transfer to Georgia powerhouse Buford for his junior season—a strategic move that could elevate his stock even further.
Buford has a stellar reputation for developing some of the nation’s top quarterbacks and facilitating their transition to higher levels of competition. Meanwhile, Ole Miss isn’t wasting any time getting involved with this promising Wildcats QB commit.
First time in action in the year 2025 at the @GeorgiaFootball 7v7 camp today 🔥 @buford_football @CoachApp35 #Month5postsurgery #BBN pic.twitter.com/FuqQs3i7Ti
— DJ Hunter (@raisethebowdj_4) June 10, 2025
What stands out about Hunter? To start, his ability to remain strong in the pocket while demonstrating remarkable mobility and a powerful deep ball. His growing football IQ, combined with his knack for making plays across various offensive schemes, makes him an ideal fit for Ole Miss’ dynamic offense.
We had the opportunity to connect with Hunter to discuss his new SEC offer.
“It means a lot! It shows my stock is rising and that people are starting to take notice of me. I can really tell they like me and want me there—even though I’m still committed to UK.”
DJ Hunter on the Ole Miss offer
As he continues climbing up the ranks and attracting attention from multiple programs, we asked how this latest offer from Ole Miss impacts his commitment to Kentucky.“It hasn’t really affected my commitment; I’m still locked in with them,” Hunter explained.
He plans to return to Lexington this Friday but currently has no other visits scheduled—though he expressed interest in catching an Ole Miss game this season.
Rebels’ head coach Lane Kiffin has built a reputation as a quarterback guru known for developing successful signal-callers like Jalen Hurts, Matt Corral, and Jaxson Dart. When asked how Kiffin’s track record influences his consideration of Ole Miss as an option, Hunter remarked, “That’s definitely a checkmark in their direction.”
The Rebels have certainly given Hunter a lot to ponder as they enter the race for the talented Georgia quarterback. We can’t wait to catch his much-anticipated season debut when Buford hosts Milton in the thrilling Georgia high school football kickoff on ESPN this August.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights into Hunter’s journey—this is just the beginning.
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.
