Elite Linebacker Anthony Davis Joins 2026 Ole Miss Class in Huge Recruiting Win

OXFORD, Miss. — It’s that time of year again in the Velvet Ditch—football fever is upon us. With the first week of fall camp wrapped up, the Rebels are ready to kick off August with a bang. And what a way to do it — Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding have struck gold on the recruiting trail, securing a major commitment from elite linebacker Anthony “Ant” Davis for the 2026 class.

Davis has been on the Rebels’ radar since day one, and despite receiving over 51 offers, Ole Miss never wavered in their pursuit. The hard work has finally paid off, as the 6-foot-2, 210-pound enforcer out of Grayson High School in Georgia announced his commitment on Saturday.

Not only did Ole Miss fend off fierce competition from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Michigan, and Auburn, but they also landed the No. 20 overall linebacker in the nation.

Last season, the Under Armour All-American put on quite a show, racking up impressive stats over 13 games: 105 tackles, 15 tackles for loss (TFLs), one interception (INT), three sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, and five pass breakups (PBUs). His performance was instrumental in leading Grayson to a stellar 14-1 record and a thrilling run to the state championship, averaging an astounding ten tackles per game.

Clips from the All- American Game @SWiltfong_ @TomLoy247 @CraigHaubert @DemetricDWarren @adamgorney @JohnGarcia_Jr @Andrew_Ivins @CoachNickPopiel @CoachCarswell @CoachSB_4theG pic.twitter.com/I6SFpmt9WI

— Anthony “Ant” Davis Jr (@AnthonyDavis077) January 4, 2025

As he gears up for his senior season, Davis is poised to leave his mark at Grayson. He kicks off his final chapter on August 15th with an away game against Collins Hill. Rebel fans can expect big things as this rising star takes the field! Now let’s delve into what Ole Miss can expect from the talented linebacker in the future.

1 more💍 @grayson_fb @adamgorney @JohnGarcia_Jr @SWiltfong_ @Andrew_Ivins @TomLoy247 @LemmingReport @DemetricDWarren @CharlesPower @ChadSimmons_ @CoachNickPopiel @CoachCarswell @CoachSB_4theG pic.twitter.com/WgIDfoteZo

— Anthony “Ant” Davis Jr (@AnthonyDavis077) December 15, 2024

Anthony Davis commands attention no matter when he hits the field. With an explosive blend of speed, versatility, and tenacity on the field. What sets him apart is not just his athletic prowess, it’s his extraordinary ability to make game-changing plays.

 A Lightning Bolt on the Field

Davis isn’t just fast; he’s a human highlight reel. Imagine a player who can sprint from one sideline to the other in the blink of an eye, seemingly shutting down plays before they even begin. His explosive speed allows him to cover ground like few others, making him an essential asset for any defensive strategy.

Quick Reflexes: Davis possesses lightning-fast reflexes that enable him to read plays almost instinctively. Whether it’s a running back trying to break through the line or a quarterback looking for an opening, he anticipates movements with uncanny precision.

Coverage Skills: What sets him apart from traditional linebackers is his exceptional ability to drop back into coverage. He can seamlessly transition from defending against runs to shadowing receivers, ensuring that no one escapes his watchful eye.

First pick of the season ! @adamgorney @RivalsFriedman @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ @Andrew_Ivins @JohnGarcia_Jr @CoachNickPopiel @CoachSB_4theG @CoachGCarswell pic.twitter.com/5NlrB8HKfB

— Anthony “Ant” Davis Jr (@AnthonyDavis077) August 9, 2024

 Versatility: The Key to His Game

In today’s fast-paced SEC football, versatility is more than just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Davis embodies this quality, making him adaptable in various defensive schemes. He can line up inside or outside and still deliver elite-level performance.

Rushing and Blitzing: With a knack for rushing the ball and blitzing at precisely the right moment, Davis creates pressure that disrupts opposing offenses. His well-timed blitzes often lead to sacks or hurried throws, turning potential scoring opportunities into defensive triumphs.

Tackling Prowess: Strong tackling skills are fundamental for any linebacker, but Davis takes it up a notch with his physical play. He doesn’t just tackle; he wraps up opponents securely while delivering impactful hits that resonate throughout the stadium.

The Game-Changer Mentality

What truly elevates Davis above others is his game-changing mentality. Each time he steps onto the field, you can feel the energy shift; he knows how to turn momentum in favor of his team.

Whether it’s intercepting passes or forcing fumbles, Davis consistently finds ways to create turnovers when it matters most. His knack for being in the right place at the right time transforms ordinary plays into extraordinary moments.