Ole Miss Recruiting Momentum Builds as Four-Star LB JaMichael Garrett Commits to Rebels

OXFORD, Miss. — As Ole Miss charges into Week 4 with a perfect 3-0 record overall and 2-0 in SEC play, head coach Lane Kiffin and the No. 13-ranked Rebels have been making headlines off the field as well, scoring significant victories on the recruiting front.

Ole Miss secured back-to-back commitments in less than 24 hours with pledges from linebackers Jiyez Fleming (2027) and JaMichael Garrett (2026).

The excitement kicked off on Sunday when Fleming from Oxford High School in Alabama announced his commitment to the Rebels. (Click here to read about Fleming.)

But the action didn’t stop there.

By Monday evening, Garrett, the No. 8 linebacker in the class of 2026, pledged his allegiance to Pete Golding’s defense in Oxford.

BREAKING: Four-Star LB JaMichael Garrett has Committed to Ole Miss, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’1 205 LB from Baton Rouge, LA chose the Rebels over LSU, Tennessee, and Clemson

“Isaiah 41:10”https://t.co/KEgF1DclSZ pic.twitter.com/vlCWneHDc6

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 15, 2025

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, Garrett hails from Central High School in Baton Rouge. He  visited Ole Miss during the thrilling victory over Arkansas—a game that clearly left a lasting impression.

Ultimately, Garrett chose Ole Miss over contenders like LSU, Clemson, Missouri, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and USC.

Currently rated as a four-star prospect and recognized as Louisiana’s eighth-best player overall, Garrett has been a top target for Pete Golding and the Ole Miss coaching staff for quite some time. Their relentless pursuit paid off.

Prior to transferring to Central High School in Louisiana, Garrett showcased his skills at Gulf Shores High School. There, he wrapped up his junior year with an impressive stat line: 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (TFL), 1.5 sacks, and 1 INT—which he returned for 99 yards.

Garrett’s sophomore season truly marked his rise as a standout talent; he recorded 87 tackles,26.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, along with another interception (returned for a touchdown), two forced fumbles (FF), and three fumble recoveries (FR).

The Fit in the Sip

Garrett’s commitment came at a crucial time for the Rebels who are looking to replenish at the linebacker position, especially in this 2026 recruiting cycle.

With TJ Dottery’s forced fumble in the closing moments of the Arkansas game, we have seen already just how that one play can shift the momentum of a game.

Garrett really fits the mold of that old-school middle-of-the-field linebacker that is solid in stopping the runs while making plays in pass coverage. He  is a player whose instinctive ability to locate the ball consistently sets him apart from his peers.

From the quick scout, he really has an impressive knack for opening up when pursuing plays; he showcases remarkable agility and awareness that keeps opponents on their toes. Whether it’s bursting through gaps or tracking down elusive ball carriers, his pursuit is relentless.

Beyond just his physical prowess, he  tackles with precision and plays with an undeniable edge that really sets up his team well in making plays.

With such dynamic additions to their roster, it’s clear Coach Kiffin and his staff are continuing to build something special at Ole Miss! Welcome Home, JMIKE!