Four-Star QB Commit Keegan Croucher Talks Lane Kiffin, Oxford and His Rebel Future: ‘They made me feel like this was my home’

OXFORD, Miss. — Poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson writes: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

This philosophy encapsulates Lane Kiffin’s approach since taking the helm at Ole Miss six years ago. With a commitment to charting their own course, Kiffin and his staff have embraced the less-followed path, particularly in their quest for top-tier talent — and especially when it comes to securing future quarterbacks.

As Ole Miss continues to establish deep roots, the Rebels are not just preparing for immediate challenges but are laying the groundwork for sustained success in the years ahead.

Ole Miss has yet again struck gold in the pursuit of a quarterback for 2027: Keegan Croucher the 6-foot-4, 205-pound four-star prospect from Connecticut whose stock has soared recently committed to Lane Kiffin.

We had a chance to visit with Croucher after his pledge to Ole Miss, and his comments are very telling about both the player and where Lane Kiffin has the program sitting now.

The standout athlete from Cheshire Academy excels in multiple sports—football, basketball, and baseball—and is currently ranked as the No. 10 quarterback nationally for 2027 and the No. 2 overall prospect out of Connecticut according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

Now, this blue-chip gunslinger from New England has decided to bring his talents south to join the SEC as an Ole Miss Rebel, choosing Kiffin’s program over offers from Penn State and Oregon.

In the midst of his junior season, he has been quite the force on Cheshire Academy’s varsity team. Croucher has demonstrated strong productivity on the field. During his sophomore year, he completed an impressive 145 of 218 passes for 2,052 yards and threw for 21 touchdowns, while limiting himself to just three interceptions across eight games. His outstanding performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the First Team All-NEPSAC team.

As a freshman starter, he showcased his prowess by completing 181 of 283 passes for 2,934 yards and registering 31 touchdowns with only three picks.

For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of watching him play—get ready! Croucher dissects defenses with precision. What truly distinguishes a great quarterback? Is it raw power or finesse? The answer lies in striking a unique balance between both attributes. Croucher possesses this combination; his ability to place throws into tight windows is outstanding.

This 2027 is special. 4 star @CAcatsFB1794 QB @KeeganCroucher fine tuning before the season. @amclaughlinqb pic.twitter.com/BFDcCi7iZT

— M2 QB Academy (@M2_QBacademy) August 18, 2025

A visit with Keegan Croucher

We had the opportunity to speak with Keegan following his commitment to Ole Miss. He shared insights about what made this program stand out among others and what ultimately led him to make such an impactful decision.

Rebel Walk: What was it about the way Ole Miss recruited you and the direction of the program that made you commit?

Keegan Crocker: “They recruited me very hard throughout the whole process. They have the offense I fit in that I believe I can thrive in, and they can develop me to thrive in it. I felt really good about them. Checked all the boxes, so I pulled the trigger.”

Rebel Walk: When was the moment you knew that this was where home would be?

Keegan Croucher: “When I was down there last weekend, when they played LSU. It was a special weekend. They made me feel like it was my home.  I talked with my parents and we were all on the same page.”

Rebel Walk: What are you most looking forward to as a future Rebel?

Keegan Croucher: “I’m looking forward to it all. To be coached by the staff, to be developed into an even better player under very good coaches. I’m also looking forward to going down south. I’ve always loved it down there.”

Rebel Walk: What is something that Ole Miss has that perhaps other schools you have been recruited to didn’t have in comparison?

Keegan Croucher: “Ole Miss just checked all the boxes. Loved everything about what they do and how they do it. Everyone is very genuine down there, and they also have given me the most love and have made it clear I was their guy since day one.”

Rebel Walk: For other prospects interested in Ole Miss, why is it the move for the future?

Keegan Croucher: “I think it’s the move for all positions. You’re going to have a top offense in the country year in and year out. They always have the best receivers, linemen being a part of that top offense. It starts up front. I’m just really excited about it. Can’t wait to do a lot of recruiting myself.”

For now, Croucher looks to continue to set the Cheshire Cats on a strong path in the Northeast Prep League.  The team stands as the No. 5 high school team in Connecticut with a 2-2 overall record and 1-1 in league play.

Next up, Croucher and the Cats are set to face the Brunswick School. Kick-off is set for Saturday at 1:00 p.m. CT. I’m looking forward to making the trek back to my old college stomping grounds to catch our future Rebel in action and stop in for a slice at Pop’s Pizza this fall!

Welcome to the ‘Sip, Keegan!