Pete Golding, Ole Miss Look to Finish Strong with Key Recruiting Targets as Dead Period Approaches

OXFORD, Miss. — The summer recruiting calendar is about to go silent, but not before Pete Golding and the Ole Miss staff make one final push.

Beginning June 22, the NCAA dead period will halt in-person recruiting activity until August, effectively freezing face-to-face contact between coaches and prospects.

Note: An NCAA Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) recruiting dead period means college coaches cannot have face-to-face contact with recruits or their parents, watch them compete in person, or host them for official or unofficial campus visits. Coaches may still communicate via phone or written correspondence.

Before that door closes, however, the Rebels have one final opportunity to strengthen their position with several of the nation’s top 2027 targets.

And make no mistake about it: this weekend could have a significant impact on how Ole Miss’ class ultimately takes shape.

Caden Moss set to visit

Perhaps the biggest name expected in Oxford this weekend is one that has been near the top of Ole Miss’ board for months. Jackson Academy offensive tackle Caden Moss remains one of the most important recruiting battles of the cycle for the Rebels. The four-star prospect has long been viewed as a priority target, and at various points in his recruitment, Ole Miss appeared to be firmly in control.

However, the race has become considerably more competitive as of late.

Ohio State and Kentucky have mounted serious challenges, while Oregon and LSU have all remained involved throughout the process. Still, the Rebels have one important advantage: Moss is expected to conclude his official visit schedule in Oxford. On Thursday, The Rebel Walk confirmed with a source close to Moss that he is, as of yesterday, still planning on taking his visit to Ole Miss this weekend.

For offensive line coach John Garrison, landing Moss would represent another major win in what is shaping up to be an impressive haul along the offensive front.

Ole Miss Continues Push for Antonio Berry

Speaking of Garrison, another recruitment drawing significant attention remains Tupelo offensive lineman Antonio Berry.

The Under Armour All-American has become one of Mississippi’s most coveted prospects and one of the most important remaining targets in the state.

Berry’s recruitment has taken several turns over the past few months. Alabama carried considerable momentum earlier in the process, while Kentucky has emerged as a legitimate contender after making a strong impression during his visit to Lexington.

Yet Ole Miss continues to position itself well.

If the Rebels could ultimately land both Berry and Moss, they would pair those additions with current commitment Antonio Keefer and potentially secure one of the strongest offensive line groups in the country.

Running back recruiting

Few recruitments have generated more discussion around Ole Miss lately than that of elite running back David Gabriel Georges.

The Tennessee standout is one of the most dynamic offensive prospects in the 2027 class and remains one of the highest-priority targets on the board. Ole Miss hosted Georges last weekend alongside Baylor School teammate and current Rebel commitment, QB Keegan Croucher. The visit represented a significant opportunity for the Rebels to make their case before the dead period.

The challenge remains substantial, and there doesn’t seem to be quite as much optimism in the Ole Miss camp as there had been. But you know how it goes; anything can happen in recruiting. We do know Ohio State and Tennessee continue to be heavily involved, and the battle is expected to remain fluid until Georges ultimately reaches a decision. He recently cancelled his visit to Georgia.

More Recruits to Watch

Alvin Mosley: One of the recruitments generating increasing optimism inside Ole Miss circles is that of wide receiver Alvin Mosley. The talented pass catcher from Texas left Oxford impressed after his June visit, and multiple signs continue to point toward the Rebels being in a strong position moving forward.

Mosley remains one of the more important skill-position targets remaining on the board, and Ole Miss would welcome adding another explosive offensive weapon to the class.

Tae Walden, Jr.: The Rebels also remain heavily involved with Collierville (Tenn.) athlete Tae Walden, Jr. He officially visited Oxford this past Monday — and reports indicate he stayed until Wednesday morning.

He is ranked as the No. 3 athlete in the class and the No. 4 player in Tennessee. Last season, he tallied 42 catches for 912 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 1,460 all-purpose yards.

Ole Miss made it clear throughout the visit that Walden is a major priority. Additionally, there are reports that the Rebels would let the two-way athlete play both ways. At Collierville High School, he plays wide receiver and cornerback, and our sources indicate Ole Miss would allow the same.

Reports do also suggest Walden will be making a trip out west to visit Oregon and Dan Lanning this weekend.

Cornerback Dolph McDonald: Elsewhere, cornerback Dolph McDonald appears to be nearing a decision after his official visits, as well. He has visited Ole Miss numerous times. It appears that Arkansas and Mississippi State are also in the mix.

The Morton, Miss. native is ranked No. 22 in the state of Mississippi and No. 69 nationally among cornerbacks.

Defensive lineman Mitchell Turner: Pete Golding continues to pursue several high-profile front-seven prospects. Elite Louisville, Mississippi defensive lineman Mitchell Turner remains one of the state’s most coveted recruits. Alabama has generated significant buzz throughout the process, but Ole Miss continues fighting to keep the four-star, in-state standout home — with some saying the Rebels have significantly closed the gap with the Tide as of late.

The Bigger Picture

Official visits may be ending, but commitments will continue throughout July, and several of Ole Miss’ top targets are expected to announce their decisions in the coming weeks. For now, the focus remains simple. Finish strong.

The Rebels have assembled a solid foundation in the 2027 class, but the next several weeks will determine whether it remains a very good class or a potentially a very special one. This weekend represents the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression before recruiting conversations move behind phone calls, text messages, and anticipation.

Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk, and we’ll keep you posted on how the weekend goes for Coach Golding and the Rebels!