Believe it or not, Lane Kiffin just pulled off a recruiting stunner. Ole Miss had no business in this 4-star linebacker’s recruitment—he didn’t even list them in his top 12. But the moment they stepped foot in Oxford, everything changed, as suddenly, the Rebels found themselves in the same league as Bama, Texas, and USC. Looks like Kiffin has the power to convince even a fish to climb a tree. Now, Ole Miss isn’t just hanging around—they’re turning heads with their modern approach to “new-age” recruitment.
Grayson High star Anthony Davis, who had a wild 40+ offers back in September, just narrowed his choices down to 12. While teams like Auburn, Bama, USC, and Longhorns were already on his list, Ole Miss makes the lateral entry, but with major dominance. For him, it was all about the culture. As Davis told On3, “Ole Miss has made things interesting; the hospitality and the way they want to play for me really caught my attention.”
But let’s not forget that Lane Kiffin recently strengthened his 2026 class with three-star WR Jameson Powell and ATH Zion Legree. Now, Ole Miss receives a major upgrade with the addition of Anthony Davis, a highly touted linebacker (No. 240 nationally, No. 18 at his position). Let’s be real, any program would be ecstatic to have a player like him—explosive, versatile, and dominant on defense. But this recruitment battle is far from over. Davis is keeping his options open.
Moreover, the problem is that Anthony Davis speaks highly of every school he visits, leaving his true intentions shrouded in mystery. Alabama impressed him with their game against Georgia, USC’s plans for him have piqued his interest, and Texas made him feel like a top priority with their red carpet treatment. Yet, there is one program that poses the greatest threat, poised to turn the tables and steal Davis away before Ole Miss can solidify their hold on him.
Kiffin’s toughest challenge has only just begun….
Auburn Tigers can be a serious threat to Lane Kiffin
Well, there is a lot of buzz surrounding Anthony Davis, and it’s completely justified. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, this four-star linebacker has caught the attention of SEC powerhouses vying for his commitment. He has already scheduled official visits with Auburn, Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss, and USC—all programs known for attracting top-tier defensive talent. However, Auburn might just be the unexpected contender in this race. They already had Davis visit unofficially on Jan. 25, and they are not giving up.
But on top of that, Anthony Davis sees their vision, too. “Auburn is building something and I can see it. They have a plan, they have a great staff, and they aren’t afraid to play early,” he said. Now, for a linebacker who’s eyeing instant impact, it matters the most. Remember when Julian Lewis made a switch to the Buffs for instant playtime on the field? That’s something that attracts the players a lot! Plus, Auburn’s defense needs playmakers, and Davis fits the bill.
Auburn’s strategy is simple: they are building a strong team for a comeback. But despite a tough season last year, finishing with a 5-7 record and missing out on a bowl game, their recruiting efforts tell a different story. The Tigers have already secured commitments from four-star linebackers Shadarius Toodle and JaMichael Garrett, and Davis could be the missing piece they need. With the second-ranked recruiting class in the SEC and the fourth-ranked nationally for 2026, Auburn is not just rebuilding—they are reloading. Now, it remains to be seen if they can persuade Anthony Davis to choose them over Lane Kiffin’s team.
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