OXFORD, MS — Lane Kiffin has done it again.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, 4-star EDGE rusher Landon Barnes officially committed to Ole Miss on June 30, 2025, choosing the Rebels over national powerhouses Ohio State and Washington. The Duncanville (TX) standout, ranked the No. 2 EDGE in Texas and a top-100 national prospect, now becomes a cornerstone of the Rebels’ 2026 recruiting class — one that is rapidly gaining national attention.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Barnes brings a rare blend of size, speed, and raw power. Known for his violent hands, explosive first step, and relentless motor, he terrorized quarterbacks across the Lone Star State last season. Scouts have described him as “a game-wrecker” and “SEC-ready on day one.” He totaled 13 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in 2024, anchoring a defense that led Duncanville to a state semifinal run.
What makes this commitment even more shocking is the list of programs Barnes turned down. Both Ohio State and Washington had made Barnes a top defensive priority, with multiple visits and NIL offers in play. But in the end, Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding closed the deal, emphasizing not just the opportunity to play early, but the chance to be part of something “historic.”
“It just felt like home,” Barnes said during his live announcement on Monday. “Coach Kiffin laid out a plan for me — not just to dominate in college, but to be developed for the NFL.”
Social media lit up moments after the announcement. Former Rebels and current NFL stars were quick to celebrate the decision, with one tweeting: “The next Rebel legend just touched down.”
This commitment pushes Ole Miss into the Top 20 nationally in the 2026 recruiting rankings, and further fuels the narrative that Kiffin is quietly building a juggernaut in Oxford.
If you’re not paying attention to what’s happening at Ole Miss, it’s time to start. Because Landon Barnes isn’t just another recruit — he might be the defensive star that changes everything.
