Ole Miss has yet to sign a quarterback in the 2025 recruiting cycle, but Lane Kiffin is unbothered by the absence. The Rebels have no intention of overpaying for an unproven prospect.
Kiffin alluded to an in-state recruit’s high price tag after Deuce Knight, a standout from Lucedale, Mississippi, chose Auburn. Ranked as a top-10, potentially top-five, quarterback in this class by recruiting services, Knight initially committed to Notre Dame in September 2023 before flipping to Auburn on October 2, 2024.
Despite Knight’s commitment to other programs, Kiffin and his staff pursued him aggressively, with Knight visiting Oxford as recently as the weekend before the Early Signing Period. However, on the first signing day, he reaffirmed his decision to play for Auburn, leaving Ole Miss unfazed.
The Rebels are confident in their current quarterback depth with Austin Simmons and Walker Howard on the roster. Additionally, the transfer portal opens in five days, offering a chance to target experienced quarterbacks with proven college football credentials—a strategy that previously paid off with Jaxson Dart.
Financially, Ole Miss is supported by The Grove Collective, one of the top NIL organizations in the country, ensuring money isn’t a barrier for the right recruit. However, Auburn’s offer to Knight was reportedly beyond what the Rebels were willing to match. While Ole Miss pushed for Knight to accept a slightly lower NIL deal in favor of their program’s advantages, Auburn ultimately secured his commitment.
Though Kiffin avoided directly addressing Knight’s recruitment during Wednesday’s press conference, the circumstances suggest a clear message: Ole Miss won’t overspend to win a bidding war, even for top talent.
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