Auburn’s five-star quarterback commit, Deuce Knight, is stirring up excitement in college football circles with his recent visit to Ole Miss for the Rebels’ marquee matchup against Georgia. Knight, a top-ranked prospect in the 2025 class, has committed to Auburn, but his presence in Oxford this weekend signals a continued interest in other programs—most notably Ole Miss, one of the premier SEC rivals to Auburn. For both programs, Knight’s recruitment has implications that go beyond the field, making his visit a major talking point in SEC recruiting news.
Hailing from Lucedale, Mississippi, Deuce Knight has captured national attention as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in his class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and showcasing both a strong arm and quick legs, Knight brings the kind of versatile skill set that modern college offenses crave. His speed and agility make him a constant threat on the ground, while his ability to read defenses and make precise throws gives him high potential as a passer. This combination has led to his five-star ranking and made him a highly sought-after recruit, with numerous offers from top programs, including Auburn, Ole Miss, and others in the SEC.
Knight’s commitment to Auburn was seen as a big win for the Tigers, especially as they work to re-establish themselves as an SEC powerhouse under head coach Hugh Freeze. However, the allure of playing closer to home and the atmosphere in Oxford have kept Ole Miss in the running for his services, as the Rebels continue to make a strong push for Knight’s commitment.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has been instrumental in keeping Knight’s recruitment alive. Kiffin is known for his creative offensive schemes and his ability to maximize the talents of dual-threat quarterbacks, which could be particularly appealing to Knight. Kiffin has shown a willingness to run a high-tempo offense that capitalizes on the quarterback’s ability to move and throw, a style that Knight’s game fits well.
For Ole Miss, securing a player like Knight would be a huge win. With the SEC’s continued rise in quarterback talent, having a star prospect at the helm is crucial for any team aiming for consistent success in the conference. Kiffin’s track record with quarterbacks, including recent standouts like Matt Corral, could be a factor in swaying Knight’s decision. Corral developed into a standout under Kiffin’s system, and Knight could see himself flourishing in a similar role at Ole Miss.
Auburn has reason to be concerned with Knight’s visit to Ole Miss, as it reflects that his recruitment may still be open. Knight’s commitment was a key building block for Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class and Freeze’s vision of retooling the program into a formidable SEC contender. With his blend of passing and running abilities, Knight is the type of quarterback who could elevate Auburn’s offense and help them compete against the conference’s top-tier programs. His commitment signaled optimism for Auburn fans looking forward to the Freeze era, and the possibility of losing him could be a blow to the program’s future plans.
Freeze and his staff are likely well aware of the visit, and they may need to increase their efforts to reaffirm Knight’s commitment. Keeping Knight committed could be crucial, as he serves not only as a quarterback of the future but also as a recruiting anchor who could draw other high-caliber players to Auburn.
Knight’s visit to Ole Miss is a reminder of the competitive recruiting battles that define the SEC. The conference’s programs are constantly vying for top recruits, with many players often revisiting their options, even after announcing commitments. For players like Knight, the intense SEC environments, storied rivalries, and high-profile matchups create unforgettable experiences, making it challenging to solidify any early commitments until signing day.
Should Ole Miss succeed in flipping Knight’s commitment, it would mark a significant victory for Kiffin and the Rebels while dealing a blow to Auburn’s recruiting momentum. Such a flip would further intensify the rivalry between these two programs and set up a storyline that would be watched closely by fans, analysts, and SEC insiders alike.
As the season progresses, Knight’s recruitment is sure to remain a focal point. Auburn is likely to work hard to keep their prized quarterback, while Ole Miss will continue to press, leveraging proximity and program fit. For Knight, the journey isn’t just about choosing a school; it’s about finding the right environment to grow as a quarterback and set himself up for success. Whether he ultimately sticks with Auburn or is swayed to switch to Ole Miss, Knight’s decision will have ripple effects across the SEC, especially for two programs hungry to compete at the top of the conference.