Ole Miss Adds Commitment from IMG Academy Safety Major Preston, Who Aims to Do More
Ole Miss continues its recruiting momentum, securing a key addition to its 2025 class with the commitment of Major Preston, a talented safety from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Preston, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and physical defensive backs in the class, chose the Rebels over offers from top programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Florida. This marks another significant win for Lane Kiffin and his staff as they build a defense capable of competing at the highest level in the SEC.
At 6’1″ and 195 pounds, Major Preston possesses the prototypical size and athleticism needed for a modern safety. Known for his ability to cover ground quickly and deliver punishing hits, Preston has earned a reputation as one of the best safeties in the 2025 recruiting class. His time at IMG Academy, one of the premier high school football programs in the nation, has prepared him for the rigors of college football.
But what truly sets Preston apart is his mindset. In his commitment announcement, Preston emphasized his desire to not only contribute on the field but also to leave a lasting legacy off it. “I want to do more than just play football,” Preston said. “I want to inspire others, lead by example, and help Ole Miss achieve something special.
Major Preston’s skill set is tailor-made for the SEC, where defensive versatility is crucial. He excels in several key areas:
- Coverage: Preston has the ability to lock down receivers in man coverage and read quarterbacks effectively in zone schemes, making him a dual-threat in the secondary.
- Run Support: His physicality and tackling ability allow him to act as an additional linebacker when needed, stepping up to stop the run.
- Leadership: As a captain at IMG Academy, Preston has shown natural leadership qualities that will be invaluable for Ole Miss both on and off the field.
With his combination of athleticism, football IQ, and leadership, Preston is expected to make an immediate impact for the Rebels.
Landing Preston is a testament to the strong recruiting pitch Lane Kiffin and his staff have developed. The Rebels’ vision of building a championship-caliber program resonated deeply with Preston, who sees himself as part of the foundation for future success.
During his official visit to Oxford, Preston was impressed by the family atmosphere within the program and the clear plan the coaching staff has for his development. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding played a pivotal role in securing Preston’s commitment, emphasizing how his unique skill set would be utilized in Ole Miss’s defensive schemes.
“Coach Golding and Coach Kiffin believe in me,” Preston said. “They see me as someone who can make a difference on the field and in the locker room. That belief means everything to me.”
Lane Kiffin wasted no time expressing his excitement about Preston’s commitment. “Major Preston is exactly the kind of player we want at Ole Miss,” Kiffin said in a statement. “He’s talented, hard-working, and driven to be great. He’s going to make an immediate impact on our defense, and we can’t wait to get to work with him.”
Kiffin’s focus on improving Ole Miss’s defense has been evident in recent recruiting classes, and the addition of a player like Preston is another step in the right direction.
Preston’s commitment is a significant boost to Ole Miss’s 2025 recruiting class, which is quickly shaping up to be one of the strongest in program history. With several other highly ranked players already on board, the Rebels are building a roster that can compete with the SEC’s elite.
Preston’s presence also has the potential to attract other top recruits, as his decision to choose Ole Miss over perennial powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia sends a strong message about the program’s upward trajectory.
While Major Preston’s focus is now on finishing his high school career strong at IMG Academy, his future in Oxford is already generating excitement. He plans to enroll early, giving him a head start on learning the Rebels’ defensive system and adjusting to the college game.
For Preston, the goal is clear: to do more. That means becoming a leader, elevating his team, and helping Ole Miss achieve success on a national stage. For the Rebels, his commitment represents another piece of the puzzle as they continue to build a team capable of competing for SEC and national championships.
As Ole Miss fans celebrate this major recruiting victory, the addition of Major Preston is a reminder of the bright future ahead for the Rebels. With his talent, work ethic, and leadership, Preston has all the tools to become a cornerstone of the defense and a player who makes a lasting impact both on and off the field.