Elite 2025 OL Connor Howes Flips Commitment from Arkansas to Ole Miss
In a stunning development on the college football recruiting trail, Connor Howes, one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 recruiting class, has flipped his commitment from Arkansas to Ole Miss. The news sent shockwaves through the SEC and further solidified Ole Miss as a rising force in the recruiting landscape under head coach Lane Kiffin.
Howes, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive tackle from Denton, Texas, has been a sought-after prospect since his sophomore year of high school. Rated as a four-star recruit and one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, his decision to decommit from Arkansas marks a significant shift in the recruiting battle between these two SEC West rivals.
When Howes initially committed to Arkansas, it seemed like a perfect match. Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman, a renowned offensive line guru, had built a reputation for developing elite linemen, and Howes praised the program’s family atmosphere. However, recruiting is rarely straightforward, and Ole Miss made a strong push to sway the Texas native.
Lane Kiffin and his staff have worked tirelessly to build a compelling pitch for Howes. Known for his offensive creativity and player development, Kiffin has made Ole Miss an attractive destination for top talent. Sources close to the situation suggest that Howes was particularly drawn to the Rebels’ offensive system, which emphasizes versatility and athleticism—qualities he embodies as a lineman.
The Rebels’ recent success on the field also played a role. Ole Miss has consistently been a contender in the SEC, and their high-powered offense has put them in the national spotlight. Howes, who prides himself on his ability to protect the quarterback and create lanes for explosive plays, likely sees Ole Miss as a place where his skill set can shine on a big stage.
Howes’ commitment is a major win for Ole Miss, both on the field and in the recruiting rankings. Adding a player of his caliber solidifies the Rebels’ offensive line for the future and gives them a cornerstone to build around in the 2025 class. His size, strength, and athleticism make him an ideal fit for Ole Miss’ offensive schemes, and his leadership qualities could make him a future captain.
This flip also sends a message to other recruits. Ole Miss is no longer a second-tier option; it’s a program that can compete with the SEC’s elite for top talent. Kiffin’s ability to land Howes demonstrates his knack for closing deals and his vision for the program’s future.
For Arkansas, this is a tough blow. Losing a player of Howes’ stature is never easy, especially considering the strong relationship he had with the Razorbacks’ coaching staff. Sam Pittman, himself a former offensive line coach, has made the position a priority in recruiting, and Howes was expected to be a cornerstone of their 2025 class.
While the Razorbacks have other promising recruits, losing a player of Howes’ caliber to an SEC rival stings. It underscores the intense competition within the conference and the difficulty of holding on to elite prospects in today’s recruiting landscape.
As Howes prepares for his senior season in high school, he’ll do so with his future firmly aligned with Ole Miss. His decision to flip has made waves, but now the focus shifts to his development and how he’ll transition to the college level.
For Ole Miss fans, the anticipation of seeing Howes in a Rebels uniform is already building. His combination of size, agility, and intelligence on the field makes him a rare talent, and his commitment could be the start of something special for Ole Miss in 2025 and beyond.
Connor Howes’ flip from Arkansas to Ole Miss is a defining moment in the 2025 recruiting cycle. It highlights the growing influence of Lane Kiffin’s program and serves as a reminder of the SEC’s relentless recruiting battles. For Ole Miss, it’s a statement addition that boosts their future offensive line and cements their status as a destination for top-tier talent. For Arkansas, it’s a challenge to regroup and refocus.
As the recruiting wars rage on, one thing is clear: Connor Howes will be a name to watch, and Ole Miss fans have every reason to be excited about the future.