Ole Miss Football Loses Commitments from Two Top 2025 Recruits
In a blow to their 2025 recruiting class, the Ole Miss Rebels have lost commitments from two highly-touted prospects this past weekend. Four-star wide receiver Julius Holly and four-star defensive back Da’saahn Brame both announced their decisions to commit to other programs, leaving the Rebels’ 2025 class in flux.
Julius Holly, a standout wide receiver from Suwanee, Georgia, had been committed to Ole Miss since April. However, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound prospect has now chosen to play for the Michigan Wolverines over the Rebels, as well as Georgia and Texas A&M. Holly is ranked as the No. 23 wide receiver and the No. 137 overall player in the 2025 class by 247Sports. [1]
Da’saahn Brame, a 6-foot-4.5, 225-pound tight end from Derby, Kansas, had also been committed to Ole Miss since February. But the four-star recruit has now flipped his pledge to the Oregon Ducks, spurning the Rebels as well as LSU, Tennessee, and others. Brame is considered the No. 8 tight end and the No. 181 overall player in the 2025 recruiting cycle. [2]
The loss of these two blue-chip recruits is a significant setback for Ole Miss and head coach Lane Kiffin, who had been building momentum on the recruiting trail. With Holly and Brame now off the board, the Rebels hold only a pair of ESPN 300 commitments in their 2025 class, raising questions about the direction of the program’s recruiting efforts. [2]
The Impact on Ole Miss’ 2025 Class
The decommitments of Holly and Brame leave Ole Miss with a 2025 class that currently ranks 18th nationally, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. [3] The Rebels had been trending upwards in recruiting, securing a number of high-profile pledges in recent months, including four-star defensive lineman Andrew Maddox and four-star linebacker Jarcoby Hopson from the state of Mississippi. [3]
However, the loss of Holly and Brame, two of the top offensive playmakers in the 2025 class, is a significant blow. Holly, in particular, was seen as a potential game-changer for the Rebels’ passing attack, with his combination of size, speed, and ball skills. Brame, meanwhile, was expected to be a valuable asset in the tight end room, providing a big, physical presence as a blocker and pass-catcher.
With these two recruits now off the board, Ole Miss will need to quickly pivot and identify new targets to fill the holes in their 2025 class. The Rebels’ coaching staff, led by Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., will be under pressure to rebound and secure commitments from other top-tier prospects to maintain the program’s momentum on the recruiting trail.
Recruiting Challenges for Ole Miss
The decommitments of Holly and Brame highlight the challenges that Ole Miss faces in recruiting, particularly when it comes to competing with the nation’s elite programs. Both players were highly sought-after recruits, with offers from a who’s who of college football powerhouses.
In the case of Holly, the Rebels were unable to hold off the allure of the Michigan Wolverines, a perennial contender in the Big Ten and a program that has been on a recruiting tear under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines’ success on the field, combined with their reputation for developing wide receivers, likely played a significant role in Holly’s decision to spurn Ole Miss.
Similarly, Brame’s decision to commit to Oregon over the Rebels is a testament to the Ducks’ growing prowess on the recruiting trail. Under head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has emerged as a national recruiting force, particularly in the Midwest and West regions. The Ducks’ ability to land a top-tier tight end like Brame, who had offers from the likes of LSU and Tennessee, is a clear indication of their recruiting prowess.
These types of recruiting battles are nothing new for Ole Miss, as the program has long struggled to compete with the bluebloods of college football when it comes to landing the nation’s top talent. The Rebels have had success in recent years, thanks in large part to Kiffin’s coaching acumen and the program’s ability to sell its high-powered offense and NFL-caliber player development.
However, the loss of Holly and Brame serves as a reminder that Ole Miss still has work to do to solidify its standing as a consistent national recruiting power. The Rebels will need to continue to refine their recruiting strategies, identify and prioritize the right targets, and ultimately convince elite prospects that Oxford is the best destination for their collegiate careers.
The Road Ahead for Ole Miss
Despite the setbacks of the past weekend, Ole Miss and Kiffin remain optimistic about the future of the program’s recruiting efforts. The Rebels still have a solid foundation in place for their 2025 class, with the commitments of Maddox, Hopson, and others serving as a strong starting point.
Moreover, the Rebels have shown the ability to bounce back from recruiting disappointments in the past. Kiffin and his staff have demonstrated a knack for identifying and securing top-tier talent, even when faced with stiff competition from the nation’s elite programs.
As the Rebels move forward, they will need to focus on several key priorities:
1. Identify and Pursue New Targets: With the loss of Holly and Brame, Ole Miss will need to quickly identify and aggressively pursue new top-tier prospects to fill the holes in their 2025 class. This will require the coaching staff to scour the country for the best available talent and make a strong pitch to convince them to join the Rebel program.
2. Leverage In-State Recruiting Advantages: One of Ole Miss’ strengths has been its ability to keep the top talent in Mississippi within the state. The Rebels will need to continue this trend, leveraging their relationships with high school coaches and the appeal of playing for the home-state program to secure commitments from the best players in the Magnolia State.
3. Emphasize Player Development and Scheme Fit**: Ole Miss has built a reputation for developing players and putting them in a position to succeed in Kiffin’s high-powered offense. The Rebels will need to continue to sell this narrative to prospective recruits, highlighting the program’s track record of producing NFL-caliber talent.
4. **Maintain Recruiting Momentum**: Despite the recent setbacks, Ole Miss must maintain the recruiting momentum it has built over the past year. The Rebels will need to continue to be aggressive on the trail, making a strong push to land their top targets and keep the 2025 class on track.
As the Rebels navigate the challenges of the 2025 recruiting cycle, it’s clear that the loss of Holly and Brame will sting. However, with Kiffin’s proven track record, the program’s strong foundation, and the continued appeal of Ole Miss football, the Rebels have the tools to rebound and assemble a class that will keep them competitive on the national stage.