TJ White, a highly coveted four-star linebacker from Jackson Academy, is making headlines again as he prepares for his second visit to Ole Miss this season. With multiple top-tier programs vying for his commitment, White’s return to Oxford marks a significant development in the ongoing recruitment battle for the talented defender. This visit has generated considerable excitement among fans and coaching staff, who hope to see White eventually don the Rebels’ colors.
White, currently one of the highest-rated linebackers in the 2025 recruiting class, has already built a reputation as a dynamic, versatile player. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 230 pounds, he combines speed, agility, and physicality, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. His performances at Jackson Academy have solidified his status as a top recruit, with his ability to cover ground, read plays, and deliver bone-crushing tackles catching the attention of scouts and coaches nationwide.
The 2023 football season has been a whirlwind for White, who has made waves both on and off the field. He has received offers from numerous Power Five schools, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M. However, Ole Miss has emerged as a frontrunner in his recruitment, largely due to its proximity to Jackson, the relationships he has built with the coaching staff, and the program’s recent success under head coach Lane Kiffin.
White’s first visit to Ole Miss earlier in the season was a positive one. He attended a home game and had the opportunity to meet with the coaching staff, tour the facilities, and get a feel for the campus atmosphere. According to reports, White was impressed with the energy of the fan base, the family-like environment within the program, and the defensive schemes employed by defensive coordinator Pete Golding.
The Rebels’ defensive philosophy under Golding, who joined the program in 2023 after a successful stint at Alabama, is a major selling point for White. Known for his aggressive, attacking style of defense, Golding has already made significant strides in improving Ole Miss’s defensive unit. His approach aligns well with White’s skill set, which emphasizes speed, versatility, and playmaking ability. The possibility of playing under a coordinator with a track record of developing NFL-caliber talent has undoubtedly added to the allure of Ole Miss in White’s recruitment process.
The upcoming visit presents another chance for Ole Miss to strengthen its case for White’s commitment. With White returning to campus, the coaching staff will likely focus on deepening their relationship with the young linebacker and demonstrating how he would fit into their long-term defensive plans. Ole Miss will also have the advantage of showcasing their game-day environment once again, as White is expected to attend another high-profile home game during his visit.
While Ole Miss has made significant progress in White’s recruitment, it is by no means a done deal. Competing programs like Alabama and Georgia are still actively pursuing him, and with good reason. White’s combination of size, speed, and football IQ makes him a highly attractive prospect for any top-tier program. His ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, as well as contribute on special teams, adds to his value. As such, White’s recruitment is expected to remain highly competitive in the months leading up to his decision.
The stakes are high for Ole Miss. Securing a commitment from White would not only bolster their defensive unit for the future but also send a strong message to other recruits in the region. As one of the top prospects in Mississippi, White’s decision will likely influence the choices of other high-profile players in the state. A commitment to Ole Miss could help solidify the program’s reputation as a premier destination for homegrown talent, something Lane Kiffin and his staff have worked tirelessly to achieve.
As TJ White prepares for his second visit to Ole Miss this season, the anticipation surrounding his recruitment continues to build. For Ole Miss, this visit represents a critical opportunity to secure one of the nation’s top linebackers and take another step toward assembling a championship-caliber defense. For White, it’s a chance to further evaluate a program that could very well become his future home. Only time will tell where the talented linebacker will ultimately decide to take his talents, but for now, all eyes are on Oxford as the Rebels make their pitch to land one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 recruiting class.