In a stunning turn of events, four-star EDGE Jared Smith, one of the most coveted defensive players in the 2025 recruiting class, has flipped his commitment from Auburn to Ole Miss. The announcement sent shockwaves across the SEC and college football landscape as Smith, previously seen as a cornerstone of Auburn’s future defense, opted to join Lane Kiffin’s rising program in Oxford.
Smith’s decision to commit to Ole Miss comes as a significant boost for the Rebels, who have been steadily building a competitive roster under Kiffin. The move also deals a significant blow to Auburn and other rival programs vying for Smith’s services, including Alabama and Tennessee. Here’s a closer look at what this flip means for Ole Miss, Auburn, and the wider SEC.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Jared Smith is an elite pass rusher who blends size, speed, and power to dominate opposing offensive lines. Rated as a top-10 EDGE in the 2025 recruiting class and a consensus top-100 player nationally, Smith has earned comparisons to recent SEC stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Nolan Smith for his relentless motor and knack for making game-changing plays.
In his junior season, Smith recorded an eye-popping 15 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses. Scouts have lauded his versatility, with Smith capable of lining up as a traditional defensive end or dropping into coverage as an outside linebacker.
For many months, Auburn was viewed as the favorite to land Smith, especially after he committed to the Tigers earlier this year. However, Ole Miss’s relentless pursuit of the standout EDGE ultimately paid off.
Smith cited several factors in his decision to flip to Ole Miss, including the coaching staff, development opportunities, and the vision Lane Kiffin has for the program.
“Coach Kiffin and the staff at Ole Miss showed me how I fit into their system, and it really felt like the right place for me to grow as a player and a person,” Smith said in his announcement. “They’re building something special in Oxford, and I want to be part of it.”
Smith’s commitment underscores the growing momentum behind Lane Kiffin’s recruiting efforts. Known primarily for his offensive genius, Kiffin has made significant strides in attracting top-tier defensive talent to Ole Miss.
Landing Smith is particularly notable as it marks a major recruiting victory over traditional SEC powers like Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia. Kiffin’s ability to sell recruits on his vision and Ole Miss’s upward trajectory has helped the Rebels secure commitments from several highly-rated prospects in the 2025 class.
Smith’s addition bolsters a defensive line class that already includes standout prospects and ensures Ole Miss will have a formidable pass-rushing presence for years to come.
For Auburn, losing Smith is a tough pill to swallow. New head coach Hugh Freeze had made Smith a top priority, and his decommitment leaves a noticeable gap in the Tigers’ recruiting class. Smith was expected to be a cornerstone of Freeze’s efforts to rebuild Auburn’s defense, which has struggled to regain its dominance in recent years.
While Auburn still has time to recover and land other top prospects, losing a player of Smith’s caliber to an SEC West rival adds extra sting.
Smith’s flip to Ole Miss further intensifies the already fierce recruiting battles within the SEC. As the conference continues to dominate the college football landscape, securing elite talent like Smith is essential for programs looking to compete for championships.
For Ole Miss, landing Smith is not just a recruiting win—it’s a statement that the Rebels are serious about competing at the highest level. With Alabama and Georgia setting the standard for elite defenses, Smith’s addition gives Ole Miss a chance to close the gap and establish a stronger defensive identity.
Jared Smith’s commitment flip is a testament to the unpredictable and competitive nature of college football recruiting. For Ole Miss, it’s a game-changing addition that strengthens their future defense and elevates the program’s profile. For Auburn, it’s a reminder of the challenges Hugh Freeze faces in rebuilding the Tigers amid the cutthroat SEC environment.
As Smith prepares for his senior season in high school and looks ahead to his college career, all eyes will be on his development and impact at Ole Miss. If his high school performance is any indication, Jared Smith has the potential to become a household name in SEC football and beyond.
For now, Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss fans can celebrate a significant victory in the recruiting wars, while Auburn is left to regroup and refocus on landing other top targets. One thing is certain: Jared Smith’s decision has shifted the recruiting landscape in the SEC, and his presence at Ole Miss could have a lasting impact on the conference for years to come.