Mississippi’s Gridiron Giants: Ole Miss and Mississippi State Locked in Fierce Battle for Top In-State Offensive Linemen
The rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State has intensified off the field as both programs aggressively pursue top in-state offensive linemen from the 2025 recruiting class. This competition underscores the importance both schools place on securing local talent to bolster their offensive lines.
Mississippi State made a significant early move by securing a commitment from four-star offensive lineman Mario Nash Jr. from De Kalb, Mississippi. Nash, rated among the top offensive linemen in the state, chose the Bulldogs over offers from Ole Miss, LSU, and Florida State . However, his recruitment remains open, as he recently visited Ole Miss and expressed continued interest in the Rebels. Following this visit, recruiting analysts have speculated about a potential flip in his commitment .
Ole Miss has been proactive in retaining top in-state talent, signing six of the top 12 Mississippi prospects in the 2025 class, including five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham . The Rebels’ efforts to strengthen their offensive line are evident in their recruitment of players like Nash and their focus on building depth and experience within the unit .
Mississippi State, under new head coach Jeff Lebby, has also been active on the recruiting trail, adding several commitments to their 2025 class and focusing on enhancing their offensive line depth .
As both programs continue to vie for top talent, the battle for in-state offensive linemen remains a focal point in their recruiting strategies. The outcome of these efforts will significantly impact the future competitiveness of both teams in the SEC. 
