OLE MISS No. 1 Recruit Commits to Rebels, Says He Chose Oxford for Two Key Reasons
In a decision sending shockwaves through the college football world, five-star quarterback prospect Jalen “J.T.” Carter, the nation’s No. 1 high school recruit, officially announced his commitment to Ole Miss Wednesday afternoon. The announcement, streamed live on ESPN, comes after months of speculation linking the Texas native to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Carter, standing 6’3” and weighing 215 pounds, said his choice ultimately came down to “family and future.”
> “I felt the love from Oxford the moment I stepped on campus,” Carter said, grinning as he donned the red-and-blue cap. “Coach Lane Kiffin and the staff made it clear that Ole Miss isn’t just a stop on the way to the NFL — it’s a family. And when you combine that with what they’re building offensively, it’s the perfect fit for me.”
Sources close to the Carter family confirmed that the quarterback built strong ties with Ole Miss legend Archie Manning and current star Jaxson Dart, who both served as mentors during his recruitment process.
Kiffin, known for his explosive offenses and high-profile recruiting success, celebrated the announcement with a simple post on X (formerly Twitter): “#HottyToddy 🔥 QB1 is home.”
With Carter’s commitment, Ole Miss vaults into the Top 5 of ESPN’s 2026 recruiting rankings, marking one of the most impressive classes in program history.
Rebel fans are already buzzing with excitement, flooding social media with messages of welcome and anticipation for a new era in Oxford football.
As one fan tweeted moments after the announcement:
> “Archie walked so J.T. Carter could fly. The future is now.”
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