Just when you thought Lane Kiffin was out of the running, he storms in and shakes up the recruiting world yet again. In a shocking turn of events, Ole Miss has forced its way into the race for 4-star linebacker Anthony Davis, a player who hadn’t even considered them among his top choices. With powerhouse programs like Alabama, Texas, and USC dominating his radar, the Rebels seemed like an afterthought—until now.
With 40+ offers on the table and a list narrowed down to 12 top schools, Davis was all set to choose from some of college football’s most elite programs. Yet somehow, Kiffin worked his magic, and Ole Miss is suddenly a serious contender. How did he do it? The answer lies in the Kiffin effect—a relentless pursuit of talent, a commitment to a “new-age” recruiting style, and a culture that’s catching players’ attention in ways no one saw coming.
Anthony Davis: The Linebacker Everyone Wants
A dominant force on defense, Anthony Davis is no ordinary recruit. The Grayson High School standout has been a hot commodity for months, ranked No. 240 nationally and No. 18 at his position. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Davis is a hard-hitting, game-changing playmaker, capable of elevating any defense.
From Auburn to Alabama, USC to Texas, top programs have rolled out the red carpet for him. And Davis has been nothing but impressed.
- Alabama dazzled him with their showdown against Georgia, showcasing a defense that he could soon be a part of.
- USC pitched him on their defensive transformation and the chance to become a West Coast legend.
- Texas made him feel like a top priority, treating him like the missing piece of their championship puzzle.
Yet, despite all these powerhouse programs pulling out the stops, it’s Ole Miss that’s turning heads with an unexpected late push.
How Did Lane Kiffin Get in the Mix?
So how did Ole Miss, a school that wasn’t even on Davis’ radar, suddenly become a real contender? Simple—Kiffin is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
Davis himself admitted that the culture at Ole Miss caught him off guard. In a recent interview with On3, he stated:
“Ole Miss has made things interesting. The hospitality and the way they want to play for me really caught my attention.”
That’s the Kiffin effect—turning long shots into serious contenders. And it doesn’t stop there. Ole Miss is stacking talent at an alarming rate, already securing commitments from three-star WR Jameson Powell and ATH Zion Legree in the 2026 class. If Davis joins the fold, the Rebels’ defense could go from good to elite overnight.
The Auburn Threat: Could the Tigers Derail Kiffin’s Master Plan?
But before Kiffin can lock down Anthony Davis, he has one massive obstacle standing in his way—Auburn.
The Tigers have emerged as a legitimate dark horse in this race, and they’re going all-in. They hosted Davis for an unofficial visit on Jan. 25, and their pitch was exactly what he wanted to hear.
“Auburn is building something, and I can see it. They have a plan, they have a great staff, and they aren’t afraid to play early.”
And that last part? It’s crucial.
For a player like Davis—who isn’t looking to sit on the bench for two years—instant playing time is everything. We’ve seen it before—players choosing programs that offer immediate opportunities over historic prestige. Just ask Julian Lewis, who shocked the world by flipping to Colorado to play under Deion Sanders.
Auburn is selling Davis on the chance to be a day-one impact player, and it’s working.
Auburn’s Secret Weapon: A Recruiting Juggernaut in the Making
Auburn isn’t just talking about rebuilding—they’re doing it. Despite finishing last season 5-7 and missing a bowl game, the Tigers have been on an absolute tear in recruiting.
- They’ve already landed 4-star linebackers Shadarius Toodle and JaMichael Garrett.
- Their 2026 class is ranked No. 2 in the SEC and No. 4 nationally.
- They’re aggressively stacking defensive talent, and Davis could be the missing piece.
With momentum on their side, Auburn poses the biggest threat to Kiffin’s Ole Miss push.
The Final Showdown: Who Will Win the Anthony Davis Sweepstakes?
As decision time looms, one thing is clear—this battle is far from over.
Lane Kiffin has pulled off an unbelievable move, putting Ole Miss in a position no one saw coming. But will it be enough? Or will Auburn swoop in and steal the linebacker away at the last second?
One thing’s for sure—this recruiting war is just getting started, and the fireworks are about to begin.
