Major Flip: Tupelo CB Iverson McCoy Decommits from Mississippi State, Joins Rival Ole Miss
In a significant shake-up in the 2026 recruiting class, highly-touted Tupelo (Miss.) cornerback Iverson McCoy has officially decommitted from Mississippi State and has pledged his allegiance to arch-rival Ole Miss. This decision marks a notable win for Lane Kiffin and the Rebels, as they successfully flipped an in-state talent who was once considered a firm commit to the Bulldogs.
McCoy, a three-star prospect and one of the top defensive backs in Mississippi for the 2026 cycle, had been committed to Mississippi State since June 2024. His commitment was initially seen as a crucial early building block for the Bulldogs’ class under head coach Jeff Lebby. However, the allure of Oxford and the Rebels’ program ultimately proved too strong to resist.
The flip underscores the fierce recruiting battles that constantly play out in the state of Mississippi, especially between the two flagship universities. Ole Miss has been actively pursuing McCoy for some time, with recent unofficial visits and strong communication from the Rebels’ coaching staff apparently playing a key role in his change of heart. The defensive scheme and player development philosophy at Ole Miss, particularly under defensive coordinator Pete Golding, likely resonated with the talented cornerback.
For Mississippi State, McCoy’s decommitment is a setback, as it means losing a top-tier in-state prospect at a position of need. The Bulldogs will now need to re-evaluate their defensive backboard for the 2026 class and intensify their efforts to secure other targets. This move also highlights the volatility of early commitments in college football recruiting, where relationships and team performance can often lead to flips down the line.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss gains a dynamic athlete with good size and ball-hawking instincts in McCoy. His addition further bolsters an already strong 2026 class for the Rebels, who are aiming to build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a consistent contender in the SEC. McCoy’s commitment to Ole Miss will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to future Egg Bowl matchups, as he will now be facing off against the team he once commit
