Ole Miss and Mississippi State have launched full-scale recruiting offensives in what’s shaping up to be one of the fiercest in-state battles in recent memory — all for the towering talents anchoring Mississippi’s high school offensive lines

Oxford, MS & Starkville, MS — The Magnolia State is heating up, and it’s not just the summer sun. Ole Miss and Mississippi State have launched full-scale recruiting offensives in what’s shaping up to be one of the fiercest in-state battles in recent memory — all for the towering talents anchoring Mississippi’s high school offensive lines.

A Recruiting War Like No Other

In a high-stakes tug-of-war, both SEC powerhouses are zeroed in on a handful of homegrown trench warriors — 4-star and 5-star offensive linemen who could anchor a collegiate front line from Day 1. These aren’t just big men — they’re game-changers, and they’re drawing national attention.

Top recruits like Caleb “The Wall” Whitmore out of Jackson and Marcus Dupree Jr., a 6’6”, 320-pound mauler from Gulfport, have both landed offers from Ole Miss and Mississippi State — and neither program is backing down. Lane Kiffin and Jeff Lebby are throwing everything at these recruits, from NIL deals to legacy pitches to early playing time.

> “This might be the most intense battle for in-state linemen we’ve ever seen,” said a recruiting insider. “Both schools know that landing even one of these guys could tilt the balance in the Egg Bowl for years to come.”

NIL, Loyalty, and Legacy

With NIL money flowing and both schools leaning into their rich football traditions, families are finding themselves at the center of a decision that’s about more than just football. It’s pride. It’s future. It’s Mississippi bragging rights.

Some insiders believe Ole Miss has the upper hand with its recent offensive resurgence and a reputation for developing NFL-caliber linemen. Others point to Mississippi State’s gritty culture and Lebby’s commitment to building the SEC’s toughest trenches.

Countdown to Commitment

Recruiting visits are intensifying. Social media is lighting up. Fanbases are watching every move like hawks. Will these future stars choose Oxford’s high-flying offense, or will they dig in with the blue-collar Bulldogs of Starkville?

One thing’s for sure: the state of Mississippi is now the epicenter of the SEC’s biggest recruiting showdown of the summer — and no one’s backing down.