Ole Miss Lands Elite EDGE Rusher Landon Barnes in Major Recruiting Victory
In a significant boost to its 2026 recruiting class, Ole Miss has scored a major commitment from blue-chip EDGE rusher Landon Barnes, a game-changing talent with SEC-ready explosiveness and a national profile to match. Head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff continue to build serious recruiting momentum, and Barnes’ commitment is a testament to the program’s growing appeal to elite defensive prospects.
Barnes, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound standout from Texas, chose the Rebels over powerhouse programs including Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and LSU. Widely regarded as one of the top EDGE prospects in the country, he brings a rare combination of length, speed, and power that makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Ranked as a consensus 4-star recruit and hovering near the top 100 nationally, his pledge gives the Rebels a foundational piece to build around on the defensive side of the ball.
“I wanted to go where I felt like I could make the biggest impact and be developed into a pro,” Barnes said in his announcement video. “Coach Kiffin and Coach Golding have a vision for me, and I’m ready to go to work in Oxford.”
Barnes’ junior year film speaks for itself. He totaled 76 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks in 2023 while also forcing three fumbles and blocking two kicks. His first-step burst is elite, and his ability to bend the edge and finish plays in the backfield makes him a future cornerstone in the Rebels’ pass rush.
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding played a pivotal role in securing Barnes’ commitment. Known for his success developing front-seven talent during his time at Alabama and now at Ole Miss, Golding reportedly built a strong relationship with Barnes and his family throughout the recruiting process. That trust, combined with Ole Miss’ recent improvements on defense and a clear pathway to early playing time, helped seal the deal.
For Ole Miss, this is more than just a big-name commitment—it’s another sign that the program is elevating its recruiting game under Kiffin. After years of being known primarily for offensive firepower, the Rebels are showing they can attract elite defenders too, especially at premium positions like EDGE.
With Barnes in the fold, the 2026 class now features multiple blue-chip players on both sides of the ball, and Ole Miss fans have every reason to be excited. His commitment also helps the Rebels build more recruiting traction in the talent-rich state of Texas, where relationships and visibility can pay off for years to come.
The Rebels are expected to host Barnes for multiple visits leading into his senior season, and he has expressed plans to enroll early in January 2026. If his development stays on track, Barnes could become a Day 1 contributor and eventually hear his name called on NFL Draft day.
For now, though, Ole Miss celebrates a major recruiting win—and the future of the Rebel defense just got a lot brighter.
