BREAKING: Ole Miss Flips Defensive Lineman Carmelow Reed from Wisconsin in Stunning Recruiting Move
In a major recruiting twist, four-star defensive lineman Carmelow Reed has officially flipped his commitment from Wisconsin to Ole Miss, sending shockwaves through the college football recruiting world. The announcement came early Wednesday morning via Reed’s social media accounts, where he posted a photo in an Ole Miss jersey with the caption: “Home is where the heart is. Hotty Toddy!”
Reed, a 6-foot-4, 270-pound powerhouse from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, originally committed to Wisconsin earlier this spring. The Badgers coaching staff had made him a cornerstone of their 2025 defensive class. But in recent weeks, rumors had swirled that Reed was re-evaluating his options after a strong late push from the Ole Miss staff, led by head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive line coach Randall Joyner.
Sources close to Reed say his visit to Oxford last weekend was the turning point. “It felt like family there,” Reed reportedly told a recruiting outlet. “The energy, the scheme, the coaches — it just clicked. I want to be somewhere I can develop, compete in the SEC, and be challenged every day.”
The flip is a huge win for Ole Miss, who continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail heading into the 2025 season. Reed is ranked among the top 20 defensive linemen in the nation, known for his explosive first step, raw strength, and relentless motor. Scouts project him as a potential impact player in the SEC within his first two seasons.
For Wisconsin, the news is undoubtedly a tough blow. Reed was seen as a foundational piece of their defensive rebuild under head coach Luke Fickell. While the Badgers still have a solid class taking shape, losing a blue-chip lineman from SEC territory always stings — especially this close to summer.
Recruiting analysts are already calling this one of the more significant flips of the offseason. “Ole Miss just stole a game-changer from a Big Ten power,” said 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. “These are the moves that shape SEC title contenders.”
With the commitment now official, Reed is expected to enroll early at Ole Miss in January. Until then, Rebel fans can celebrate landing one of the most coveted defensive talents in the 2025 class — and doing it at the expense of a major competitor.
One thing’s for sure: Lane Kiffin’s recruiting magic is still very real.
