Freshman Phenom Could Rewrite Ole Miss Record Books
Oxford, Mississippi – When Ole Miss signed five-star recruit Jalen “Jet” Thompson last December, excitement swept through Rebel Nation. Now, just months into his freshman year, the electrifying wide receiver has already turned heads in spring camp—and if early signs are any indication, he might just be on a trajectory to rewrite the Ole Miss record books.
Thompson, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound speedster out of Dallas, Texas, arrived in Oxford with sky-high expectations. Ranked as one of the top wideouts in the 2025 recruiting class, he chose Ole Miss over national powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas. His decision was seen as a major recruiting win for head coach Lane Kiffin, and Thompson has wasted no time validating the hype.
“He’s just different,” said offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. “The way he accelerates, the way he catches in traffic, the instincts—he plays like a veteran already. If he keeps this up, there’s no ceiling.”
During spring practices, Thompson quickly became the go-to target for starting quarterback Walker Howard. His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and turn short passes into explosive plays had both coaches and teammates buzzing. In the annual Grove Bowl spring game, Thompson racked up 148 receiving yards and two touchdowns—highlighted by a 72-yard catch-and-run that showcased his game-breaking speed.
With the departure of former star receiver Tre Harris to the NFL, Thompson is expected to step into a significant role immediately. His presence adds a dynamic element to an already potent Rebels offense that thrives on tempo, spacing, and deep shots downfield.
“I grew up watching guys like A.J. Brown and Elijah Moore do big things here,” Thompson said after the Grove Bowl. “My goal is to leave my own mark—to be remembered in the same breath or even higher.”
That’s a bold statement, but not out of reach. Moore currently holds the single-season reception record (86 in 2020), while Brown owns the all-time receiving yards record at Ole Miss with 2,984 yards. If Thompson stays healthy and continues developing, surpassing those marks over a three-year collegiate career is a legitimate possibility.
More than just a stats machine, Thompson’s leadership has also drawn praise. Despite his youth, he’s frequently seen encouraging teammates, staying after practice for extra reps, and diving into film study. That maturity, combined with raw talent, could make him one of the most impactful freshmen in school history.
“He’s not just here to play—he’s here to dominate,” said junior wideout Jordan Watkins. “And he’s making all of us better.”
The college football world will get its first real look at Thompson when the Rebels kick off the season against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. If his spring was any indication, fans across the SEC—and beyond—should brace themselves. Jalen “Jet” Thompson might not just be the next great Ole Miss receiver. He could be the greatest.
