Albert Simien's recruitment journey has taken an intriguing turn. The standout from Lake Charles, Louisiana, had his eyes set on making a commitment this month.
But when powerhouse programs like Alabama, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Florida came calling, things got interesting. And then, Ole Miss entered the picture.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 280 pounds, Simien is the top-ranked interior offensive lineman for the 2027 class. LSU’s Lane Kiffin is among those vying for his talents. However, Ole Miss has found a unique angle in this high-stakes recruitment battle, thanks to a strategic move last December.
That move was hiring Frank Wilson, a former LSU assistant who had previously built a strong connection with Simien. Wilson wasted no time, visiting Simien at home and putting Ole Miss firmly on his radar. As reported by Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman, the Rebels have made a significant impression.
Simien, ranked 35th overall by 247Sports, initially planned to commit in February but decided to take a step back. His tweet thanking Frank Wilson for the visit shows the growing bond with Ole Miss.
Lane Kiffin also made a personal visit to Louisiana, emphasizing his desire to recruit local talent. "I’d love to sign a lot of Louisiana kids," Kiffin said, praising the dedication of high school coaches in the area.
While Kiffin's interest in Louisiana is well-known, targeting the state's top interior lineman with Wilson leading the charge is a new level of strategy. Simien is currently exploring his options, and this pause has given Ole Miss an opportunity to make their case.
The Rebels are not just interested in Simien for his elite skills. They have a pressing need for talent on the offensive line, with Brycen Sanders, Delano Townsend, and Patrick Kutas all likely heading to the NFL after this season. Simien could provide the long-term stability they need, something the transfer portal can't always guarantee.
Though LSU and Texas A&M are still frontrunners, and Notre Dame is making a strong push, Ole Miss has the relationship and the pressing need that could tip the scales. As spring visits unfold, we’ll see if Ole Miss can outmaneuver Baton Rouge on its home turf.