Ole Miss is adding more muscle to its defensive front, landing a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Jamarion Owens as part of its 2026 recruiting class. Owens, a standout from Raleigh High School in Mississippi, brings both production and pedigree to Oxford - and he’s stepping into a room that’s already stacked with talent.
Let’s break down what this means for the Rebels and how the pieces are coming together for Pete Golding’s squad.
Jamarion Owens: Mississippi’s Mr. Football Joins a Deep DL Room
At 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, Owens isn’t just another body on the line - he’s the reigning MHSAA 3A Mr. Football and helped lead Raleigh to a state title over Noxubee County back in December.
That kind of résumé doesn’t happen by accident. Owens has the tools, the motor, and the championship DNA to compete at the next level.
Originally committed to Louisiana, Owens flipped to Ole Miss on Jan. 12, giving the Rebels a late-cycle boost ahead of the February signing period. He’ll be one of five defensive linemen in the 2026 high school class, joining a group headlined by four-star recruits Landon Barnes, Carmelow Reed, and Emanuel Tucker.
But make no mistake - Owens is walking into a crowded room. Ole Miss added five defensive linemen through the transfer portal this offseason, and most of them come with college experience. That means Owens will need to carve out his role, likely starting in a rotational spot while he adjusts to the speed and physicality of SEC play.
Still, don’t count him out. His high school tape shows a player who wins with leverage, plays with a chip on his shoulder, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in the trenches. He’s the kind of high-upside prospect that can thrive in a developmental system - especially one like Ole Miss, where the staff has shown they’re not afraid to mix young talent with proven veterans.
Building Through the Portal - and the Prep Ranks
Under Pete Golding, Ole Miss has continued the blueprint laid out by Lane Kiffin: build the roster through the transfer portal, then supplement with high school talent. So far, it’s working.
The Rebels brought in 29 players via the portal this cycle - the second-highest total in the country, trailing only LSU. That group includes former Cal linebacker Luke Ferrelli and Syracuse wide receiver Darrell Gill, two players expected to contribute right away.
On the high school front, Ole Miss signed 20 players during the early signing period in December, landing the No. 22 class nationally and No. 10 in the SEC, according to the 247Sports Composite. That’s right in line with recent years - the Rebels were No. 16 in 2025, No. 21 in 2024, and No. 23 in 2023 - showing a steady, consistent approach to recruiting under Golding.
Who Else Is in the 2026 High School Class?
Here’s a look at the full list of high school signees, ranked by their 247Sports Composite rating:
- WR Jase Matthews
- EDGE Landon Barnes
- RB Damarius Yates
- DE Carmelow Reed
- S Craig Tutt
- DL Emanuel Tucker
- CB Dorian Barney
- CB Iverson McCoy
- WR Kervin Johnson
- LB Ant Davis
- LB Ja'Michael Garrett
- S Nascar McCoy
- RB Ja'Michael Jones
- DE Jayden Curtis
- CB Victor Lincoln
- OL Jalan Chapman
- S Braylen Williams
- QB Rees Wise
- WR Case Thomas
- OL Kane Mankins
It’s a balanced group with speed on the outside, size in the trenches, and depth at linebacker and in the secondary. The Rebels didn’t just chase stars - they went after guys who fit their system and can develop into contributors down the line.
What’s Next?
The late signing period opens Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 6, giving Ole Miss a final window to round out the class. The transfer portal is technically closed - it shut down Jan. 16 - but teams can still add players who entered before the deadline.
As for spring practice, the Rebels haven’t announced dates yet, but it typically kicks off in late February and runs through April. That’ll be the first real look at how this new-look roster is coming together - and where guys like Owens might fit in the mix.
Final Thoughts
Jamarion Owens might not be the highest-rated name in the Rebels’ class, but he’s the kind of player that can quietly become a key piece down the road. He’s tough, tested, and coming off a championship run - and now he gets to prove himself in one of the SEC’s most competitive defensive line rooms.
With a top-tier transfer portal haul and a solid high school class, Ole Miss is building a roster that’s deep, versatile, and ready to compete. The foundation is set. Now it’s about development - and finding out who’s ready to rise.