Coveted Ole Miss Football Target Reopens Recruitment, Backs Off North Carolina Pledge

Lane Kiffin and Co. are pushing the right buttons here, looking to add the Magnolia State wideout to the 2026 Recruiting Class.

Courtesy of O'Mari Johnson's Instagram.

Jackson (Miss.) three-star wide receiver O'Mari Johnson has reopened his recruitment after backing off of a commitment to Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels on Monday night.

Johnson, a Top-25 prospect in the Magnolia State, revealed a pledge to the Tar Heels in July, but it hasn't stopped Lane Kiffin and the Rebels from turning up the heat in their pursuit.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has reeled in offers from the likes of the LSU Tigers, Florida Gators, and Arkansas Razorbacks, among others, but it's the Ole Miss Rebels beginning to make noise.

Johnson is coming off of an injury during his junior campaign in 2024 that limited him to only one game played, but his sophomore season in 2023 is what put his name on the map.

🚨BREAKING🚨 WR O'Mari Johnson has decommitted from North Carolina, he tells @samspiegs

He previously re-committed to the Tar Heels in July.

Read: https://t.co/0AN3oGKVr7 pic.twitter.com/cSG4vcTLcW

— Rivals (@Rivals) October 7, 2025

The Mississippi native logged almost 1,300 scrimmage yards as a sophomore, totaling more than 1,700 all-purpose yards.

He caught 43 passes for 807 yards and 11 touchdowns on 18.8 yards per reception while handing business as a wideot, but he also shined as a running back. Johnson ran for 465 yards and 10 touchdowns on 8.5 yards per carry.

On the other side of the ball, Johnson logged 52 tackles, 4 interceptions (2 return touchdowns), and 8 pass breakups.

Johnson has taken a pair of game day visits to Ole Miss this fall with Kiffin and the coaching staff prioritizing the Magnolia State wide receiver.

Courtesy of O'Mari Johnson's Instagram.

Now, the prized target has backed off of his commitment to North Carolina and is back on the market with the Rebels beginning to gain momentum.

Ole Miss currently holds pledges from a pair of talented wideouts in Jameson Powell and Corey Barber, but the program remains in search of a third receiver with Johnson emerging as a priority.

The 247 Sports Evaluation: "Three-phase playmaker with extensive reps at receiver, running back, cornerback, safety, and kick/punt returner. Legitimate FBS prospect at receiver and possibly multiple defensive back spots.

"Pushing 6-1, 180 pounds with plus length. Athletic profile includes basketball, plus track and field in eighth and ninth grades. Missed all but one game of junior season (Fall 2024). Prior to that campaign, tape study revealed a wiry strong athlete with encouraging run-after-catch ability. Perhaps more instinctive on defense, whether playing off corner or at safety.

Courtesy of Omari Johnson's Instagram.

"Willing to mix it up as a tackler and doesn't shy away from contact on either side of the ball. Likely provides special teams value in multiple capacities. Functional athleticism in pads usually exceeds what combine testing and older track and field data suggest.

"Higher floor may lie at receiver, while higher ceiling may be in the secondary. Projects as a P4-caliber prospect who could develop into a quality starter on either side of the ball."

More Ole Miss News:

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Ole Miss Football Commit, Ex-Michigan Wolverines Pledge Shuts Down Recruitment

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