The Grove Report

Ole Miss Football Pushing to Flip No. 1 Wide Receiver Away From Auburn Tigers

Pete Golding and Co. continue looking to build on the 2026 Recruiting Class, remain in contact with the top wideout.
Zack Nagy|
Courtesy of Jase Mathews' Instagram.

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Ole Miss Rebels

Leakesville (Miss.) Greene County five-star wide receiver Jase Mathews remains in contact with the Ole Miss Rebels despite a commitment to the Auburn Tigers as the Early Signing Period nears.

The No. 1 rated wideout in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle pledged to Auburn over the likes of the Ole Miss Rebels, LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies down the stretch in his process, but it hasn't stopped schools from intensifying their pursuits.

“Auburn is just a place I want to be,” Mathews told Rivals. “I feel like I can thrive there in all areas of life—mentally, physically, and spiritually. The coaches made me feel like I was already part of the team. It is just right when I am there.” '

It was ultimately the recruiting efforts of Auburn wide receivers coach Marcus Davis that sealed the deal for Mathews to pop and verbally commit to the Tigers.

“Coach Davis is a young coach, and we’ve built a really close connection — not even just about football. I’ve met his family. He’s a reasonable, understanding guy who I know can help me grow on and off the field. He is a coach I fully trust," Mathews told Rivals.

Ole Miss Rebels Baseball: Jase Mathews.
Courtesy of Jase Mathews' X/Twitter: @mathews_jase.

But with Hugh Freeze now out as the head coach of the Auburn program, could this open the door for a flip with less than 24 hours until the Early Signing Period opens?

“Coach Freeze is one of the few head coaches who personally recruited me. We’ve had a lot of conversations. He’s laid-back and real. That relationship built up over time to a really strong one,” Mathews recently told Rivals.

Ole Miss and LSU have emerged as two programs to keep tabs on in pursuit of the Auburn commit as the Early Signing Period in December nears, according to Rivals.

Ole Miss hired ex-Rebel Donte Moncrief to the staff during the offseason where he's quickly provided a boost to the program's recruiting department.

Moncrief, who finished his career in Oxford in 2013, spent seven seasons in the National Football League where he's now made his return to the program.

Across his time with the Ole Miss Rebels, Moncrief caught 156 passes for 2,371 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Now, with Moncrief on staff, the program is pushing for the elite wide receiver as the Early Signing Period nears. Mathews will wait to sign until Friday - the final day of the period.

More Ole Miss News:

Ole Miss Makes Final Decision on Lane Kiffin Coaching CFP As LSU Tigers Pick Up Steam

Potential Lane Kiffin Replacements Revealed As Future With Ole Miss 'In Doubt'

Tony Vitello Pokes Fun at Ole Miss Football's Lane Kiffin in Goodbye to Tennessee

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Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and Ole Miss Rebels On SI: @OleMissOnSI for all coverage surrounding the Ole Miss program.

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Zack Nagy
ZACK NAGY

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Ole Miss Rebels On SI, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Rebel Football, Baseball, Basketball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving Ole Miss athletics. Nagy has covered the Southeastern Conference for over half a decade after being born and raised in New Orleans (La.).

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