Last month, the Ole Miss Rebels achieved a significant recruiting turnaround by securing a commitment from in-state five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham, who previously pledged to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Cunningham’s commitment to Ole Miss was officially confirmed on Wednesday when he signed with the Rebels during the Early Signing Period, expressing eagerness about playing in head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense in Oxford.
In an interview after his signing, Cunningham shared his enthusiasm for Ole Miss and its coaching staff. “Ole Miss, they pursued me intensely,” he stated. “Even after I committed to Bama, they continued to show interest. They feel like family to me, and being close to home is a plus. I really appreciate Lane Kiffin’s offense; he’s the best head coach in college football, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to play for him.”
Cunningham’s signing took place just one day before his high school career ended in the MHSAA Class 3A State Championship, where his Choctaw County team claimed a 34-27 victory over the Noxubee County Tigers. In that game, he contributed 52 receiving yards on four receptions and a touchdown, along with 42 rushing yards on seven carries.
In a press conference following the Early National Signing Day, Lane Kiffin praised Cunningham and shared his expectations. “He could be a major asset,” Kiffin noted. “This is a big win for us. He’s an outstanding player who almost left the state, but we brought him back. He comes from a great family, and with our need at that position due to several departures, we have high hopes for him.”
Next fall, Cunningham will join a revamped Ole Miss receiving unit that aims to fill the gaps left by departing players like Tre Harris, Juice Wells, and others.
