Shocking Commitment: LSU Star Devin Harper Flips to Ole Miss Rebels Over Alabama, Georgia, and Others
In a stunning twist to college football’s recruiting saga, LSU’s star prospect, Devin Harper, has made a shocking commitment to join the Ole Miss Rebels, turning down powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and several other top-tier schools. This bold move has sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, leaving fans and analysts scrambling to understand what led the four-star recruit to choose Oxford over the perennial national championship contenders.
Harper, a dynamic linebacker known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and relentless playmaking ability, had long been regarded as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class. The 6’2″, 225-pound defensive weapon had been courted by nearly every elite program in the country, with Alabama and Georgia seen as the frontrunners for his services. With offers from virtually every major football program, many expected Harper to play for one of the SEC’s juggernauts. However, in a move that few saw coming, the Baton Rouge native chose to commit to Ole Miss under head coach Lane Kiffin.
What makes this commitment so shocking is not only the caliber of programs Harper turned down, but also the context in which the decision unfolded. LSU, his home-state school, had been the front-runner for much of his recruitment, and Alabama and Georgia’s recruiting machines are second to none. Yet, Harper chose to join a Rebels program that, while on the rise under Kiffin, has not traditionally been a fixture in the College Football Playoff picture.
Reports suggest that Harper’s decision was influenced by Ole Miss’s strong player development program, particularly their focus on linebackers. The coaching staff’s pitch centered on helping Harper refine his skills to potentially be a first-round NFL draft pick, with an emphasis on playing in a high-powered, fast-paced defensive scheme that aligns with his strengths. Additionally, the opportunity to be a central piece in Ole Miss’s defense, rather than part of a crowded depth chart at Alabama or Georgia, was a key factor in Harper’s decision.
Harper’s commitment marks a significant milestone for Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, who continue to establish themselves as a formidable force in the SEC recruiting landscape. For LSU, Alabama, and Georgia, this unexpected flip is a reminder of how quickly recruitment can change in today’s competitive college football world.
