Top Recruit Decommits from Ole Miss, Signs with Ohio State, Shaking Up the SEC
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through college football, five-star recruit and the nation’s youngest top prospect, Jaylen Matthews, has officially decommitted from Ole Miss and signed with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 17-year-old phenom had previously been one of the SEC’s most anticipated additions, hailed for his elite athleticism, high football IQ, and game-changing explosiveness on both sides of the ball.
Matthews’ decision to flip from Ole Miss to Ohio State marks a significant recruiting victory for the Buckeyes and a major loss for the Rebels. The Mississippi program had built much of its 2025 recruiting buzz around Matthews, projecting him as a future cornerstone of their defensive scheme. But after a recent visit to Columbus and conversations with head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Matthews announced his change of heart via social media, thanking Ole Miss for their support but expressing his excitement to “be part of something even bigger.”
This recruiting shakeup comes at a pivotal time for the SEC, where competition for elite talent continues to intensify. Matthews was not only the youngest prospect in the 2025 top 100, but arguably the most versatile, with the ability to play linebacker, edge rusher, or even tight end.
Ohio State continues to assert itself as a powerhouse both on the field and in recruiting battles, outmaneuvering top SEC programs for premier talent. Matthews’ commitment reinforces the Buckeyes’ strategy of recruiting nationally and developing high-upside athletes for the next level.
As for Ole Miss, the staff now scrambles to regroup and fill a glaring gap in their 2025 class. Meanwhile, the Big Ten celebrates a major win in the ongoing talent tug-of-war with the SEC.
