Mississippi has always been a breeding ground for elite football talent. The 2026 recruiting cycle proves it again. From SEC powerhouses to bold FCS programs, this state is packed with game-changing athletes.
Here’s a look at ten of the top prospects who are drawing national attention.
Tristen Keys | WR | Hattiesburg | Committed: LSU
Keys is the crown jewel of the 2026 wide receiver class. At 6-foot-2.5 and 180 pounds, he’s fast, polished, and explosive. He played in the Polynesian Bowl and Under Armour All-America Game, showcasing his elite skills.
Keys announced a hard commitment to LSU in March, but the battle isn’t over. He’s taken official visits to Tennessee, Miami, and Texas A&M. Analysts now consider Tennessee the biggest threat to flip him.
This weekend, Keys and Hattiesburg open the season @ Petal on Saturday, August 30. Last year, Hattiesburg won 7-3 in a hard-fought matchup.
Bralan Womack | S | Hartfield Academy | Committed: Auburn
Womack is the state’s top safety and a five-star talent. He’s a true three-phase player, recording eight interceptions and 1,045 receiving yards last season.
Auburn landed a recruiting coup when Womack chose them over Ohio State, Florida, and Texas A&M. His connection with safeties coach TJ Rushing and the family-oriented culture on campus sealed the deal.
Hartfield Academy hosts Columbia Friday, August 29.
Nolan Wilson | DL | Picayune | Committed: Alabama
Wilson is a 6-foot-4, 258-pound defensive force. He can rush the edge or plug the interior. He creates game-changing plays and can turn sacks into fumbles.
Alabama secured Wilson on July 4 after a string of official visits. The first visit to Tuscaloosa set the bar, leaving other schools in chase mode.
Picayune Memorial travels to Gulfport Friday, August 29. Last year Gulfport dominated 41-21.
Jase Matthews | WR | Greene County | Committed: Auburn
Matthews is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound wideout with explosive speed and versatility. He caught 68 passes for 1,138 yards last year.
Auburn won his commitment with a mix of staff relationships and peer influence from 5-star QB Deuce Knight. Matthews’ vision of forming a dynamic duo helped tip the scales.
Greene County plays @ East Central Friday, August 29.
TJ White | LB | Jackson Academy | Committed: Tennessee
White is a prototypical SEC linebacker. He’s 6-foot-1.5, 230 pounds, and dominates the middle of the field.
His official visit to Tennessee in June left a lasting impression. He ultimately committed July 1, beating out Mississippi State and Florida.
Jackson Academy travels to Oak Forest Academy Friday, August 29.
JaReylan McCoy | DL | Tupelo | Committed: Florida
McCoy is 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, a physically imposing defensive lineman. ESPN ranks him a five-star, while 247Sports is more conservative.
He flipped from LSU to Florida in June after a game-changing visit to Gainesville. Tupelo opens @ Brandon Friday, August 29, in a marquee matchup.
Damarius Yates | RB | Kemper County | Committed: Ole Miss
Yates is one of the nation’s top running backs. He rushed for 1,339 yards and 15 TDs last season, adding 453 receiving yards.
Yates flipped from Mississippi State to Ole Miss after a spring visit to Oxford. The Rebels’ family-focused approach won him over.
Kemper County hosts Quitman Friday, August 29.
Xavier McDonald | WR | Morton | Committed: Sacramento State
McDonald is a 6-foot-3 wide receiver who caught 140 passes for 2,540 yards and 31 TDs.
In a stunning surprise, he committed to FCS Sacramento State over SEC powers. Coach Brennan Marion sold him on being the focal point of the offense.
Morton plays Seagraves Friday, August 29.
Preston Ashley | CB | Brandon | Committed: Colorado
Ashley is a versatile defensive back with elite coverage skills. He committed to Colorado over Florida and Ole Miss.
The “Prime Effect” worked: Deion Sanders’ brand drew Ashley in, but it was the coaching staff’s honesty and vision that sealed the deal.
Brandon hosts Tupelo Friday, August 29.
Tylan Wilson | S | Pascagoula | Committed: Texas A&M
Wilson is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety. He rose to stardom late but quickly became a top-250 national prospect.
Texas A&M’s early offer and consistent relationship-building helped secure his commitment over Clemson and Arkansas.
Pascagoula plays @ Moss Point Friday, August 29.
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