“Sinking sip?” “Smart decision” - CFB fans react as Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss loses Elite 2025 RB Akylin Dear

By Aman Sharma

Modified Jun 29, 2024 13:01 GMT

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Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin faced a recruiting blow this week when elite 2025 running back Akylin Dear de-committed from the Rebels. On Friday night, the four-star prospect and the second-ranked running back in the nation announced his decision to withdraw his commitment, becoming the fourth high-profile prospect to do so from Ole Miss's 2025 class this week.

Dear's decommitment comes shortly after three other key recruits, including four-star wide receiver Jerome Myles, also pulled their pledges. His decision sparked reactions from college football fans on social media, with some mocking Kiffin and the Ole Miss program.

“Sinking sip?" A fan said.

“Smart decision young man,” another fan remarked.

"No stay there son," chimed in another.

Some fans were heartbroken over the decommitment, while others applauded the athlete for his decision.

"Ole Miss vs. USC for most gut-wrenching decommits," a fan quipped

"That’s a great decision young man," a fan stated.

A few fans couldn't believe the number of players withdrawing their name from the program.

"This is the 4th decommitment this week for Ole Miss, right? Geez," a user commented.

Some predicted his potential destination.

"He’ll be an 🐘 soon," a fan said.

"Welcome to Georgia Football," another fan predicted.

As one of Mississippi’s top prospects in the 2025 class, Dear initially chose Ole Miss over powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas and Mississippi State. His junior year stats at Quitman High School were impressive, with 2,016 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. Despite his commitment to the Rebels, Dear also visited Alabama and Florida earlier this spring.

Akylin Dear's exit is a severe setback for Kiffin’s 2025 recruiting class, following the losses of Jerome Myles, outside linebacker Corey Amos (No. 38 OLB) and wide receiver Dillon Alfred (No. 54 WR).

With Dear's departure, Ole Miss’s 2025 class now retains only two ESPN 300 commitments: outside linebacker Jarcoby Hopson (No. 177) and defensive tackle Andrew Maddox (No. 245).

Akylin Dear contemplates his future after decommitting from Ole Miss

Akylin Dear, a highly regarded 6-foot, 200-pound running back, had been committed to in-state Ole Miss Rebels since March 30. Following official visits to Alabama and Texas A&M in June, he is now reconsidering his options.

“I’ve been contemplating this for some time now,” Dear shared with On3. “Deciding what’s best for me and my future has been tough. You want to represent your home state, but at the same time, you dream of playing for a team you’ve loved since childhood. Ultimately, I had to choose what made me and my family happy, so I don’t have any regrets.”

Alabama has been heavily recruiting Dear, with Kalen DeBoer and Robert Gillespie making a strong push. While other schools have reached out, Dear remains uncertain about future visits or an imminent commitment.

“I’m still figuring things out,” he said. “I want to make a decision but ensure it’s the right one, not just a hasty move."

As of now, Akylin Dear has no visits planned for the end of July when the recruiting deadline ends. Ole Miss remains hopeful of signing Dear in December, along with three-star Shekai Mills-Knight and Missouri commit Jamarion Morrow.

Sources from OMSpirit indicate that Ole Miss staff is optimistic about regaining Akylin Dear's commitment. Additionally, the Rebels seem well-positioned to secure Mills-Knight, although flipping Morrow from Missouri may prove challenging.