Ever seen Lane Kiffin operate on the recruiting trail? It’s like watching a magician pull off a trick, except there’s no illusion—just straight-up results. The man doesn’t just recruit; he finesses. And right now, he’s got his sights locked in on a big-time quarterback for the 2026 class, and let’s just say the results are looking promising after QB spilled the bold tea.

Meet Landon Duckworth, the N0. 6th QB in the class of 2026, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound dual-threat out of Jackson High School in Alabama. The kid is a certified baller, and the Rebels are making a serious push to land him. And by the sound of it? Ole Miss might just be sitting in the driver’s seat. “I had a great time at Ole Miss,” Duckworth said after his first visit to Oxford. “The coaches there are real. I broke down film with Coach Weiss, I spent time with Coach Kiffin, and I can tell they are genuine and real people.”

Now, let’s get one thing straight—recruits don’t just throw around words like ‘genuine’ unless they actually feel it. That’s a major W for Kiffin & Co. Duckworth’s already looking to return in the spring and line up an official visit for the summer, which means Ole Miss is officially in the mix.

Lane Kiffin recruits like he calls plays—aggressive, calculated, and always thinking two steps ahead. He knows Duckworth isn’t just another four-star talent. This dude can flat-out play. As a freshman, he led Jackson to an 8-3 record with 1,985 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and another 355 yards with eight scores on the ground. Sophomore year? Even better—1,971 passing yards, 27 TDs, plus another five rushing scores.

That kind of production has big-name programs lining up, and it’s no secret Duckworth’s been on a rollercoaster recruitment-wise. Originally committed to South Carolina, he decommitted last summer to keep his options open. “After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to decommit from the University of South Carolina. I want to thank Coach Beamer and the entire coaching staff for believing in me. I will be reopening my recruitment.” Translation? The door is wide open, and Kiffin is making sure Ole Miss walks right through it.

Of course, the Rebels aren’t the only ones making noise here. South Carolina still has a shot at getting him back in the fold, and Georgia and Florida State are coming hard, too.“There are some other schools I am looking at,” Duckworth admitted, “but Ole Miss, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida State are the main schools I am focused on right now.” So yeah, the battle is far from over, but Ole Miss has got something the others don’t—momentum. The visit hit differently, and the kid is already talking about coming back. That’s a major sign.

Lane Kiffin’s eyes on another big target: Bryce Gilmore

But hold up—it ain’t just quarterbacks Kiffin’s finessing. The Rebels are cooking on the offensive line front, too. Enter Bryce Gilmore, a high four-star tackle out of Prosper, Texas, who just dropped his Top 6. Ole Miss made the cut alongside Penn State, Arizona State, Arkansas, and Texas Tech. But let’s keep it a buck—Kiffin’s been in on this dude way before some of these schools even picked up the phone. Penn State? Yeah, they just recently entered the chat. Ole Miss, though? They’ve been working on Gilmore since the spring of 2024. That’s called playing the long game, and it’s exactly why they’re in a prime spot to land him.

Timing is everything in recruiting, and Kiffin’s crew seems to have it figured out. Gilmore is making his way to Oxford in April, which just so happens to line up with the Rebels’ alternative to their spring game—aka the ‘Grove Bowl Game.’ And let’s not forget the closing power here. Last cycle, Ole Miss absolutely nailed their late-spring and summer visits, locking in some key names. They’re looking to run that same playbook with Gilmore, and if history is any indicator, it’s gonna work.

It’s not just about getting talent—it’s about getting the right talent. Kiffin isn’t out here just throwing offers around to see what sticks. He’s targeted specific guys that fit his system and, more importantly, his culture. And if you’re a QB like Duckworth or a tackle like Gilmore? Ole Miss is making sure you know exactly where you stand.