Ole Miss Rebels Now Favored to Land Elite Four-Star Safety as Tennessee Volunteers Lose Ground in Intense Recruiting Battle

The Ole Miss Rebels have suddenly surged to the forefront in the race for one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the Class of 2026, and it comes at the expense of an SEC rival. Once viewed as a strong Tennessee lean, four-star safety Jowell Combay now appears to be trending toward Ole Miss, according to multiple recruiting insiders and momentum shifts on social media. With an announcement looming, all signs are pointing to Oxford rather than Knoxville.

Combay, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound safety from Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia, is a rising star in the 2026 cycle and has quickly become one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the Southeast. His explosive athleticism, nose for the football, and ability to cover ground make him a defensive chess piece in modern-day college football. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, and LSU have been involved at various points in his recruitment, but down the stretch, it’s become a heavyweight fight between Ole Miss and Tennessee.

For months, the Volunteers had positioned themselves well with Combay. They offered early, built strong connections, and prioritized him on multiple visits. Defensive backs coach Willie Martinez played a key role in establishing rapport with Combay and his family, and the program’s defensive blueprint under Tim Banks resonated with the Georgia standout. Tennessee’s upward trajectory, recent NFL Draft success, and defensive back development record gave Vols fans every reason to believe Combay would be headed to Rocky Top.

But the tide appears to be turning in favor of Lane Kiffin and the Rebels.

Over the past two weeks, sources close to Combay’s recruitment suggest a growing comfort level with Ole Miss. He took a recent unofficial visit to Oxford that reportedly exceeded expectations, and the Rebels’ staff has pushed all the right buttons since. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding and safeties coach Wes Neighbors have been heavily involved, emphasizing immediate opportunity, schematic fit, and a more personalized recruiting approach.

Golding, who previously recruited elite talent during his time at Alabama, is no stranger to high-stakes battles like this. His ability to communicate an NFL-ready vision and show a path to early playing time has made Ole Miss a serious landing spot for top-tier defenders, particularly in the secondary. In Combay’s case, it’s working.

The Rebels’ recruiting strategy has become increasingly aggressive in the 2026 cycle, particularly in targeting SEC territory talent. Kiffin understands that to compete with the Alabamas and Georgias of the world, he must consistently win recruiting battles within the region. Landing Combay would not only give Ole Miss a game-changing presence in the secondary but also serve as a statement win over an Eastern Division rival that had long been considered the favorite.

Recruiting analysts have taken notice. Several national insiders have flipped their predictions from Tennessee to Ole Miss over the last 48 hours. Crystal ball projections and RPMs on major platforms have tilted heavily in the Rebels’ favor, and a subtle but telling shift occurred when Combay changed his pinned post on social media to photos from his visit to Oxford rather than Knoxville. While this doesn’t guarantee a decision, it’s the kind of movement that often foreshadows a recruiting flip.

Adding further intrigue to the situation is Combay’s upcoming announcement, which he teased earlier in the week. He is expected to go public with his commitment decision in the next few days, potentially accelerating what has already become a heated narrative in SEC recruiting circles.

For Tennessee, the potential loss would sting—not only because of Combay’s talent but because of what he represented to the program’s defensive rebuild. The Volunteers have emphasized speed, versatility, and hybrid athleticism in their recent defensive recruiting classes. Combay checked every box. Losing him, especially to a division rival, would be a tough blow at a time when Josh Heupel and staff are trying to solidify their long-term defensive foundation.

It’s also a lesson in the volatility of recruiting. Just weeks ago, Tennessee felt confident in Combay. They had hosted him multiple times, had strong communication, and even built bonds with other 2026 prospects who were hoping to join forces in Knoxville. Yet in this modern era of recruiting—where NIL considerations, last-minute visits, and personal relationships can sway decisions overnight—the momentum can change swiftly.

Ole Miss capitalized.

Kiffin’s staff has become masters of timing. Whether it’s flipping a high-profile commitment from another SEC school or swooping in late for a blue-chip prospect, they have consistently proven capable of closing when it matters most. Combay could be the latest example.

Should the Rebels seal the deal, it would give them their third top-150 national commitment in the 2026 cycle and their first elite defensive back. It would also send a message that Ole Miss can not only compete with, but beat out, programs like Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn for Southern talent that traditionally leaned east.

Meanwhile, the Vols will be forced to recalibrate. Missing out on Combay may prompt Tennessee to pivot toward other top safety prospects still on the board, such as Kahlil McCall (NC), Rashad Johnson (TX), or in-state option Tristan Martin (TN). There’s also a chance the Vols continue to recruit Combay through the fall, should his commitment remain non-binding until the Early Signing Period in December.

Recruiting rarely ends with a summer announcement.

But for now, momentum is squarely with the Rebels. Ole Miss has played their cards perfectly, and barring a late twist, they appear poised to land one of the most versatile defensive backs in the 2026 cycle. In doing so, they’d add more than just talent—they’d gain validation in the SEC arms race and take a critical win from a fellow conference program that’s been gaining steam.

In the big picture, this recruitment reveals two rising programs with similar ambitions clashing in the battlegrounds of the Southeast. Tennessee wants to prove it belongs in the upper echelon of SEC East contenders. Ole Miss is doing everything it can to shake up the West hierarchy and close the talent gap with perennial powerhouses. And both know that securing difference-makers like Jowell Combay is part of that formula.

This recruitment may be ending soon—but its impact will be felt for years to come.

In the end, Ole Miss just might walk away with a cornerstone defender and a major recruiting win that energizes its 2026 class. The battle lines were drawn, the punches thrown, and now, Lane Kiffin looks ready to deliver the knockout blow.

Unless the Volunteers pull off a late miracle. But time is running out.