Ole Miss Surges for Top Safety Recruit Jarrell Chandler

The Rebels are making a strong push for the 4-star Tennessee defensive back as he trims his list of top schools.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Knoxville (Tenn.) Halls four-star safety Jarrell Chandler is a top-50 prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, and Ole Miss has emerged as a contender for his commitment. Chandler recently trimmed his list of over 20 offers to 10 schools, including Michigan, Arkansas, Georgia, and Missouri. But the Rebels have entered the race late and are now eyeing an unofficial visit from Chandler this spring as they look to secure his commitment.

Why it matters

Landing Jarrell Chandler would be a major recruiting coup for Ole Miss and head coach Pete Golding. Chandler is one of the top defensive back prospects in the country, and his addition would significantly bolster the Rebels' 2027 recruiting class. Securing elite in-state talent is also crucial for Ole Miss as they look to build momentum and compete with the SEC's powerhouses.

The details

Chandler is a 6-foot-3, 195-pound safety who had a standout junior season, recording 109 tackles, 23 pass breakups, 13 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and one interception. He also contributed on offense with 50 receptions for 766 yards and seven touchdowns. The Rebels have made Chandler a priority in recent weeks, and he is now eyeing an unofficial visit to Oxford this spring as he continues to trim his list of options.

  • Chandler recently trimmed his list of over 20 offers to 10 schools.
  • Ole Miss entered the race for Chandler's commitment in late January 2026.
  • Chandler is now looking to take an unofficial visit to Ole Miss this spring.

The players

Jarrell Chandler

A 4-star safety from Knoxville (Tenn.) Halls High School, Chandler is ranked as a top-50 prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.

Pete Golding

The head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, Golding and his staff have made Chandler a priority recruit in recent weeks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Chandler is expected to take an unofficial visit to Ole Miss this spring as the Rebels continue their push to land the top Tennessee prospect.

The takeaway

Ole Miss is making a strong late push for one of the top defensive back recruits in the country, highlighting the program's ability to identify and pursue elite talent even as the recruiting cycle progresses. Securing a visit from Chandler could be a crucial step in the Rebels' efforts to land the 4-star safety and bolster their 2027 recruiting class.