Florida Gators Intensify Pursuit for Top Ole Miss Football Target

Greenwich (Conn.) four-star edge rusher Mekai Brown will visit several top programs this offseason as his recruitment heats up.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Mekai Brown, a highly coveted four-star edge rusher from Greenwich, Connecticut, has emerged as a top target for the Ole Miss Rebels football program. With offers from schools across the country, including LSU, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Penn State, Brown's recruitment has exploded this offseason. The Florida Gators have now intensified their pursuit of the talented defender, with Brown set to visit Gainesville this week.

Why it matters

Landing elite defensive prospects like Mekai Brown is crucial for programs looking to build championship-caliber rosters. The competition for Brown's commitment is fierce, as he is ranked as a top-10 edge rusher in the 2027 recruiting cycle. His decision could have significant implications for the future of the Ole Miss and Florida football programs.

The details

Brown has an impressive list of upcoming visits, including stops at North Carolina, Missouri, Texas A&M, Penn State, South Carolina, Kentucky, Notre Dame, and UCLA. However, his visit to Ole Miss on March 19 and the Gators' upcoming visit this week will be crucial in his recruitment process. The Rebels have made a strong impression on Brown, who has praised the coaching staff and defensive scheme. The Gators are now intensifying their pursuit, hoping to sway the talented edge rusher to Gainesville.

  • Brown will visit the Florida Gators on March 3.
  • Brown will visit the Ole Miss Rebels on March 19.

The players

Mekai Brown

A four-star edge rusher from Greenwich, Connecticut, who is ranked as a top-10 prospect in the 2027 recruiting cycle.

Ole Miss Rebels

The college football program that has made a strong impression on Mekai Brown and is a contender for his commitment.

Florida Gators

The college football program that has intensified its pursuit of Mekai Brown and is set to host him for a visit this week.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's definitely great coaching and it's an atmosphere in a place I could really thrive in.”

— Mekai Brown (247Sports)

“This year, I really loved the game, and I was really good at it. I didn't think there was much of a point quitting something that I loved and was good at, and so I picked it up again. And yeah, this is how it turned out.”

— Mekai Brown (Pittsburgh Panthers On SI)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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