Ole Miss Signee Makes Bold National Championship Prediction

Four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett expects the Rebels to reach the title game in 2026.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Baton Rouge (La.) Central four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett, who signed with Ole Miss in December, has made a bold prediction that the Rebels will reach the National Championship in 2026. Garrett, the No. 1 rated linebacker in Louisiana, chose Ole Miss over offers from several top programs. He cited the Rebels' coaching staff and stability as key factors in his decision.

Why it matters

Ole Miss is coming off a strong 2025 season and is assembling a top-ranked transfer portal class. Garrett's confidence in the program's future adds to the growing optimism surrounding the Rebels heading into the 2026 campaign.

The details

Garrett, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound prospect, originally committed to Auburn before reopening his recruitment over the summer and ultimately signing with Ole Miss. He praised the Rebels' coaching staff and their connections to Nick Saban's program at Alabama. Now, Garrett is predicting that Ole Miss will reach the National Championship in 2026, just a year after the Rebels made the semifinals.

  • Garrett signed with Ole Miss during the Early Signing Period in December 2025.
  • Ole Miss made the semifinals in the 2025 season.

The players

JaMichael Garrett

A four-star linebacker from Baton Rouge (La.) Central who is the No. 1 rated linebacker in Louisiana and signed with Ole Miss in December 2025.

Pete Golding

The head coach of the Ole Miss football program.

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What they’re saying

“Ole Miss, they do a good job at building relationships and making you feel like a priority. Obviously, they just lost a linebacker in their class. Guy that flipped over seven to eight times, so just knowing that they want loyalty and they have stability.”

— JaMichael Garrett, Ole Miss Signee

“Ole Miss is going to the National Championship next year. Merch It.”

— JaMichael Garrett

What’s next

The Rebels will look to build on their 2025 semifinal appearance and make a push for the national title in 2026 with the addition of Garrett and their highly-ranked transfer portal class.

The takeaway

Garrett's bold prediction reflects the growing optimism surrounding the Ole Miss football program, which has assembled a talented roster and coaching staff poised to compete for a national championship in the coming years.