No. 1 TE Recruit Chooses Ole Miss Rebels in Midnight Football Showdown…Read More…
OXFORD, Miss. — February 4, 2026 — In a recruiting decision that instantly reshaped the national college football conversation, Tex Brannan, the nation’s No. 1 tight end prospect, officially committed to the Ole Miss Rebels during a dramatic Midnight Football Showdown that captivated fans across the country.
The announcement came just after the clock struck midnight at Brannan’s high school gymnasium in East Texas, where hundreds of fans, teammates, family members, and national media gathered to witness one of the most anticipated commitments of the 2026 recruiting cycle. When Brannan stepped to the podium wearing navy and red, the message was clear: Ole Miss had landed a program-defining talent.
“This decision wasn’t about hype,” Brannan said. “It was about opportunity, belief, and where I know I can become the best version of myself. I’m all in with Ole Miss.”
With that, Rebels fans erupted online, flooding social media with celebratory posts as #HottyToddy and #BrannanToOleMiss began trending nationwide within minutes.
A National Recruiting Win for Lane Kiffin
Landing a player of Brannan’s caliber is a monumental victory for Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who continues to prove himself as one of the most aggressive and effective recruiters in college football. Brannan chose the Rebels over a loaded finalist group that included Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Ohio State, and USC — programs long considered the gold standard in recruiting.
But Kiffin’s vision, creativity, and proven ability to showcase offensive talent ultimately won the day.
“Coach Kiffin showed me exactly how I’d be used,” Brannan explained. “Not just as a tight end, but as a weapon. Someone defenses have to game-plan for every week.”
Ole Miss’s offensive scheme — widely regarded as one of the most explosive in the nation — was tailor-made for Brannan’s versatile skill set. The Rebels made it clear from day one that he would be a focal point of their offense, lining up in multiple positions and creating matchup nightmares across the SEC.
The Midnight Football Showdown
Brannan’s commitment announcement lived up to its billing.
The Midnight Football Showdown featured highlight reels, live music, player testimonials, and a dramatic countdown clock that ticked toward midnight. As the final seconds elapsed, Brannan reached under the table holding hats from his finalist schools and lifted the Ole Miss cap high above his head.
The gym erupted.
“That moment will stick with me forever,” said Brannan’s father. “Ole Miss believed in Tex early, and they never wavered.”
Several Ole Miss assistants were in attendance, embracing Brannan and his family immediately after the announcement — a visual that symbolized just how invested the Rebels had been throughout the process.
Why Brannan Picked Ole Miss
Brannan cited several key factors that led him to Oxford, starting with relationships.
From his official visit in the fall to multiple in-home meetings, the Ole Miss staff built strong trust with Brannan and his family. Tight ends coach Joe Cox played a critical role, breaking down film and showing Brannan exactly how previous Rebels tight ends thrived in the system.
But beyond football, Brannan emphasized the culture.
“It felt like home,” he said. “The people, the energy, the belief — it wasn’t fake. It was real.”
Ole Miss’s recent success also mattered. With multiple 10-win seasons, marquee bowl appearances, and an offense that consistently ranks among the nation’s best, Brannan saw the Rebels as a program on the brink of something special.
What Tex Brannan Brings to Oxford
At 6-6, 255 pounds, Brannan is the prototype modern tight end. Recruiting analysts rave about his ability to stretch the field, dominate in the red zone, and hold his own as a blocker against elite edge defenders.
Rated a five-star recruit across major recruiting services, Brannan possesses soft hands, precise route-running, and rare athleticism for his size. Defensive coordinators already view him as a nightmare matchup — too big for defensive backs, too fast for linebackers.
Ole Miss’s offensive staff believes Brannan can make an immediate impact upon arrival.
“Tex is the type of player you build an offense around,” an Ole Miss assistant said. “He changes the geometry of the field.”
With Brannan in the lineup, Ole Miss gains a powerful weapon who can elevate the play of everyone around him — from quarterbacks to wide receivers to the running game.
Reaction From Rebel Nation
The Ole Miss fanbase wasted no time celebrating the commitment.
Former players, boosters, and national analysts praised the Rebels for pulling off one of the biggest recruiting wins in program history. Many called it a defining moment for Kiffin’s tenure in Oxford.
“This is huge for Ole Miss,” one SEC analyst posted. “Landing the No. 1 tight end in the country shows this program is recruiting with the elites now.”
Inside the program, players also expressed excitement, welcoming Brannan as the next cornerstone of the Rebels’ offense.
Looking Ahead
Brannan plans to enroll early at Ole Miss, allowing him to participate in spring practices and begin building chemistry with his future teammates. Coaches expect him to compete immediately and potentially play a major role as a freshman — a rare feat in the SEC.
For Ole Miss, this commitment is more than just a recruiting win. It’s a statement.
“I want to win championships,” Brannan said as he closed his announcement. “And I believe Ole Miss is the place to do that.”
As Rebel Nation celebrates into the early morning hours, one thing is clear: the future in Oxford just got a lot brighter.
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