News Summary
As June’s visit season concludes, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin intensifies recruitment of standout offensive lineman Edward Baker. Ranked 50th overall in the 2026 class, Baker has narrowed his choices to five schools, including Ole Miss. With exceptional skills and a focus on team culture, Baker’s visit poses a significant opportunity for the Rebels to solidify their position among his top choices for commitment.
Oxford, Mississippi – As the final weekend of June’s official visit season arrives, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is intensifying his recruitment efforts for standout prospects. One player who has risen to the top of the Rebels’ priority list is Edward Baker, a highly sought-after offensive lineman from St. Frances Academy in Maryland. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound interior lineman is currently ranked No. 50 overall in the 2026 recruiting class and holds the 18th position within his home state of Maryland.
Earlier in June, Ole Miss extended an offer to Baker, making significant strides in his recruitment despite entering the competition later than other schools. Currently, Baker has narrowed his choices down to five schools: Ole Miss, Tennessee, Arkansas, UVA, and NC State. Each of these institutions has made concerted efforts to communicate to Baker that he is a priority for their respective football programs.
Baker has demonstrated exceptional skills on the field, excelling in both run and pass-blocking situations. His strong instincts and quick reactions contribute to his success as an offensive lineman. With notable agility, footwork, and the ability to quickly change direction, Baker has become a formidable player in offensive line play.
The environment and culture of a college program are essential considerations for Baker in making his decision. He values a team culture that aligns with his personal beliefs and has mentioned having friends and teammates who are currently enrolled at Ole Miss. This connection adds a positive influence to his ongoing decision-making process.
Although there is no definite timeline for when Baker will announce his commitment, he has stated that it will be made “whenever the time is right.” This spontaneous approach means that he may make a decision without a fixed date, indicating a focus on finding the right fit rather than rushing into a commitment.
This weekend holds significance for Ole Miss, as it provides an opportunity to further strengthen ties with Baker during his visit. Baker is keen to immerse himself in the campus and town, hoping to relive positive experiences from his previous visits while exploring new aspects of the program.
As Ole Miss prepares for Baker’s visit, the Rebels have already secured eight hard commitments for the class of 2026 prior to this weekend. Recent additions to the team include four-star offensive lineman Ryan Merit and four-star running back Damarius Yates, indicative of an aggressive recruitment strategy by the coaching staff.
In summary, Edward Baker’s recruitment has become a pivotal aspect of Ole Miss’s 2026 recruitment efforts. His visit provides a crucial opportunity for the Rebels to showcase their program and solidify their position among his top choices in anticipation of a commitment that could impact the offensive line significantly. As Baker weighs his options, especially with the allure of the team’s culture and connections he has already formed, the decision-making process remains open and ongoing.
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HERE Resources
Ole Miss Football Welcomes Top Prospect Edward Baker
Additional Resources
- Athlon Sports: Ole Miss Beats Out Nebraska & Florida for 4-Star Recruit
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Football Ryan Miret Recruiting Lane Kiffin Commit
- Ole Miss Sports: Men’s Basketball Announces Roster for Upcoming 2025-26 Season
- Sports Illustrated: The Buzz – Ole Miss Football Lands Critical Commitment
- The Rebel Walk: Lane Kiffin Rebels Welcome Top 2026 Talent
- Wikipedia: Oxford, Mississippi
- Google Search: Ole Miss recruiting
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
- Google News: Ole Miss football recruiting
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