Caleb Cunningham is officially an Ole Miss Rebel. The 6-2, 190-pound wide receiver is the 18th-best player in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite, and the top-rated player in the state of Mississippi. His signing with the Rebels comes after a hectic recruiting cycle that saw him decommit from Alabama less than a month ago. Almost immediately after, he announced he was staying in state, verbally committing to Ole Miss. That has now been made official.
As a multi-sport star at Choctaw County High School, Cunningham broke out largely due to his athleticism and size. On the basketball court, he’s averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game, heading into his senior season. On the football field, while his senior stats haven’t been confirmed, he did set school records in receptions (48) and receiving yards (1,138) as a junior.
Some questions exist about his speed, but he makes up for it with sure hands and physical runs after the catch. Now, we get to see how that matches up against solid SEC defenders.
What Does Caleb Cunningham’s Signing Do For Ole Miss
From the Ole Miss side of things, Cunningham’s signing is huge. Not only is he the highest-rated recruit in their class, but he also brings relief to a receivers room that is about to see a massive overhaul. Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins are now out of eligibility. Juice Wells had nothing short of a disappointing first season in Oxford. And that doesn’t include the fact that the Rebels are losing their top pass-catching tight end, Caden Prieskorn.
Needless to say, Lane Kiffin and the Rebels needed to add weapons on offense. Cunningham’s addition is a really good start. With his ability to likely be a plug-and-play guy, expect him to make noise next season, even as a freshman. This could especially be true in the red zone. With his basketball background, his leaping ability goes without question. Jumpball situations in the end zone could provide him a prime opportunity to show off that ability.
Even with the Cunningham signing, don’t think Kiffin won’t add other pieces. We know he loves the transfer portal and plans to utilize it once again this offseason. However, Cunningham now gives him a bit of wiggle room when chasing receivers in the portal over the coming weeks.
