NOT THE STARS WE SIGNED: Two Top Ole Miss Rebel’s 5-Star Signees Struggling Badly in The Team — ‘It’s Like They Both Forgot How to Play’
When Ole Miss fans heard the news that two of the top five-star recruits in the nation had committed to the Rebels last offseason, expectations soared to new heights in Oxford. Head coach Lane Kiffin called their arrival “a game-changer for the future of this program,” and many believed the duo would immediately push the Rebels into playoff contention. But four weeks into the season, those dreams are starting to look shaky. Instead of dominating, the two highly touted freshmen have struggled so badly that even Kiffin admitted their performances are “not close to what we expected.”
Wide receiver Jayden “Jet” Carson and linebacker Malik Stokes were supposed to be the future of Ole Miss football — a dynamic playmaker on offense and a defensive enforcer who could anchor the unit for years. Carson, the number two receiver in the 2025 class, was known in high school for his blazing speed and ability to turn short passes into touchdowns. Stokes, meanwhile, was touted as one of the most instinctive linebackers in the country, a player who could read offenses like a seasoned veteran. But instead of highlight-reel plays and breakout performances, both have been virtually invisible on game days.
Carson’s struggles have been particularly surprising. Despite being heavily targeted in the Rebels’ first three games, he has managed just 72 receiving yards and no touchdowns. Drops, poor route running, and a lack of confidence have plagued the once-dominant playmaker. One Ole Miss assistant coach, speaking anonymously, said, “It’s like he’s thinking too much out there. The natural instincts we saw in high school — they’re just not showing up.” Fans have noticed too, and social media has been filled with frustration and disbelief over the star receiver’s lack of production.
Stokes’ situation isn’t much better. Expected to be a day-one starter and the heartbeat of the defense, the freshman linebacker has struggled to adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game. He has missed multiple tackles, blown several coverage assignments, and appears hesitant rather than aggressive. Opposing offenses have targeted him repeatedly, exploiting his mistakes and exposing weaknesses Ole Miss coaches hoped wouldn’t exist. “It’s like he forgot how to play linebacker,” one SEC scout said. “The talent is obviously there, but his head is spinning.”
Lane Kiffin, known for his straightforward approach, didn’t sugarcoat the situation in a recent press conference. “These are young players who have to learn that talent alone doesn’t win games,” Kiffin said. “College football is different. It’s faster, more physical, more mental. We believe in both of them, but right now, they’re not performing at the level we recruited them to.” His comments reflect a growing concern among the Ole Miss coaching staff that both players might need more time to develop than initially anticipated.
Still, there is optimism that Carson and Stokes can turn things around before the season ends. Many coaches point out that even future NFL stars have had rocky starts as freshmen, and sometimes the transition from high school dominance to college reality takes longer than expected. Kiffin hinted that changes could be coming in how the duo is used — perhaps fewer responsibilities early on and more situational opportunities to rebuild their confidence. “They’re still part of our plan,” he added. “We’re going to get them right.”
For now, Ole Miss fans will have to be patient as the two five-stars navigate growing pains under the SEC spotlight. It’s a frustrating reality when highly anticipated recruits fall short of the hype, but it’s not the first time and certainly won’t be the last. The question now is whether Carson and Stokes will rise from their struggles and become the stars they were projected to be — or if they’ll be remembered as the ones who never quite lived up to the promise.
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