Ole Miss 5-Star Commit Astonishes College Football World by Deciding to Join the Alabama Crimson Tide and Flip His Commit Locked
In a stunning turn of events, five-star running back Akylin Dear has decommitted from the University of Mississippi and committed to the University of Alabama. This move has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, especially within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Akylin Dear, a standout running back from Quitman, Mississippi, has been a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 205 pounds, Dear possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility. In his junior year at Quitman High School, he amassed over 2,000 rushing yards and scored 27 touchdowns, earning second-team All-State honors .
His impressive performance on the field led to offers from numerous top-tier programs, including Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas. Initially, Dear committed to Ole Miss in March 2024, citing the opportunity to stay close to home and play for his in-state team .
However, in late June 2024, Dear announced his decision to decommit from Ole Miss. He expressed that the choice was challenging, as he had a strong connection with the program and its coaching staff. Yet, he felt it was in his best interest to explore other opportunities that aligned more closely with his long-term goals .
This decommitment was part of a larger trend, as Dear became the fourth high-profile recruit to withdraw from Ole Miss’s 2025 class within a week .
Shortly after reopening his recruitment, Dear visited Alabama and was impressed by the program’s facilities, coaching staff, and its history of developing NFL-caliber running backs. He was particularly drawn to Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Kalen DeBoer, who has a track record of success with running backs .
In early July 2024, Dear announced his commitment to Alabama, citing the program’s legacy of producing elite running backs and its potential to help him achieve his professional aspirations .
Dear’s commitment to Alabama is a significant development in college football recruiting. It not only strengthens Alabama’s already impressive 2025 recruiting class but also represents a shift in the balance of power within the SEC. Ole Miss, which had been a rising force in the conference, now faces challenges in maintaining its recruiting momentum.
For Alabama, securing Dear adds a dynamic playmaker to their backfield and bolsters their reputation as a destination for top-tier running back talent. For Dear, this move provides an opportunity to compete at the highest level and further his development under a coaching staff known for its success in the NFL.
As of the latest rankings, Akylin Dear is considered the No. 2 running back and the No. 30 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class . His commitment to Alabama is expected to have a ripple effect on future recruiting cycles, as other top prospects may now consider the Crimson Tide more favorably.
Looking ahead, both Ole Miss and Alabama will continue to build their programs, with Dear’s decision serving as a pivotal moment in the 2025 recruiting class. Alabama’s addition of Dear is seen as a strategic move to enhance their offensive capabilities and maintain their status as a powerhouse in college football.
Akylin Dear’s flip from Ole Miss to Alabama is a testament to the dynamic nature of college football recruiting. It underscores the importance of program development, coaching staff, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth in a recruit’s decision-making process. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Dear to see how he contributes to Alabama’s storied football program.
