Breaking News: Quarterback Devin Harper Decommits from Ole Miss, Joins Ohio State for 2026 Class

In a stunning development on the recruiting trail, highly rated quarterback Devin Harper has announced his decision to decommit from Ole Miss and instead join the Ohio State Buckeyes as part of the 2026 recruiting class. Harper, a five-star prospect and one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the nation, had been committed to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels for nearly a year before making the abrupt change. His decision to flip to Ohio State sends shockwaves through the college football world and solidifies the Buckeyes’ status as a premier destination for elite quarterback talent.

Harper’s Decision: A Game-Changer for Ohio State

Harper, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback from Dallas, Texas, had long been considered a prized recruit in the 2026 cycle. His commitment to Ole Miss last year was seen as a major win for Kiffin, but as time went on, Ohio State’s pursuit of the talented signal-caller intensified.

“After a lot of prayer, discussion with my family, and consideration of my future, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to Ohio State,” Harper announced via social media. “I have nothing but love for Ole Miss, but I feel that Columbus is the best place for me to develop and compete for championships.”

Sources close to Harper say that a combination of factors played into his decision, including Ohio State’s track record of developing quarterbacks, its ability to compete for national championships, and a strong NIL package that made the move even more enticing.

Why Ohio State?

Ohio State has consistently been one of the best programs in the country when it comes to recruiting and developing elite quarterbacks. From C.J. Stroud to Justin Fields, the Buckeyes have sent multiple signal-callers to the NFL, and Harper hopes to be the next in line.

One of the biggest draws for Harper was working under Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who has built a reputation as a quarterback guru. Day’s offensive system is known for its ability to prepare quarterbacks for the next level, and Harper saw the opportunity to play in a pro-style offense as a major advantage.

“Coach Day has an incredible track record with quarterbacks, and the way Ohio State develops talent is second to none,” Harper said. “When I visited Columbus, I just felt like it was home. The culture, the competition, and the fans—it’s everything I was looking for in a program.”

The Impact on Ohio State’s 2026 Class

With Harper’s commitment, Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class takes another huge step forward. The Buckeyes were already assembling an elite group of talent, but landing a five-star quarterback elevates the class to the next level.

Harper’s decision also gives Ohio State stability at the quarterback position for the future. While the Buckeyes have a strong quarterback room with current and incoming talent, having a player of Harper’s caliber ensures the program remains competitive at the highest level.

“Getting a guy like Devin Harper is a huge deal,” one recruiting analyst said. “He’s got all the tools—big arm, great mobility, and a high football IQ. This is the type of commitment that sets up Ohio State for long-term success.”

Fallout for Ole Miss

Harper’s decommitment is a significant loss for Ole Miss. The Rebels had been counting on him as their quarterback of the future, and his departure leaves them scrambling for alternatives.

Kiffin and his staff had built their 2026 class around Harper, and now they must pivot to other targets. While Ole Miss has had success in the transfer portal in recent years, losing a top-tier high school quarterback recruit is a tough blow.

“It’s disappointing, no doubt,” an Ole Miss staffer reportedly said. “We believed in Devin and thought he’d be the face of our program. But in today’s world of recruiting, things can change quickly. We wish him the best, and we’ll move forward.”

How Harper Fits into Ohio State’s Future Plans

With Harper now committed, the Buckeyes have secured a player who could be the next great quarterback in Columbus. His skill set fits perfectly with Ohio State’s offensive system, and his ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move makes him a dangerous weapon.

Harper will likely arrive in Columbus in 2026 with the opportunity to compete for playing time early, depending on the state of the quarterback room at that time. Given Ohio State’s history, he’ll face stiff competition, but his talent gives him a strong chance to make an immediate impact.

Former Ohio State quarterbacks have thrived in Ryan Day’s system, and Harper has the potential to follow in their footsteps. If he can develop as expected, he could become the next in a long line of Buckeye quarterbacks to hear their name called in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Looking Ahead

Harper’s commitment to Ohio State marks another major recruiting victory for the Buckeyes. As the 2026 class takes shape, Ohio State continues to prove that it can compete with—and beat—any program when it comes to landing elite talent.

For Ole Miss, the loss of Harper is a setback, but in today’s transfer portal era, nothing is set in stone. The Rebels will now look to regroup and find their next quarterback, whether through high school recruiting or the portal.

As for Harper, his journey is just beginning. With the bright lights of Columbus ahead, he now has the chance to write his own chapter in the storied history of Ohio State quarterbacks.