In a significant shift within collegiate football recruiting, four-star offensive lineman Devin Harper has announced his decision to decommit from Louisiana State University (LSU) and instead join the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for the 2025 class. This move marks a pivotal moment for both programs, as Harper is considered one of the top prospects in his position.
Harper’s Journey and Commitment History
Devin Harper, a standout at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, initially committed to LSU in January 2024. His commitment was highly celebrated, given his impressive stature at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, coupled with his ranking as the No. 90 player nationally and the seventh-ranked interior offensive lineman in the country, according to On3.
However, the landscape began to shift following LSU’s recent struggles on the field. The Tigers suffered a 27-16 loss to the Florida Gators, marking their third consecutive defeat. This downturn seemingly influenced Harper’s decision to reevaluate his commitment.
The Ole Miss Influence
Ole Miss seized the opportunity to court Harper, especially during his visit to Oxford for the Rebels’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs on November 9, 2024. The Rebels delivered an impressive 28-10 victory, an experience that left a lasting impression on Harper.
“The atmosphere was top tier, the best game I’ve been to,” Harper remarked. “The Grove showed me love and the game atmosphere was just electric from the team’s play to the fans.”
This visit, combined with Ole Miss’s consistent performance and supportive environment, played a crucial role in Harper’s decision to flip his commitment.
Impact on LSU and Ole Miss Recruiting Classes
Harper’s decommitment is a notable setback for LSU’s 2025 recruiting class, which now comprises 26 players and holds a national ranking of No. 5. The Tigers had previously secured commitments from other interior offensive linemen, including Carius Curne, Tyler Miller, and Brett Bordelon.
Conversely, Harper’s commitment bolsters Ole Miss’s 2025 class, bringing their total to 21 commits. He becomes the fourth Louisiana recruit and the third offensive lineman in the Rebels’ class, marking a significant addition to their offensive line depth.
Scouting and Future Prospects
Scouting analysts have praised Harper for his physicality and technique. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports noted, “Physical, tone-setting offensive lineman who could potentially play inside or outside. Possesses requisite physical tools to fit either role, including an arm measurement of 34+ inches.”
Harper himself acknowledges the evolution of his game, emphasizing improvements in technique and footwork. “I feel like I’ve made a lot of improvement since my freshman season, but I still have a lot of work to do,” Harper stated. “Footwork is something I pride myself on. The moment your feet stop, you’re beat.”
Reactions and Broader Implications
The timing of Harper’s flip has garnered attention, occurring shortly after LSU’s loss to Florida. Fans and analysts have speculated on the correlation between the Tigers’ on-field performance and recruiting outcomes. Some fans expressed understanding, with comments like, “As a LSU fan I don’t blame him,” reflecting empathy towards Harper’s decision.
This development underscores the fluid nature of college football recruiting, where program performance, coaching stability, and player development opportunities significantly influence prospects’ decisions. For Ole Miss, securing a player of Harper’s caliber not only enhances their offensive line but also signals the program’s growing appeal to top recruits.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 recruiting cycle progresses, both LSU and Ole Miss will continue to adjust their strategies to attract and retain top talent. Harper’s commitment to Ole Miss exemplifies the dynamic and competitive environment of college football recruiting, where decisions are influenced by a myriad of factors, including program trajectory, personal development goals, and the ever-present pursuit of excellence on the field.
In a significant shift within collegiate football recruiting, four-star offensive lineman Devin Harper has announced his decision to decommit from Louisiana State University (LSU) and instead join the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for the 2025 class. This move marks a pivotal moment for both programs, as Harper is considered one of the top prospects in his position.
Harper’s Journey and Commitment History
Devin Harper, a standout at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, initially committed to LSU in January 2024. His commitment was highly celebrated, given his impressive stature at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, coupled with his ranking as the No. 90 player nationally and the seventh-ranked interior offensive lineman in the country, according to On3.
However, the landscape began to shift following LSU’s recent struggles on the field. The Tigers suffered a 27-16 loss to the Florida Gators, marking their third consecutive defeat. This downturn seemingly influenced Harper’s decision to reevaluate his commitment.
The Ole Miss Influence
Ole Miss seized the opportunity to court Harper, especially during his visit to Oxford for the Rebels’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs on November 9, 2024. The Rebels delivered an impressive 28-10 victory, an experience that left a lasting impression on Harper.
“The atmosphere was top tier, the best game I’ve been to,” Harper remarked. “The Grove showed me love and the game atmosphere was just electric from the team’s play to the fans.”
This visit, combined with Ole Miss’s consistent performance and supportive environment, played a crucial role in Harper’s decision to flip his commitment.
Impact on LSU and Ole Miss Recruiting Classes
Harper’s decommitment is a notable setback for LSU’s 2025 recruiting class, which now comprises 26 players and holds a national ranking of No. 5. The Tigers had previously secured commitments from other interior offensive linemen, including Carius Curne, Tyler Miller, and Brett Bordelon.
Conversely, Harper’s commitment bolsters Ole Miss’s 2025 class, bringing their total to 21 commits. He becomes the fourth Louisiana recruit and the third offensive lineman in the Rebels’ class, marking a significant addition to their offensive line depth.
Scouting and Future Prospects
Scouting analysts have praised Harper for his physicality and technique. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports noted, “Physical, tone-setting offensive lineman who could potentially play inside or outside. Possesses requisite physical tools to fit either role, including an arm measurement of 34+ inches.”
Harper himself acknowledges the evolution of his game, emphasizing improvements in technique and footwork. “I feel like I’ve made a lot of improvement since my freshman season, but I still have a lot of work to do,” Harper stated. “Footwork is something I pride myself on. The moment your feet stop, you’re beat.”
Reactions and Broader Implications
The timing of Harper’s flip has garnered attention, occurring shortly after LSU’s loss to Florida. Fans and analysts have speculated on the correlation between the Tigers’ on-field performance and recruiting outcomes. Some fans expressed understanding, with comments like, “As a LSU fan I don’t blame him,” reflecting empathy towards Harper’s decision.
This development underscores the fluid nature of college football recruiting, where program performance, coaching stability, and player development opportunities significantly influence prospects’ decisions. For Ole Miss, securing a player of Harper’s caliber not only enhances their offensive line but also signals the program’s growing appeal to top recruits.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 recruiting cycle progresses, both LSU and Ole Miss will continue to adjust their strategies to attract and retain top talent. Harper’s commitment to Ole Miss exemplifies the dynamic and competitive environment of college football recruiting, where decisions are influenced by a myriad of factors, including program trajectory, personal development goals, and the ever-present pursuit of excellence on the field.