Back in June, Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss offered a fast-riser Class of 2027 athlete from Tennessee. However, his recruiting stock is rising fast, sending an alert to Oxford. A major Big 10 program, boasting 11+ wins last year, has shown interest in the three-star recruit as the Rebels scramble for his attention. Meet Brentwood Academy’s Romel Koon. A No. 34-ranked athlete his class. One crucial Week 4 matchup might play a significant role in cementing his commitment.

Saturday’s primetime battle will witness the Indiana Hoosiers and Illinois going at it in the trenches. Aside from an anticipated stacked scorebox, Bloomington will also witness target recruits weighing in their options. Koon announced his plans on X. “Will be at the University of Indiana this weekend for the upcoming rivalry game against Illinois. #GOREDD 🔴⚪️ @IndianaFootball @CoachCamHaney @beyond_grind @Rivals_HS @TomLoy247 @On3sports @theBAFootball @FriedmanAdamm.”

Hoosiers already boast 26 commits in the 2026 class. However, the same can’t be said about their 2027 class. Presently, they have one commitment from quarterback Jameson Purcell, and Indiana is eager to stack up more elite talent. Romel Koon is one potential target the Hoosiers want on their roster. The reason checks off his laundry list. Communication, playbook style, and relationship with the coaches are what make the Hoosiers an ideal candidate.

“The way the coaching staff communicates with and willing to build a better relationship between me and staff, ” the 6’0″, 165-pound athlete told On3. “Also, I love Indiana’s style of play. D’Angelo Ponds really stands out to me a lot. I love his game! And as I go up this weekend, I’m busy looking to build more relationships with the coaches and see the Hoosiers take the dub!” Aside from Koon, linebacker Noah Renes, wide receiver Ja’Hyde Brown, and running back TJ Lewis, among others, are potential targets for Curt Cignetti.

Romel Koon’s love for football started early. At the age of 13, he fell in love with gridiron, and since then, he hasn’t looked back. Over his high school career, he has recorded 347 yards, with 21.7 yards per game, and three tackles. His favorite memory? “My 99-yard touchdown during my freshman year against our school rivals,” he said, per Whoasportsworld.com. Talking about his game strengths, he listed out a list, giving Ole Miss and others a run to receive his pledge. “My yards after catch, my twitchy stick moves, man coverage, and being a ball hawk.”

Furthermore, Koon’s talents have been significant in sending Brentwood Academy to Tennessee’s top 25 high schools. Seated at No. 9 berth, according to the Massey Ratings, scoring 45 points in each of the first two matchups. Aside from Ole Miss and Indiana, other programs are also looking to get Romel Koon.

Georgia Tech is also pursuing Romel Koon

In addition to the Rebels and the Hoosiers, Romel Koon has received offers from Georgia Tech, Florida State, and East Tennessee State, among others. “Coaches like how I look at the ball, my approach to the game. From what I’ve been posting. Coach (Kobie, cornerbacks coach) Jones said he liked how I love the game,” he said in a conversation with The Crowded Booth.

Koon further stressed his strengths, ranking in pretty good coverage, while he reads the QB and attacks the ball in the air. His game films speak of his merit. His laundry list? “I’m looking for great coaches around the players and how they’re going to help me develop over the next few years,” Koon said. “And if I decide to commit to GT, and I am going to get better as a person, not just on the field and off the field? I’m just looking to win.”

As he told Bryce Koon of the Crowded Booth, he is keen to be connected to the Yellow Jackets’ coaching staff. “He (Jones) just told me to stay connected with him and not leave him hanging, basically.” Much to Lane Kiffin’s delight, the Rebels have a47.3% chance to land the Brentwood Academy athlete, according to On3’s recruiting machinery.