With the 2026 commitments almost coming to a close, the majority of the commits have sealed their commitments. The next recruitment cycle in 2027 is thus becoming important for the head coaches. For instance, Michigan is trending towards a top 10 class in 2026, with the commitments of five-star Savion Hiter and Carter Meadows, and has three 2027 commitments already. The search, however, remained large regarding other recruits’ commitments, and that also included a four-star QB from Connecticut. But now, a rival SEC team has landed him.

According to recent reports by On3, Keegan Croucher has laid down his commitment to Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss. Croucher is ranked 11th nationally and is the second-ranked QB in Connecticut. The commitment to Ole Miss is a major blow to Michigan since the guy had made 3 visits already to Ann Arbor and was largely trending towards Michigan and Penn State (4 visits). However, for Croucher, the offense Lane Kiffin has built stood out.

“Ole Miss jumped out to me right away. The offense they have built was the first intriguing thing about them. My first visit down there went as expected and was amazing. Getting to know the coaches and the staff down there was awesome. Everyone down there is awesome. They have amazing hospitality and are very respectful,” said Croucher in a statement to On3. Keegan Croucher’s commitment is a massive coup for Ole Miss.

The Ole Miss Rebels in their 2026 class don’t have a five-star or a four-star quarterback, and the class is ranked 19th nationally. So, getting a solid QB’s commitment, like Croucher, became paramount for the team.  So far, Lane Kiffin’s 2027 class is shaping up well, with 5 commitments already. That also includes a commitment from Jamarkus Pittman, the 5th-ranked DL in the country. The offensive success that Lane Kiffin has achieved with his team in recent years has a lot to do with the commitment.

Ole Miss finished with 10 wins last year, missing the playoff by a margin. More so, Lane Kiffin’s QB Jaxson Dart getting selected in the first round of the NFL draft became a massive achievement, and recruits like Keegan Croucher want that NFL pipeline. This year, Ole Miss till now has been undefeated, getting wins against teams like Kentucky and LSU. Moreover, his passing offense is ranked 6th nationally, even with Trinidad Chambliss, a lesser-known QB featuring under center. That offensive prowess will surely bring other high-profile recruits, and Keegan holds the potential of a five-star caliber QB.

Keegan Croucher opens up about another reason for committing to Ole Miss

Standing at 6’41/2″ and 200 lbs, Croucher has exceptional athleticism and a pocket presence already touted to be collegiate level. His freshman year showed that in high school, he threw 2,934 yards for 31 touchdowns. Croucher also followed it in the 2024 season, passing for 2,052 yards and 20 touchdowns. Despite taking just two visits at Ole Miss, his recruitment by Joe Judge and Charlie Weis Jr was carried from early on since his freshman season, and that stood out for him.

“Very good people. They are offensive gurus. They have done a great job in the past. I think their offense shows the quarterback off and is based off what the quarterback can do. The addition of Coach Joe Judge is amazing, too. Having him on the staff with NFL experience is something you don’t see everywhere,” said Croucher about the two coaches. As for Michigan, the team does have a four-star QB already, and that should suffice for now in the 2027 class.

Michigan sealed the commitment of Peter Bourque, a four-star QB from Hingham, Massachusetts. Bourque is also an exceptional gunslinger, ranked 9th nationally in his position and 1st in his state. His frame at 6’4″ and 195 lbs also stands out at QB, allowing him to see the field fully. As for Croucher’s commitment, Ole Miss landing him might hurt Sherrone Moore, but don’t rule out a flip yet, if the Bryce Underwood saga has taught us anything.