Jase Mathews Flips to Ole Miss, Auburn Loses Top WR

Auburn Suffers Late Recruiting Blow as Top WR Jase Mathews Commits to Ole Miss

In a significant blow to Auburn's 2026 recruiting class, top wide receiver prospect Jase Mathews officially flipped his commitment from the Tigers to the Ole Miss Rebels on the final day of the early signing period. The announcement came during Mathews' signing ceremony on Friday, leaving Auburn to close out the period with a disappointing loss in the competitive SEC recruiting landscape.

Who is Jase Mathews?

Mathews, a standout from Greene County, Mississippi, is a highly sought-after talent in the 2026 class. Ranked as the No. 89 overall player, No. 11 wide receiver, and No. 5 player in Mississippi by 247Sports, he brings a rare combination of size (6-1.5, 193 lbs) and playmaking ability. Despite missing most of his senior season with a torn ACL, Mathews accumulated impressive career numbers: 129 receptions for 2,178 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 247Sports scouting report highlights his "true WR1 potential," praising his elite ball skills, contested-catch ability, and after-the-catch prowess.

The Decisive Factors Behind the Flip

Auburn had held Mathews' commitment since August, but recent staff changes proved pivotal. The hiring of new head coach Alex Golesh created uncertainty, though Golesh briefly met with Mathews during his Iron Bowl campus visit. Ultimately, Ole Miss' recruiting effort—led by Donte Moncrief, Mathews' older cousin and a former Ole Miss star—proved decisive. Moncrief is expected to be elevated to wide receivers coach under new Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding, creating a powerful familial connection that tipped the scales.

Impact on Auburn's Recruiting Class

The loss of Mathews is a significant setback for Auburn. The Tigers finished the early signing period with 17 signees, and his departure caused their 247Sports team recruiting ranking to plummet from No. 36 to No. 49. While Auburn did sign wide receivers DeShawn Spencer and Brian Williams Jr. on signing day, losing a top-tier talent like Mathews hurts the class's overall star power and depth.

Despite this setback, Auburn is not backing down. Sources indicate the program is implementing an aggressive NIL strategy, with Golesh projected to have a roster payroll budget approaching $30 million—well above the typical $20-$25 million range for Power Four programs. This "every resource known to man" approach underscores why NIL remains crucial in the era of revenue sharing, as third-party deals don't count against conference salary caps.

Ole Miss Gains a Game-Changer

For Ole Miss, securing Mathews is a major victory. The Rebels now have a potential go-to target who can contribute immediately after recovering from his ACL injury. His addition bolsters an already strong 2026 class and gives Ole Miss significant momentum in the SEC West recruiting battle.

"We will have every resource known to man to help me succeed at Auburn," said Golesh during his introductory press conference.

Looking Ahead

While Auburn feels the sting of this loss, the program's substantial financial resources and renewed focus on NIL suggest this is just a bump in the road. The early signing period is just one phase of the recruiting cycle, and Auburn will look to regroup as the February signing day approaches. For Mathews, the move to Ole Miss represents an opportunity to reunite with family and develop under a coaching staff that successfully recruited him when Auburn was in transition.