Dynamic Four-Star Safety Cortez Thomas Commits to Ole Miss

© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

It has been a volatile month for the Ole Miss Rebels' 2025 recruiting class, with commitments and plenty of de-commitments. Five-star wide receiver Jerome Myles de-committed on June 24, and four-star running back Akylin Dear followed him out the door four days later. The sting of those losses was somewhat soothed on July 3 by the commitment of four-star safety Cortez Thomas.

Thomas is the No. 217 overall prospect and No. 18 safety in the 2025 cycle, according to 247Sports. He is also the No. 9 player from Mississippi. Before committing to play in Oxford, Miss., he received offers from Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Mississippi State and many others.

About Cortez Thomas

Thomas is 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds. He is entering his senior year at Holmes County Central High School in Lexington, Miss. Scouts and Thomas' high school coaches praise his physicality and field awareness.

In 2022, as a sophomore, Thomas made 23 tackles and had 3 pass breakups, helping his team make Mississippi’s 5A playoffs. In 2023, he racked up 45 tackles (34 of which were solo). He also snagged 2 interceptions, leading his team to an undefeated regular season.

During his recruitment, Thomas developed a bond with Rebels safeties coach Wes Neighbors III. Thomas told On3 that Neighbors shared with him an appealing plan for the future of the Ole Miss secondary and how Thomas fits into that plan. He said he had initially been leaning toward Mississippi State, but coach Neighbors "won [him] over." Thomas also raved about coach Lane Kiffin, describing him as "a great person" who is "all about winning."

Ole Miss Status

Thomas is the second safety in the Rebels' 2025 class, joining four-star Floridian Keon Jones. Thomas becomes the 10th member of the 2025 class and the fourth from within the state. He is also the fourth four-star pledge in the class, which On3 ranks No. 30 in the nation.

Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding fired up Rebels fans before the official announcement of Thomas' commitment by tweeting out the signature shark emoji, prompting chants in Oxford of, "Hotty Toddy!"

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the Ole Miss Rebels and college football recruiting news.