The Ole Miss Rebels have secured one of the top running backs in the 2025 recruiting class.

Steve Wiltfong of 247 Sports reported that four-star running back Akylin Dear had committed to the Rebels over schools like Oregon and Penn State. He had 24 total scholarship offers and is rated as the No. 32 overall player, the No. 2 running back and the No. 2 player from Mississippi, per 247's composite rankings.

He said that the Rebel's play style and the opportunity to work with running backs coach Kevin Smith helped him make his decision.

"How they use their running backs to catch the ball and run a lot," Dear said, per Wiltfong. "Coach Kevin Smith, man he knows a lot about the game. I can't wait to get up there and have him teach me about the game."

Dear also noted that the vibe of the campus and the passion for sports made him secure in his decision.

"I was down there not too long ago when they played Auburn in basketball," Dear said, per Wiltfong. "People down there are crazy and make me feel like home. I felt that way for a minute but wanted to take my time. I finally sat down with my mom and family and prayed about it."

He had 2,063 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior in high school, and led Quitman High School to an 8-3 record in 2023.

He is the second Ole Miss commit in the 2025 class, joining three-star linebacker Corey Amos. This will certainly change as the recruiting season continues, but the Rebels program Dear will be joining is one that has experienced some success in recent seasons.

Ole Miss has reached a bowl game in four consecutive seasons and is coming off of an 11-2 year in 2023.