4-star safety Cortez Thomas commits to Ole Miss

It came down to Ole Miss and Mississippi State for Lexington (Miss.) Holmes County Central four-star safety Cortez Thomas.

Things looked to be in favor of the Bulldogs early on, but the staff in Oxford continued to make an impression on the 6-foot, 170-pound defensive back. On Wednesday, Lane Kiffin and Co. locked up an important commitment, as Thomas announced his decision in favor of the Rebels.

The honesty and business-like attitude coming from Ole Miss’ coaching staff was a major factor in the end.

“At first, I was leaning more towards Mississippi State until the coaching staff changed,” Thomas told On3. “Mississippi State is always a great school to go to, but Ole Miss is more about business and I feel like that’s where I need to go.”

That bond for Thomas starts with safeties coach Wes Neighbors III. The two have developed a sturdy relationship throughout his process. Neighbors laid out the plan for the Rebels’ secondary and how Thomas would fit into that in the future.

“Coach Neighbors, he won me over. Sitting down to talk football, understanding how I like to play and how I fit in their scheme and everything,” Thomas said.

Thomas feels comfortable in Oxford

When it comes to Kiffin and the rest of the staff in Oxford, Thomas sees the potential and the consistent product being put out on the field. The chance to contribute to that as an in-state athlete down the road is eye-catching and something he doesn’t want to pass up.

“Once I started getting on campus and they started reaching out to me more and talking ball with me, trying to get in the picture, and it worked out for them,” Thomas said. “The coaching staff is great. They have great personalities, they’re great people, they take care of their players and that’s something that I look forward to.”

“Lane Kiffin is all about winning. I’m pretty sure every athlete wants to play for a winning team,” he added. “From what I’ve heard and seen so far, he’s a great person.”

Thomas was on campus last fall and has since returned multiple times this year, logging a Junior Day visit and a trip for the Rebels’ spring game. He’s set to take his official visit sometime during the upcoming season.

In addition to the opportunity, Thomas found a level of comfortability with Ole Miss that made his decision all the more easier. He becomes the latest blue-chip Magnolia State prospect to pick the Rebels.

“The opportunity, being close to home and being on a winning team. The scheme of the defense in the secondary. I think I’ll be very comfortable and learn very fast with how they coach the secondary. They just win,” he said.

Thomas is the No. 266 overall prospect and No. 25 safety in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 11 player in Mississippi.