Marshall transfer linebacker Jaden Yates commits to Ole Miss Rebels

Marshall transfer linebacker Jaden Yates committed to the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday evening, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The Gahanna Lincoln (Ohio) prospect finished the 2024 season with 120 tackles, leading the Sun Belt Conference. He also added seven tackles for loss, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one sack. Furthermore, Yates had 10+ tackles five times this year.

He was a three-star prospect in the 2023 class, choosing Marshall over offers from Kentucky, Ohio and Toledo, among others. Also received interest from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Ole Miss is looking to replace Pooh Paul with Yates in 2025

Paul was the anchor for the Rebel defense and was named All-SEC Second Team. Yates wouldn’t be a bad replacement, though. He was All-Sun Belt First Team and was 20th nationally in total tackles. The Rebels welcome back Suntarine Perkins and TJ Dottery next year. Could Lane Kiffin and Pete Golding form a trio with those two and Yates?

Ole Miss was planning on bringing in former five-star and Alabama linebacker Keanu Koht for a visit Thursday. But, he committed to Vanderbilt Wednesday.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Yates has three years of eligibility remaining. Colorado, Florida State, Tennessee, UCLA and Southern Cal also reached out.

Ole Miss will face off against the Duke Blue Devils in the Gator Bowl on January 2nd. Duke has been one of the surprise teams of the 2024 college football season, finishing with an impressive 9-3 overall record. It’s the most wins they’ve had since 2022, when Mike Elko led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 finish.

On3’s Zach Berry also contributed to this article.