Former Baylor Bears linebacker Keaton Thomas has officially announced his commitment to join the Ole Miss Rebels, as reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3. After starting his collegiate career at the junior college level, Thomas made his mark at Baylor before deciding to take the next step and compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
During his time at Baylor, which spanned two seasons, Thomas recorded impressive statistics, finishing just shy of 100 tackles in both seasons with a total of 99 tackles. His performance also included one sack, three pass breakups, and one interception, earning him a spot on the All-Big 12 second team. Thomas’ skill set and determination were likely influential factors in his decision to transfer, along with the opportunity to play under Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who is known for his tactical acumen.
According to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, Thomas was rated as a three-star prospect with a score of 88.89, ranking him as the No. 245 overall player and the No. 16 linebacker. This transfer comes on the heels of Thomas being recognized as a top-50 junior college player prior to signing with Baylor, showcasing his growth and potential as he moves into a larger conference.
As Ole Miss navigates a new era under Golding’s leadership, they are excited about the addition of Thomas to their roster. Following the departure of Lane Kiffin to LSU, the program is undergoing significant changes, but the upcoming playoff semifinal represents a promising opportunity for the team. Golding, taking on the role of head coach for the first time, has quickly garnered positive feedback from players about his coaching style and the team’s direction.
With high expectations heading into the 2026 season, Ole Miss is poised to strengthen its defense with Thomas joining the roster, and fans are optimistic about what lies ahead for the program. As the recruiting landscape continues to evolve, both Thomas and Ole Miss seem ready to make impactful strides in the coming season.