Grenada's Macaleb Taylor (5) gains yardage against Hattiesburg during the MHSAA 6A championship game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ole Miss Football Lands Commitment From Prized Mississippi Running Back

Originally posted on Ole Miss Rebels on SI | By Zack Nagy | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 2:58 PM ET

Grenada (Miss.) running back Macaleb Taylor has committed to Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels, he revealed via social media on Thursday.

The talented Magnolia State native was set to suit up for Northwest Community College in 2025, but fast forward to this week, and the coveted running back is headed up to Oxford.

Taylor was one of the most productive players in Mississippi a season ago with the opportunity to suit up in the Southeastern Conference one he couldn't pass up on.

“I just want to say thanks for incredible opportunity that Northwest has given me. truly helped me take my skills and mindset to another level,” Taylor posted via X. “The experience has been nothing but a good opportunity. I just wanted to say that I will be transferring & becoming an @OleMissFB!!”

While leading his Grenada squad to a state title victory, Taylor logged 211 rushing yards on 29 carries for four touchdowns on the day.

I just want to say thanks for incredible opportunity that Northwest has given me. truly helped me take my skills and mindset to another level. The experience has been nothing but a good opportunity. I just wanted to say that I will be transferring & becoming an @OleMissFB !!
— Macaleb Taylor “C5” (@Calebthegooat) August 21, 2025

Taylor rounded out his senior campaign with over 2,700 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns while rewriting the record books for his prep squad.

“I think he’s the best back in the state,” Grenada head coach Michael Fair told the Clarion Ledger. “I know everybody that’s got a good back says that, but this kid sees heavy boxes every Friday night, and, man, he just makes plays.

"We don’t turn the ball over and all that kind of stuff. And he’s just one of those special backs, and I thought he just took over tonight.”

Now, Lane Kiffin and Co. add to the stable of running backs with another depth piece as the Rebels gear up for the 2025 season in Oxford.

Ole Miss will take on the Georgia State Panthers on Aug. 30 at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in the program's season opener.

This article first appeared on Ole Miss Rebels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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