On Monday, Andrew Maddox, a highly sought-after defensive lineman from the Southeast, announced his decision to commit to Ole Miss. The No. 7-ranked defensive tackle in the Rivals250 for the 2025 recruiting cycle hails from Hattiesburg (Miss.) Oak Grove High. Following in the footsteps of his older brother AJ Maddox, who was the No. 2 overall player out of Mississippi this year, Andrew chose the Rebels over other top programs like Arkansas, LSU, and Auburn.
Throughout the recruiting process, no team pursued Maddox more aggressively than Ole Miss. He cited the coaching staff as a major factor in his decision, expressing his comfort and sense of belonging during his visits. Maddox highlighted the welcoming atmosphere and how he always felt at home when interacting with the staff at Ole Miss.
Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding played a significant role in recruiting Maddox, drawing on their connection from Golding’s time at Alabama. The four-star DT sees himself as the missing piece in the Rebels’ defensive puzzle, fitting into their system seamlessly. Maddox praised the energy and supportiveness of both Coach Pete and Coach Joyner, noting their ability to bring out the best in their players.
As a 6-foot-4, 285-pound player, Maddox appreciates the lively atmosphere at Ole Miss on game days, likening it to being in a big shark tank. The combination of the coaching staff, defensive scheme, and overall environment at Ole Miss had been trending positively for Maddox throughout the off-season, ultimately leading to his commitment to the Rebels.
Maddox’s decision is a significant boost for Ole Miss’s defense as they look towards next season. With his impressive size and athleticism on defense
