Skip to main content
Ole Miss

4-star RB Damarius Yates commits to Ole Miss

On3 imageby: Billy Embody05/04/25BillyEmbody
4-star-rb-damarius-yates-commits-to-ole-miss
Damarius Yates. (Billy Embody / On3)

2026 De Kalb (Miss.) Kemper County running back Damarius Yates has committed to Ole Miss, the four-star prospect announced. The commitment comes after his official visit to Oxford.

“The way that they treat my family like they’d treat their family,” Yates told On3. “Also, they made sure I’m good on everything that I need.”

The visit stood out enough for him to name the Rebels his top school after the visit.

“My Ole Miss visit was great,” Yates said. “I liked their players, the way their scheme is. The offensive scheme that they run. The brotherhood that they have. Basically, it’s a great place to be. They’re my No. 1 pick right now.”

The Rebels plan to use him in a multitude of ways. Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith has connected with him in a big way.

“They will show me how they use me out of the backfield,” Yates said. “Coach Smith is a great coach. He’s going to keep it real with you. He’s not just an ordinary coach to say something to make you feel good about yourself.”

The brotherhood stands out to him as well, which is a part of the reason why the Rebels sit in such a strong position for him.

“They’re all close. They go out to eat with each other. Basically, just having fun.”

Ole Miss beat out Alabama, Florida State and others for Yates. He joins three-star Pike Road (Ala.) running back Ja’Michael Jones in the 2026 class for the Rebels.

Yates is the No. 148 overall prospect and No. 12 RB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 6 junior in Mississippi.

As a junior for Kemper County, Yates rushed for 1,339 yards and 15 touchdowns while also hauling in 30 catches for 453 yards and four touchdowns. He decommitted from Mississippi State in December.

You may also like