The world of college football recruiting is often full of unexpected twists and turns. Such is the case with Oklahoma Sooners’ 3-star offensive lineman prospect, Colby Richards, who has made the surprising decision to join the Mississippi Rebels. While the move comes as a shock to many, Richards has pointed to a unique and personal reason for his transfer that highlights the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.
Richards, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive lineman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, had initially committed to the Sooners amid significant interest from several Power Five schools. As a highly regarded player with strong fundamentals, many believed Richards would have a promising career at Oklahoma, potentially serving as a key figure on their offensive line in the coming seasons. However, Richards’ recent decision to decommit and join the Mississippi Rebels has turned heads across the football community.
The Reason Behind the Move
What prompted such a surprising change? According to Richards himself, the move was fueled by an opportunity to work under Mississippi’s offensive line coach, John Garrison. Garrison, who joined the Rebels’ staff last year, has been credited with turning around several college offensive line units and preparing young talent for the NFL.
In a candid interview, Richards shared his thoughts:
“It was not an easy decision because I have a lot of respect for Oklahoma, the coaches, and the fans,” Richards said. “But after talking to Coach Garrison and seeing the type of development they prioritize at Mississippi, I felt like this was the right place for me. Coach Garrison’s track record speaks for itself, and I want to be part of that system.”
Richards added that the emphasis on tailored player development and NFL-readiness under Garrison’s coaching staff was the defining factor in his decision. Mississippi’s recent success in placing offensive linemen in the NFL draft has certainly caught the attention of prospects like Richards.
The NIL Factor
Another layer to Richards’ surprising switch involves the growing influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college football. While the specifics of his NIL opportunities have not been disclosed, sources close to Richards suggest that Mississippi’s NIL program offered significant incentives. The Rebels’ NIL collective has been aggressive in supporting their athletic recruits, giving players a chance to capitalize on their marketability.
One anonymous source explained, “Colby has been weighing all aspects of his future—coaching, development, and NIL opportunities. Mississippi provided him with a complete package that addressed all of his priorities.”
Impact on Oklahoma and Mississippi
Richards’ departure comes as a notable loss for the Sooners, who had high hopes for him as part of their 2025 recruiting class. Oklahoma, however, remains confident in its ability to secure other top talents as they continue preparing for their move to the SEC.
On the other hand, Mississippi gains a player who has the potential to bolster their offensive line depth and contribute to their competitive SEC campaigns. Coach Lane Kiffin and his staff have continued to emphasize recruiting players with a mix of athleticism, versatility, and a desire to develop at the next level—qualities that Richards brings in abundance.
Final Thoughts
Colby Richards’ decision to decommit from Oklahoma and join Mississippi underscores the evolving factors in modern college football recruiting. Coaching relationships, player development, and NIL opportunities are now playing significant roles in shaping a recruit’s journey. For Richards, this move represents a calculated decision to chase his dream of NFL success—and all eyes will be on him as he begins his next chapter with the Mississippi Rebels.
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