Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss secures commitment of four-star safety Ladarian Clardy to the Class of 2025: Reports

Ole Miss football is riding high after a dominant 52-13 victory over Georgia Southern in Week 4. While the Rebels are preparing for their next game against Kentucky on Sept. 28, they also received major news for their freshman class of next season.

Four-star safety Ladarian Clardy, out of Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, committed to Ole Miss on Saturday. The standout from the 2025 class chose Lane Kiffin's program from a field of more than 40 suitors.

Clardy’s commitment comes as little surprise to those following his recruitment. Ole Miss had long been a frontrunner in his decision-making process. Before his commitment, his Instagram profile featured only one post, which was about his Ole Miss visit.

The safety was also seen wearing the Rebels gear the day before he made his announcement.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior is ranked as the nation's No. 250 overall prospect, the No. 16 safety in the 2025 class and the No. 32 recruit in Florida per ESPN. He is also tabbed as the No. 182 overall prospect, the No. 15 safety in the cycle and the No. 21 recruit in the state by 247 Sports.

Ladaroan Clardy’s senior season has been incredible so far, with 18 total tackles, one interception and one forced fumble through his first three games, according to MaxPreps.

Ladarian Clardy opens up about his commitment to Ole Miss

Ladarian Clardy took official visits to Ole Miss, Mississippi State, UCF, Vanderbilt and Florida State. During his recruitment, he noted that LSU was his dream school, while Washington was a close runner-up.

However, Clardy's bond with Kiffin set Ole Miss apart.

"I really like what Lane Kiffin has going on over there," Clardy told 247 Sports. "They are winning and have the No. 1 defense in college football. I'm excited to be a part of that."

Lead recruiter Wes Neighbors and defensive coordinator Pete Golding made Clardy and his family feel welcomed and valued.

"Ole Miss is like home away from home,” Clardy said (via On3). “How the coaching staff recruited me, how they got to know my family, they made it feel like home," he added.

As the 17th commitment in Ole Miss' 2025 class, Ladarian Clardy bolsters a recruiting class currently ranked No. 21 nationally and No. 11 in the Southeastern Conference. He is the fourth safety to join the class, alongside Major Preston, Cortez Thomas and Keon Young.