“[Randall] Joyner is like a second father to me” - 4-star DL Andrew Maddox speaks highly of Ole Miss defensive line coach

Andrew Maddox, a prominent four-star defensive lineman from Hattiesburg's Oak Grove, has committed to Ole Miss, choosing the Rebels over contenders like Auburn, Mississippi State, Florida and Texas A&M. Ranked as the No. 175 overall prospect and the 16th best defensive lineman in the 2025 cycle by the On3 Industry Ranking, Maddox is also recognized as the sixth top player in Mississippi.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 270 pounds, Maddox has been a familiar face in Oxford since last fall, attending numerous games and making several spring visits, including a notable trip in late March.

His consistent presence has fortified his connection with the Ole Miss community and coaching staff, especially with defensive line coach Randall Joyner.

Andrew Maddox has spoken highly of Joyner, describing him as "like a second father to me." This mentorship and guidance from Joyner have significantly influenced Maddox’s decision.

"Coach Joyner is like a second father to me," Maddox told On3. "He’s taken me under his wing and shown me around, shown me things and we are building a relationship. I am getting to know him and I feel safe around him."

Another key factor in Maddox’s commitment is his relationship with Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding. Initially recruited by Golding during his tenure at Alabama, Maddox's connection with him deepened when Golding transitioned to Ole Miss. Reflecting on his decision in March, Maddox said:

“They are developing players and they won 11 games last year. Me and Coach Pete (Golding), we have a connection. He recruited me when he was at Alabama. When he moved to Ole Miss, that brought me closer to him. My brother is going there, so that’s what also drew me closer to Ole Miss."

Andrew Maddox joins Ole Miss as first true defensive lineman in 2025 class

Andrew Maddox is the first true defensive lineman to join Ole Miss’ 2025 class. Unlike the edge defenders Corey Amos and Talib Graham, who are more linebacker-sized, Maddox brings a significant presence to the Rebels' defensive line.

His commitment continues the trend of elite defensive talent from Mississippi heading to Oxford, following the footsteps of Kam Franklin, Jeffery Rush, and Kam Beavers from last year's class.

Andrew Maddox is ranked as the third-best player in Ole Miss' 2025 recruiting class, behind running back Akylin Dear and wide receiver Jerome Myles. Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney praised Maddox and said:

"At his size, Maddox is not only a space eater up the middle but he can get skinny, use his speed to beat interior offensive linemen and then has the focus to get the ball carrier on the ground."

Maddox’s older brother, quarterback Anthony Maddox, joined the Rebels as a late addition to the 2024 recruiting class. Currently, Ole Miss holds commitments from three of Mississippi's top 10 players for 2025.

Before Maddox's commitment, the Rebels were ranked eighth in the Southeastern Conference for team recruiting, positioned just behind Texas and ahead of Tennessee.