Rivals released the updated Rivals250 rankings on Tuesday. As expected, there was quite a bit of movement up and down the list, from state-to-state and position-to-position.
Mississippi was among those that saw action. There is a new No. 1 player in the Magnolia State, and a running back continues to make his rise in the rankings after a dominant senior campaign in the Southeast.
Five prospects from the state cracked the top-250. We highlight a pair of risers below. With the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game this week, more risers could be in store for the final 2023 class update.
NEW TOP DOG
Ayden Williams claims the top spot in the updated Mississippi rankings - and No. 43 overall nationally. The Ole Miss commit overtakes fellow Rebels pledge Suntarine Perkins after a dominant senior season in the Magnolia State.
Williams had a huge offseason in camp settings and on the 7v7 circuit that led to him jumping into the Rivals100 ahead of the fall. He then backed up his ranking and then-some. The four-star grabbed 68 passes, totaled 1,265 yards, and scored 14 times during his final season on the prep level.
Committed to play for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, Ayden Williams has the ability to be the next NFL wideout to play for the Rebels.
RISING RUSHER
Dante Dowdell cracked the Rivals250 in the summer, and the Mississippi back continued his rise this fall - landing at No. 131 in the nation. The Oregon pledge made highlight-reel runs week-after-week and thoroughly dominated the competition that he faced on Friday nights.
Dowdell carried the rock 257 times as a senior, totaling 2,165 yards and 31 touchdowns on the ground. For his career, the future Duck recorded 5,301 yards and 65 rushing touchdowns at Picayune (Miss.) Memorial.
Set to play in the Pac-12, Dowdell has a special blend of size, speed, and power that should translate extremely well on the next level.