When it comes to recruiting, especially for the coveted quarterback position, New England isn’t typically the first place that comes to mind. However, talent knows no boundaries, and in today’s football landscape, it can emerge from anywhere. Lane Kiffin has always been willing to take unconventional routes if it means securing top-tier talent for his offense.
Keegan Croucher is a name that Rebels are going to want to get familiar with. The 6-4, 205-pound 4-star quarterback from Connecticut is surging in 2027. He is ranked as the No. 10 overall quarterback for the class of 2027 and the No. 2 prospect from Connecticut by the 247Sports composite rankings. With over 20 scholarship offers already on his plate, Crouch has set his sights on 3 powerhouse programs: Ole Miss, Oregon and Penn State.
Despite having just 2 seasons of experience with Cheshire Academy’s varsity team, Croucher has proven to be exceptionally productive. In his sophomore year alone, he completed 145 out of 218 passes for an impressive 2,052 yards and 20 touchdowns — all while limiting himself to a mere 3 interceptions across 8 games. His strong showing earned him a spot on the first-team All-NEPSAC team. As a freshman starter, he showcased his potential by completing 181 out of 283 passes for a staggering 2,934 yards, notching another 31 touchdowns with just 3 picks.
For someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in New England, Oxford may feel like a world away, yet this distance doesn’t deter Croucher from pursuing the opportunity to play in the SEC under Kiffin’s guidance.
“Ole Miss has done a fantastic job throughout my recruitment process,” he shared with Saturday Down South. “I have been down there twice and had a really good time! Spending time with Coach (Joe) Judge and Coach (Charlie) Weis (Jr.) was invaluable. Coach Kiffin is a really cool person who knows what he’s doing offensively and obviously what he’s done as a coach speaks for itself but I’m really excited about Ole Miss.”
But football isn’t the only thing drawing Croucher’s attention to Ole Miss; when he’s not on the field he likes golfing and pickleball — something that the Ole Miss staff introduced him to. Who Knows? We might see him facing off in one of those epic pickleball matches as part of another unique Rebel recruiting strategy.
As Croucher gears up for his upcoming season kick-off against Taft on September 12, he is also planning visits to his final three schools.
On The Rebels
He will kick off things in Oxford on September 27 when Ole Miss hosts LSU. ” They jumped out right away,” he said about Ole Miss’s appeal. “I really like their offense — the coach is awesome! They consistently field a top-tier offense every year. The hospitality I received was remarkable even after leaving. I have remained in constant contact with them. I can definitely see myself developing and playing in their program. I genuinely like Ole Miss.”
The Rebels have prioritized Croucher from the very beginning of his recruitment journey, but he also sets sights on 2 other contenders from the Big Ten.
On The Nittany Lions
Croucher’s visit is scheduled for November 8, when Penn State takes on Indiana. He expressed his admiration for the Nittany Lions.
“What I appreciate about Penn State is how they tailor their offense around the quarterback,” he told SDS. “I’ve visited four times now and have built relationships with many people in the program. I am in constant contact them with them as well plus its only four-hour drive from my hometown!”
On The Ducks
He will hit Eugene on November 22, when Oregon faces USC. Croucher shared his impression of the Ducks: “What they’ve accomplished at the quarterback position is nothing short of amazing! It’s inspiring to see them produce talented QBs year after year. Oregon consistently attracts top recruiting classes, although I have only been there once, my experience was incredible.”
Each one of his finalists knows how to not just develop but formulate their plan around their QB talent. But when you take a quick look at his skill set as of now, could it be that he find his best fit will be in Oxford? Time will tell, but Lane Kiffin and the Rebels are positioning themselves with all the right moves to remain relevant in Croucher’s recruitment in 2027.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
