OXFORD, MS -- The consensus top recruit in the nation Robert Nkemdiche has announced he will attend Mississippi.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end from Loganville, Ga., has been on several programs' wish list for more than a year, but Ole Miss appeared to be his destination for months because of close family ties. His brother Denzel Nkemdiche plays for the Rebels and he led the defense with 82 tackles, including 13 for a loss last season.

Wednesday is the first day prep football recruits could officially sign with colleges. Nkemdiche made the announcement in a news conference on ESPNU.

Second-year coach Hugh Freeze led Ole Miss to a 7-6 record last season, improving from a 2-10 mark in 2011.