Ole Miss flips 4-star LB Tyler Lockhart from Mississippi State

Winona (Miss.) four-star linebacker Tyler Lockhart has flipped his commitment from Mississippi State to Ole Miss.

He was pledged to the Bulldogs since Sept. 19, and while he’s still set to stay in the Magnolia State, Lockhart is now headed to Oxford, not Starkville. Lockhart is also a former Auburn commit.

Lockhart is the No. 159 overall prospect and No. 16 LB in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 5 player in Mississippi.

Lane Kiffin and Co. began to pick up momentum for Lockhart down the stretch this fall. He visited for Ole Miss’ Egg Bowl win over the Bulldogs and is now a part of a top-15 recruiting class for the Rebels. Lockhart is now the top-ranked commit for Ole Miss on the defensive side of the ball this cycle.

As a senior, Lockhart racked up 81 total tackles for Winona this fall. He’s the second big National Signing Day win for the Rebels, as four-star wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. also joined the fold earlier on Wednesday.

Lockhart is the third linebacker to join the class, flanking four-star Jarcoby Hopson and three-star Bryson Walters.