The recruiting trail is ablaze this week as the battle for four-star defensive lineman Craig Tutt has intensified, with Ole Miss surging ahead of SEC rivals Tennessee and Auburn in the race to secure his commitment. Tutt, a dominant force out of Buford High School in Georgia, is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class and has become a major target for several powerhouse programs.
Sources close to Tutt’s recruitment say the 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman has been impressed by what Lane Kiffin and the Rebels have put on the table. A recent official visit to Oxford reportedly sealed Ole Miss as the program to beat, thanks to an electric campus atmosphere, a clear path to early playing time, and a strong connection with the defensive coaching staff.
“Ole Miss just feels like family,” Tutt shared in a brief interview after his visit. “Coach Kiffin’s energy is real. He wants me to be a leader on that defense, and that means a lot.”
Tennessee and Auburn are not backing down without a fight. Both schools have hosted Tutt for multiple visits and are pushing hard to flip the momentum back in their favor. Auburn’s pitch is centered on its rich defensive tradition and the promise of immediate impact snaps, while Tennessee is banking on its player development reputation and revamped facilities.
Recruiting analysts expect Tutt to announce his decision before the start of his senior season this fall, adding even more urgency to the battle. If Ole Miss lands him, it would mark another major recruiting win for Kiffin as he works to build a fearsome SEC contender.
For now, all eyes are on Tutt as he weighs his options—and three SEC fan bases hold their breath.
