“BATTLE FOR CRAIG TUTT HEATS UP: Ole Miss Emerges as Frontrunner Over Tennessee and Auburn as Four-Star Safety Sets Commitment Date”
Craig Tutt has rapidly emerged as one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the Southeast, and his recruitment is culminating in a fierce, three-school battle that is set to reach its dramatic conclusion this month. The four-star safety out of Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Oakland High School has locked in his commitment date, and with the clock ticking, it’s the Ole Miss Rebels who appear to be in the driver’s seat. Tutt, the No. 5 ranked player in the state of Tennessee and one of the most versatile safeties in the 2025 recruiting class, has narrowed his choices to three programs—Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Auburn. Despite interest and offers from powerhouse schools like Alabama, Michigan, and Colorado, Tutt’s official visits and growing comfort with these three finalists have defined the final stretch of his recruitment.
Lane Kiffin and his Ole Miss staff have positioned themselves as the clear frontrunners for Tutt’s services. It’s not just about the glitz and glamor of a program on the rise in the SEC—it’s about relationships, development, and a vision for how Tutt will fit into a defensive scheme that prioritizes versatility and aggressiveness. The Rebels have made Tutt a top priority, rolling out the red carpet during his official visit and showing him how he can become a pillar of their defense from day one. Tutt’s ability to play both man and zone coverage, to press at the line of scrimmage, and to roam the secondary as a lockdown defensive back fits perfectly with what Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding looks for in a safety. The coaching staff believes Tutt could be an immediate contributor, and they have made sure the four-star talent understands just how central he is to their plans.
That clarity in role and vision has helped Ole Miss separate from the pack. But don’t count out Tennessee or Auburn just yet. The Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, have also invested heavily in Tutt’s recruitment. His visit to Knoxville revealed how well he fits into the Volunteers’ defense and, perhaps more importantly, how valued he would be in their system. Tennessee’s coaches made it clear that Tutt isn’t just a safety in their eyes—he’s a playmaker who can line up in a variety of positions. That multi-faceted role aligns well with Tutt’s own assessment of his skill set. As he told reporters during his Tennessee visit, he believes he can play anywhere on the field and thrive in any defensive setup. His confidence and adaptability were on full display when he said, “I can play man, I can play zone, I can press, and I can play lockdown defense.” That swagger is part of what makes him so attractive to schools battling for his commitment.
Tutt’s familiarity with Tennessee and the proximity to home are also factors in the Volunteers’ favor. He’s no stranger to the Tennessee program, and playing in his home state carries weight. There’s a natural appeal to staying close to family and representing the state where he built his reputation as one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the 2025 class. Tennessee’s recent defensive improvements and a strong 2024 recruiting class have added to the allure, as Tutt would join a defense on the rise that could use a playmaker of his caliber to take the next step in competing for SEC titles.
Auburn, meanwhile, is quietly lurking as a serious contender. Under the leadership of Hugh Freeze, the Tigers have reinvigorated their recruiting efforts and emphasized building a defense that can hold its own in the brutal SEC West. Auburn’s message to Tutt has been simple: come be part of something special. The Tigers see him as a cornerstone of their future defense, someone who can step in early and help lead a cultural and competitive resurgence. The visit to the Plains resonated with Tutt, as he was able to spend time not only with the coaching staff but also with current players who sold the vision of a new Auburn. The Tigers may not have the momentum of Ole Miss or the in-state advantage of Tennessee, but their pitch is compelling, and they’ve remained firmly in the race as the decision nears.
Still, all signs point toward Ole Miss having the edge. There’s a sense of inevitability among recruiting analysts that Tutt could be the next big commitment for the Rebels, who have already put together an impressive 2025 class. The momentum Lane Kiffin has built in Oxford is undeniable. The Rebels have become a hot destination for top-tier talent looking to make an immediate impact in the SEC, and Tutt fits that mold perfectly. The combination of scheme fit, coaching connection, and the opportunity to contribute early is powerful—and Ole Miss has checked all those boxes in Tutt’s eyes.
What makes Tutt such an attractive prospect isn’t just his physical tools—though those are impressive on their own. At 6-foot and 180 pounds, he has the frame and speed to cover wide receivers in the slot, challenge tight ends down the seam, and offer run support near the line of scrimmage. His football IQ is also a major asset. Coaches across the board rave about his ability to read offenses, anticipate plays, and adjust on the fly. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better because of his leadership, awareness, and willingness to put in the work.
Recruiting battles like this one often come down to intangibles, and Tutt’s maturity throughout the process has impressed many observers. While other prospects might waver or change their minds frequently, Tutt has remained steady. He’s taken his visits, done his homework, and surrounded himself with people he trusts. That includes high school coaches, family members, and mentors who have helped guide him through the whirlwind of recruiting. His decision, set to come later this month, will be the result of a methodical and deliberate process—not a rushed or emotional call.
There’s also the looming impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, which have become a significant factor in high-profile recruitments. Ole Miss has been aggressive in establishing competitive NIL programs, giving recruits like Tutt confidence that they’ll have support both on and off the field. That’s not to say NIL is the primary driver for Tutt—by all accounts, football fit and development take precedence—but it’s undoubtedly a piece of the puzzle. Schools that can offer a comprehensive plan, including NIL structure, often hold an advantage in these tight recruiting races.
The commitment of Craig Tutt will be more than just another addition to a roster—it will be a statement. For Ole Miss, landing Tutt would signal a continued upward trajectory in their recruiting efforts, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. For Tennessee, missing out on a top in-state target would sting, especially after making such a strong push and showcasing a plan for his role. Auburn, while perhaps more of a long shot at this point, remains in position to surprise and land a signature commitment that could boost their recruiting class.
Tutt’s choice will also send ripples through the SEC. In a conference where every inch matters and elite defensive backs are at a premium, winning a recruiting battle for a player of Tutt’s caliber can have long-lasting implications. He’s the kind of prospect who can tilt the field, the type of player offensive coordinators have to account for before every snap. Whether it’s patrolling deep zones, pressing in the slot, or blowing up screens in the backfield, Tutt brings a level of dynamism that can reshape a defense.
With the commitment date fast approaching, fans of Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Auburn are anxiously awaiting Tutt’s final decision. Whichever school earns his pledge will be adding not just a four-star talent, but a foundational piece of their defensive future. The recruitment of Craig Tutt has been one of the most closely watched stories in the Southeast this offseason, and its conclusion promises to be just as impactful as its buildup. As Lane Kiffin and the Rebels continue to surge in recruiting momentum, the final piece of the puzzle may well be falling into place. If Tutt dons the red and navy on announcement day, it won’t just be a win—it’ll be a game-changer.
