In the latest developments among the top prospects for the 2025 college football recruiting class, Auburn University has faced setbacks with two notable decommitments this week. Tyler Lockhart, a highly regarded 4-star linebacker, recently announced his decision to rescind his commitment to Auburn, a move that has stirred considerable interest among college football enthusiasts.
Lockhart, originally from Mississippi, had initially pledged his future to Auburn in early April. However, following an official visit to Mississippi State, where his brother currently plays, Lockhart opted to realign his collegiate intentions. This shift was underscored by the linebacker’s declaration on social media that he would no longer pursue his football career at Auburn under Hugh Freeze’s guidance. Notably, Lockhart has now garnered significant support from 247Sports, with two Crystal Ball predictions favoring Mississippi State as his next potential destination.
The linebacker’s journey to this point has been marked by twists and turns. Just earlier this month, Lockhart had embarked on an official visit to Auburn, a trip that seemed to rekindle speculation about his final decision. Yet, in a decisive statement, Lockhart affirmed that Mississippi State remained his sole focus moving forward.
Lockhart’s decision has implications beyond his personal trajectory. As one of the top 150 prospects overall in the 2025 class and ranked 17th among linebackers nationwide, his initial commitment to Auburn in May had caught many by surprise. His change of heart, therefore, not only alters the landscape of Auburn’s recruiting efforts but also injects fresh momentum into Mississippi State’s aspirations.
Moreover, Lockhart’s defection from Auburn this week was not an isolated incident. Carde Smith, a fellow 4-star recruit specializing in offensive tackle positions, also recently reneged on his commitment to Auburn. Despite these setbacks, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class retains a formidable status, firmly positioned within the top 10 rankings nationally. Looking ahead, the university’s forthcoming “Big Cat Weekend” presents an opportune moment for Auburn to showcase its appeal to prospective recruits and potentially reclaim lost ground.
Tyler Lockhart’s decision to decommit from Auburn underscores the fluid and highly competitive nature of college football recruiting. His pivot towards Mississippi State reflects personal ties and strategic considerations that resonate deeply within the collegiate sports community. As recruiting season unfolds, the impact of such decisions will undoubtedly reverberate across both the SEC and the broader landscape of college football.
