News Summary
Craig Tutt, a four-star safety from Oakland High School, has committed to Ole Miss football, choosing the program over SEC rivals Tennessee and Auburn. Tutt is ranked as the No. 22 safety and No. 6 overall athlete in Tennessee. His performance in high school, which includes impressive stats such as 64 tackles and 22 touchdowns, caught significant attention from college scouts. His decision was influenced by the team’s culture, coaching staff, and connection to the community, setting a promising foundation for the 2026 recruiting class.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee – Ole Miss football has secured a significant commitment from four-star safety Craig Tutt, who announced his decision on July 18, 2025. The promising athlete from Oakland High School has chosen Ole Miss over top-tier competitors, including SEC rivals Tennessee and Auburn.
Tutt is regarded as the No. 22 safety and the No. 6 overall athlete in Tennessee according to 247Sports Composite rankings. His impressive performance during his junior season, where he accumulated nearly 2000 all-purpose yards while playing multiple positions, has caught the attention of college scouts. Known for his instincts on the field, Tutt is being primarily projected to play as a safety at the collegiate level, excelling in man-to-man coverage and demonstrating strong defensive capabilities against the run.
During his junior year, Tutt recorded impressive statistics, including 64 tackles, 1 interception, 7 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. Notably, he led his team as a running back, achieving over 1,600 total yards and 22 touchdowns. His outstanding contributions made him a finalist for the prestigious Tennessee Titans Mr. Football award.
In making his decision, Tutt cited the positive team culture, the coaching staff, and the welcoming community in Oxford as significant factors. He expressed that the environment at Ole Miss felt like home during his official visit, indicating a strong personal connection to the program. Tutt emphasized that his choice was not influenced by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers, focusing instead on the motivating atmosphere that would help him reach his full potential.
Ole Miss football is coming off a successful 10-3 season in 2024, with a notable eight players selected in the recent NFL Draft. This successful track record underlines the program’s competitiveness and ability to develop high-caliber athletes. Coach Lane Kiffin’s coaching staff, particularly nickelbacks coach Jake Schoonover, played a pivotal role in recruiting Tutt, showcasing their commitment to securing top talents for the team.
Tutt’s commitment not only enhances the program’s defense but also contributes to Ole Miss’s broader strategy to build a strong 2026 recruiting class. The addition of such a talented player like Tutt is expected to have a positive impact on the team’s performance in the coming years. The early signing period for the 2026 recruiting class is scheduled to begin on December 3, 2025, marking an important date for both Tutt and the Ole Miss football program.
In conclusion, Craig Tutt’s commitment to Ole Miss highlights the program’s promising future as it looks to build upon its recent successes. With strong performances in high school and a clear commitment to development, Tutt is set to be a vital component in Ole Miss’s pursuit of excellence in college football.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ole Miss Football Welcomes Top Recruits for Official Visits
Additional Resources
- Daily News Journal
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels football
- Clarion Ledger
- Google Search: Craig Tutt
- On3 Sports
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss football
- Sports Illustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College football
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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