The next Chucky Mullins Courage Award recipient at Ole Miss has been named

Mississippi Rebels linebacker Tyler Banks (34) runs the ball before the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Mississippi Rebels linebacker Tyler Banks (34) runs the ball before the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the highlights of fall camp at Ole Miss is the naming of the next Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner. On Thursday, August, 7th, head coach Lane Kiffin announced the decision before the team. The winner of this year's award is senior linebacker Tyler Banks.

The Chucky Mullins Courage Award is one of the most prestigious honors in Ole Miss football, presented annually to a defensive player who best embodies the spirit, determination, and courage of the late Chucky Mullins. Mullins, a Rebels defensive back, was paralyzed during a game in 1989 but inspired countless people through his resilience, positive attitude, and unwavering love for life and the sport. Established in 1990, the award not only recognizes outstanding leadership and perseverance on and off the field, but also carries deep emotional significance within the Ole Miss community. The recipient earns the right to wear Mullins’ retired No. 38 jersey for the season, symbolizing the grit, heart, and legacy of a true Rebel.

Tyler Banks is an incredibly deserving recipient, there are few better players in the modern era of college football that resemble what it means to be a Rebel. Banks was a three-star prospect in the class of 2022 from outside of Richmond, VA. He is also one of only 4 Rebel seniors to began their career at Ole Miss. He also has had a challenging journey that hasn't always led to consistent playing time, totaling 30 tackle in his first three seasons.

While so many would've transferred out, Banks has continued to show up, work to get better, and be a great teammate. He has developed into a significant contributor on special teams and is looking to take a jump into the regular rotation at linebacker. Tyler also announced that he will be wearing the famous 38 number on his jersey in every single game this year. You can hear the emotion in his voice of how much this means to him, how proud he is to be a Rebel and the impact that the legacy of Chucky Mullins has had on him during his time at Ole Miss. Congratulations Tyler Banks, you are the true definition of an Ole Miss Rebel.