Video confirms that 2024 recruit Tyler Lockhart wanted Ole Miss, but his parents wanted Mississippi State

December's early signing day included most of what you'd expect regarding high school athletes making college decisions. However, one thing that was not on people's bingo cards was 2025 Mississippi linebacker Tyler Lockhart flipping his commitment and reversing the decision hours later.

Ole Miss thought it had received the good news that it had flipped another four-star recruit when linebacker Tyler Lockhart announced he was heading to Ole Miss at his live commitment from his high school.

Originally committed to Mississippi State, where his brother already attends and plays football, the faces of his family around him looked displeased. However, there was another twist: hours later, he reversed his decision, deciding to stick with his original pledge and commit to the Bulldogs.

National Recruiting Analyst at Rivals Sam Spiegelman asked Lockhart about it at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practice, and Lockhart gave the answer most Rebels fans expected.

Tyler Lockhart one signature away from being an Ole Miss player

The Mississippi native, who has a brother who plays at Mississippi State, was just one signature away from playing against his brother in the Egg Bowl rather than alongside him. In the chat with Sam Spiegelman, he confirmed he had signed the paperwork to attend the University of Mississippi, but his mother did not.

It looks to confirm what Ole Miss fans thought was the issue: a disagreement with his family on where he should attend school. Lockart confirmed that now that everybody is on the right page, he is looking forward to playing under head coach Jeff Lebby in Starkville.

It's a blow for Lane Kiffin, who was close to having another top talent from in-state. However, the Rebels still came away with the No. 167-ranked 2025 recruiting class, per On3, and will be thrilled to head into the transfer portal window.