4-star LB Tyler Lockhart decommits from Hugh Freeze's Auburn after recent visit to SEC powerhouse

Four-star linebacker Tyler Lockhart, from Winona High School in Minnesota, has decided to retract his commitment to the Auburn Tigers. This marks the second decommitment for the program in a week, following four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith's similar move earlier.

Lockhart hauled in more than a dozen offers from programs including LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Tennessee, among others. He announced his commitment to Hugh Freeze's Auburn on May 6, and within less than two months, he has reopened his recruitment after a visit to the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

“After a long talk with my family, I have decided to open my recruitment and de-commit Auburn University,” Lockhart posted on X/Twitter.

Lockhart's initial commitment briefly bolstered Auburn's 2025 recruiting class, which was ranked as high as eighth nationally by 247Sports. However, following his decommitment, the Tigers have slipped to No. 12 in the rankings and find themselves in the No. 7 spot in the SEC recruiting standings.

But Auburn maintains a robust recruiting effort with 14 commitments for the 2025 class. Notable pledges include four-star safety Eric Winters, edge defender Jakaleb Faulk, running back Alvin Henderson, and defensive linemen Jourdin Crawford and Malik Autry. The class also boasts talents in cornerback Devin Williams and offensive linemen Broderick Shull and Tavaris Dice.

Mississippi State is leading the race to secure Tyler Lockhart's pledge

Tyler Lockhart’s decommitment from Auburn comes just days after his official visit to the State Bulldogs. Having received his first offer from Mississippi back in September 2023, Lockhart has been a frequent visitor to Starkville, often accompanied by his brother TJ Lockhart, now a freshman at Mississippi State.

Lockhart also had the opportunity to engage deeply with defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler, as well as having discussions and film breakdowns with Mississippi State's coaching staff.

Predictions from recruiting insiders like Steve Robertson and Rion Young of 247Sports had hinted at Lockhart's potential commitment to Mississippi State even before his initial commitment to Auburn.

Now, with Tyler Lockhart's decommitment official, crystal ball predictions on 247Sports heavily favor Lockhart joining the Bulldogs. On3's recruiting prediction tool also gives him a 93.7% chance of ultimately choosing Mississippi State.

On3 Industry Ranking lists Lockhart as the No. 138 overall prospect in the nation, No. 16 linebacker and No. 5 prospect from Mississippi in the 2025 class. He is also the No. 141 overall player, the No. 17 linebacker and the No. 4 player in the state, according to 247Sports.

During his junior season, Tyler Lockhart tallied 100 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, along with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.