‘I Signed But My Momma Didn’t’: Tyler Lockhart Explains Flip From Ole Miss to Mississippi State
The world of college football recruiting is filled with drama, surprises, and last-minute decisions. Few stories, however, are as captivating as the tale of Tyler Lockhart, the highly-touted four-star wide receiver who committed to Ole Miss, only to flip to their in-state rival, Mississippi State, in one of the most shocking recruiting twists of the year. The decision, which Lockhart summarized with the now-viral phrase, “I signed but my momma didn’t,” has left fans, analysts, and coaches buzzing
Tyler Lockhart’s rise as a top prospect was nothing short of meteoric. Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, the 6’2″, 195-pound wide receiver turned heads during his junior year with a stellar combination of size, speed, and route-running precision. Schools across the SEC were quick to take notice, and by the time his senior season began, Lockhart held offers from powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and both Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
Initially, it seemed like Ole Miss had won the battle for Lockhart. Head coach Lane Kiffin’s high-octane offense appeared to be the perfect fit for the dynamic playmaker, and Lockhart publicly announced his commitment to the Rebels during a live ceremony. “I felt like Ole Miss was the right place for me to showcase my skills and compete at the highest level,” Lockhart said at the time.
But as National Signing Day approached, whispers of second thoughts began to circulate. Mississippi State, led by new head coach Zach Arnett, had never stopped recruiting Lockhart, and the Bulldogs’ persistent efforts were starting to pay off. Behind the scenes, Lockhart’s family, particularly his mother, was playing a crucial role in the decision-making process.
When Tyler Lockhart officially signed his National Letter of Intent with Mississippi State, it sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. The sudden flip was unexpected, especially given Lockhart’s previous commitment to Ole Miss. During a press conference the day after his signing, Lockhart offered a candid explanation that added an emotional layer to the story.
“I loved Ole Miss, and I still respect everything about their program,” Lockhart began. “But at the end of the day, it wasn’t just my decision. My momma is my biggest supporter, and she’s always had my back. She felt like Mississippi State was the better fit, not just for football, but for my future as a person. She didn’t sign off on Ole Miss, and I couldn’t make a decision that didn’t have her blessing.”
Lockhart’s honesty struck a chord with many fans, showcasing the often-overlooked influence of family in the high-stakes world of recruiting. For Lockhart’s mother, the decision was about more than football. “I wanted my son to be somewhere he could grow, both on and off the field,” she said in an interview. “Mississippi State felt like home, and I knew it was the right choice for our family.”
The Bulldogs’ recruiting staff deserves credit for staying in the race despite Lockhart’s initial commitment to Ole Miss. Head coach Zach Arnett and his staff focused on building a relationship with Lockhart and his family, emphasizing the program’s culture, academics, and opportunities for development. They also highlighted the potential for Lockhart to make an immediate impact in Starkville.
“When we recruit players, we don’t just recruit them—we recruit their families,” Arnett said. “We want parents to feel confident that their sons will be taken care of here at Mississippi State. Tyler is an exceptional talent, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of our family.”
While Mississippi State celebrated the addition of Lockhart, Ole Miss fans and coaches were left reeling. Lane Kiffin addressed the situation during his post-signing day press conference, expressing disappointment but taking the high road. “Recruiting is competitive, and sometimes things don’t go your way,” Kiffin said. “We wish Tyler all the best, but we’re focused on the guys who are here and ready to contribute to our program.”
For Ole Miss, Lockhart’s flip was a significant loss, as the wide receiver was expected to be a cornerstone of their 2025 recruiting class. However, Kiffin and his staff quickly pivoted, emphasizing that their roster still boasts plenty of talent and that recruiting battles are a part of the game.
Now officially a Bulldog, Tyler Lockhart is eager to get to work. With Mississippi State’s offense undergoing a transformation under Zach Arnett, Lockhart is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s passing game. His size and skill set make him an ideal fit for a system that prioritizes physical, playmaking wideouts.
“I’m excited to be part of what Coach Arnett is building,” Lockhart said. “This team has big goals, and I’m ready to help us achieve them. Starkville already feels like home, and I can’t wait to put on that maroon and white and represent Mississippi State.”
Tyler Lockhart’s decision to flip from Ole Miss to Mississippi State is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football recruiting. For Lockhart, the move was about more than football—it was about family, trust, and finding the right fit for his future. As he begins the next chapter of his journey in Starkville, all eyes will be on the talented wide receiver to see if he can live up to the expectations that come with such a high-profile recruitment story.
For now, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State just got even more heated.