The uncertainty surrounding Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin‘s decision for the 2026 season and beyond could impact current players and Rebels of the future.
Kiffin has been connected to the openings at Florida and LSU since their coaches were fired in the last few weeks.
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With the early signing period approaching Dec. 3-5, Kiffin and the Rebels also are trying to wrap up their 2026 recruiting class in addition to making the College Football Playoff for the first time.
Craig Tutt, a four-star safety for Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is one of Ole Miss‘ 19 commits. He said he plans to attend the Rebels’ home game on Nov. 15 against Florida (6 p.m., ESPN).
Tutt was asked after Oakland’s second-round win over Bradley Central Nov. 14 whether he thought it was possible Kiffin could leave Ole Miss.
“Not inside (the program), but it’s the world’s rumor,” Tutt said. “That’s what you’re going to do when you start winning and you start producing, that’s what they want. They want you. So I feel coach Kiffin is loyal to Ole Miss, and so am I. So it’s going to be a great one next year.”
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When asked if he would rethink his commitment to Ole Miss if Kiffin were to leave, Tutt said he didn’t want to comment.
Tutt said he hadn’t talked to Kiffin lately but plans to when he visits for the Florida game.
Ole Miss’ 2026 class ranks 20th in the 247Sports Composite rankings, which is ninth in the SEC.
Contributing: Cecil Joyce
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Lane Kiffin future, Ole Miss football 2026 commit Craig Tutt weighs in
