Four-star LB Tyler Lockhart backs off Auburn pledge

Auburn football has suffered a hit to its 2025 recruiting class for the second time this week.

Days after four-star OL Carde Smith backed off his pledge to Auburn, four-star linebacker Tyler Lockhart has done the same. Lockhart announced Friday that he has de-committed from Auburn after committing to the program in May.

Lockhart’s commitment to Auburn in May surprised many, as it was predicted that he would join his brother, offensive lineman TJ Lockhart, at Mississippi State. The thought of him joining Mississippi State’s 2025 class is becoming more likely now that he is no longer committed to Auburn, as predictions are beginning to pour in.

After Lockhart backed off his commitment to Auburn, Jeffrey Lee of On3 submitted a prediction for him to commit to Mississippi State. Mississippi State has three other predictions in favor of adding Lockhart to its 2025 class, including two from 247Sports. Mississippi State now has a 93.7% chance to land Lockhart according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Following the departure of Lockhart and Smith from its 2025 class, Auburn has fallen to No. 12 in 247Sports’ 2025 recruiting rankings. A week ago, Auburn climbed to No. 4 in 247Sports’ rankings after flipping four-star running back Alvin Henderson from Penn State.

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