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4-Star LSU Commit Predicted to Flip to Heated SEC Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 5:26 PM ET

The LSU Tigers' 2026 recruiting class is littered with elite talent. Head coach Brian Kelly has landed 17 commitments, ranking No. 6 in the SEC and No. 11 in the nation.

However, LSU has seen multiple talented players flip, including five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys (Tennessee), four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy (Florida) and four-star wide receiver Jakai Anderson (SMU).

More may be heading in the same direction, including 6-foot-7 and 285-pound offensive tackle Emanuel Tucker out of New Albany, Mississippi.

He pledged himself to LSU on June 12, but several teams have continued to make a push, seeking a potential flip.

That may soon become a reality, because on Thursday, Rivals' vice president of recruiting, Steve Wiltfong, logged an expert prediction for Tucker to flip to the Ole Miss Rebels.

It would be an unfortunate situation for LSU, as Tucker is a four-star recruit, the No. 25 offensive tackle and the No. 288 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

He is just one of three offensive tackles in their 2026 class and a flip would leave the Tigers thinner at one of the most important offensive positions.

It's not as though Ole Miss has come out of nowhere, either. In fact, Tucker was on campus for the Rebels' season opener against the Georgia State Panthers, showing the two sides have clear interest.

However, a flip would still come as a big surprise, because before that visit, he dismissed the thought, telling Rivals, “It’s nothing at all. LSU is my school and that’s final," according to Wiltfong.

If it does happen, though, Ole Miss will undoubtedly welcome him with open arms. Tucker could be joining a 2026 class that has 15 commitments, ranking No. 10 in the SEC and No. 21 in the nation.

It would also be a nice off-the-field win for the Rebels, who in the last 10 matchups against the Tigers are just 3-7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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