Ole Miss Football and LSU Tigers Battling for Sought-After Offensive Lineman

Originally posted on Ole Miss Rebels on SI | By Zack Nagy | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 2:00 PM ET

New Albany (Miss.) four-star offensive lineman Emanuel Tucker has quickly emerged as a priority target for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle.

Tucker, a Top-10 prospect in the Magnolia State, verbally committed to the Mississippi State Bulldogs in February over the likes of Ole Miss, LSU and Miami, among others.

"I know a lot of people were thinking that I was going to Miami, but me and my family sat down and said staying at home is what is best for me," Tucker told 247Sports. "With that being said, I really appreciate the way that Mississippi State has been recruiting me ever since Coach (Jeff) Lebby showed up.

"When Coach Loadholt arrived, he immediately started showing me a lot of love. I really feel like he is going to be a coach who helps me develop and be able to make it on the next level."

Now, after a being pledged to the program for a handful of months, Tucker is back on the market.

Following an official visit to Oxford last weekend, Tucker has reopened his recruitment with the Rebels surging in his process.

Had a great weekend with ole mis @OleMissFB @Lane_Kiffin @CoachGarrisonOL pic.twitter.com/mUOxhXytrS
— Emanuel Tucker (@EmanuelTucker7) June 1, 2025

But it's set to be a battle for the 6-foot-7, 285-pounder out of Mississippi with the LSU Tigers working this one behind the scenes.

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers have emerged as a team to watch in his process that has quickly become an Ole Miss versus LSU battle.

The former Mississippi State commitment will officially visit the Bayou Bengals this summer as he works through his process.

Kiffin and the Rebels are in the midst of a critical offseason in Oxford with the program bringing in a slew of official visitors to town for multi-day stays.

This article first appeared on Ole Miss Rebels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: