Ole Miss Tight End Luke Hasz Reunites with Former Arkansas Teammates, Embraces New Opportunity with Lane Kiffin’s Rebels
OXFORD, Miss. – Following another year of collecting a top three transfer portal class, Lane Kiffin is in the process of finding players to replace those from nearly every starting position from last fall. In an effort to recruit SEC-proven prospects, Kiffin and his staff landed a starting defensive back, center, and tight end from a rival school less than six hours away: the University of Arkansas.
On December 13th and 14th, former Razorbacks Jaylon Braxton, Luke Hasz, and Patrick Kutas committed to Ole Miss over the course of two days. Hasz spoke with media after practice Thursday. He talked about being in the same recruiting class as Braxton and how living next to Kutas’ apartment in Fayetteville allowed all of their pre-existing friendships to expand even further in Oxford.
“It’s kind of crazy that all of that happened; it was an individual decision for all of us. It’s exciting having both of those guys because getting to play with those guys, they were the hardest workers and some of my best friends as well.”
– Hasz on playing with two former teammates
Isaiah 40:31
Thankful for this opportunity and to be apart of something special! Excited to take what I have learned and get to work! God’s plan always prevails! Hotty Toddy🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/efEIRm2xgN— Luke Hasz (@LukeHasz5) December 14, 2024
When it came down to it, Hasz’s relationship with tight end coach Joe Cox, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., and head coach Lane Kiffin made the difference in why he chose the Rebels.
“As soon as we made it into town, we loved Oxford… Definitely Coach Cox being a big emphasis on that because I’ve gotten to know him for a while through high school recruiting… just the system that Coach Weis and Kiffin have, it’s a great opportunity for us tight ends to be used well in run blocking in the passing game.”
– Hasz on the Ole Miss coaching staff
Upon his adjustment to spring ball in the ‘Sip, Hasz has also developed a strong bond with Dae’Quan Wright, the returning tight end for Ole Miss. According to Hasz, working alongside a player with the caliber of talent Wright possesses has been extremely meaningful to him.
“I feel like it’s a blessing to be able to have him in the room because we’re both experienced… after plays we get to talk to each other, and it only makes us better. It’s even more exciting when we’re both on the field at the same time.”
– Hasz on working with Wright
Wright on the money 🤑@DaequanWright | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/3qnjMLW3tD
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) January 3, 2025
Another stud equally important to Dae’Quan Wright is the young man throwing passes to Luke, and that’s Austin Simmons. Hasz had nothing but positives to state on Simmons, discussing his maturity both on and off the field.
“His willingness off the field to get guys together, I mean, the way he recruits, and then whenever I was able to come here throwing with him, he throws a great ball… He’s always one to build chemistry, he’s a really good guy to be around.“
– Hasz on his quarterback Austin Simmons
For more press conference discussions and all of your Ole Miss sports updates, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk. Hotty Toddy!
