Ole Miss’ Tyler Banks Named 2025 Chucky Mullins Courage Award Winner

OXFORD, Miss. — Senior linebacker Tyler Banks has etched his name into Rebel history. On Thursday, head coach Lane Kiffin announced Banks as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Chucky Mullins Courage Award — the highest honor an Ole Miss defensive player can receive.

Introducing your 2025 Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner…#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/c0ZvFWocay

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 7, 2025

Banks becomes the 35th Rebel in the award’s 36-year legacy and plans to wear the legendary No. 38 jersey, carrying with him the courage, leadership, perseverance, and determination that defined Chucky Mullins’ life.

2025 Chucky Mullins Courage Award Winner, Tyler Banks 🫡#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/FCAuDfSx7C

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 8, 2025

Honoring Chucky’s Spirit

The award, sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, is named for Roy Lee “Chucky” Mullins, whose playing career was tragically cut short in 1989 after a life-changing injury against Vanderbilt. Chucky’s resilience inspired a program, a fan base, and an entire community, and his legacy continues to impact every Rebel who wears that number. He passed away on May 6, 1991, but his spirit lives on each fall Saturday in Oxford.

Banks’ Rebel Journey

A three-year letterwinner from Blackstone, Virginia, Banks has been the definition of reliability since arriving in Oxford in 2022. He has played in all 39 games during his career, primarily as a special teams leader, where his hustle and toughness have stood out in every snap.

Last season, Banks posted a career-best 14 tackles, bringing his total to 31 career stops. Off the field, he represents Ole Miss on the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, proving his leadership extends far beyond the hash marks.

Lane Kiffin on Banks

Banks was selected from a group of veteran defensive players by Kiffin and his staff, a choice the head coach made clear was about more than stats.

“This is a player who embodies everything Chucky stood for,” Kiffin said. “The way Tyler approaches the game, the way he approaches life — he’s earned this honor in every sense of the word.”

A Tradition of Greatness

By donning the No. 38 this fall, Banks joins a remarkable list of past winners — a fraternity of leaders and warriors that includes Patrick Willis, Mike Hilton, Marquis Haynes, Deterrian Shackelford (twice), Cedric Johnson, JJ Pegues, and many more who left lasting marks on Rebel football.

When Banks takes the field wearing Chucky’s number this season, he won’t just be playing linebacker. He’ll be carrying a legacy — one built on courage, unity, and the unwavering Rebel spirit. Congrats to Tyler!