OXFORD - Tah’j Butler had football reasons for landing at Ole Miss, but there was something deeper pulling him to Oxford too.
Corey Adams was part of that.
Butler transferred in from Georgia Tech this offseason and is now in line to be the Rebels’ third linebacker behind fellow transfers Keaton Thomas, from Baylor, and Luke Ferrelli, from Cal. He’s adjusting to a new defense, lining up behind what he called the best defensive line he’s ever been around, and trying to earn a real role in Pete Golding’s unit.
Still, Oxford wasn’t a stranger to him.
Adams, the Ole Miss freshman defensive lineman who was shot and killed in Cordova, Tennessee, on July 19, 2025, was one of Butler’s closest friends. Adams was 18. Other Ole Miss players were wounded in the shooting, and the investigation into Adams’ death is still ongoing.
The bond between Butler and Adams started long before college.
"I went to Edna Karr with Corey Adams, and he was one of my best friends," Butler said. "We always talked about going to the same school."
Butler was one grade ahead of Adams at Edna Karr in New Orleans. Butler signed with Georgia Tech in the 2024 class, while Adams arrived a year later, enrolled early at Ole Miss, took part in spring practice and made the Dean’s Honor Roll before his death that summer. Ole Miss honored Adams with helmet decals throughout the 2025 season.
"Our relationship, once he got to college he called me and sent me the schedule and was telling me the times and places," Butler said. "In high school he looked up to me, and we were always competing to see who could be the best and fastest and all that."
Ole Miss had recruited Butler out of high school, but he wasn’t ready to take that step then.
"Initially out of high school I didn't want to come here because I was scared of knowing if I could play in the SEC or not," Butler said. "Then (while at Tech), I knew I needed a better opportunity."
His two seasons at Georgia Tech gave him a real sample of college football. Butler played 515 defensive snaps across those two years, including 324 last season.
He made two starts and finished 2025 with 27 total tackles, 21 of them solo. In coverage, he held up well, allowing 15 catches on 21 targets for 114 yards and an interception, while earning a 71.7 PFF coverage grade.
He also closed strongly, posting his second-best PFF defensive grade against Georgia while playing 26 snaps.
By the time Ole Miss came calling again, Butler’s mindset had changed.
"Coach Pete called me and we had a good conversation, and on the visit, watching game film, the scheme fits me," Butler said. "I can play downhill and be more physical.
Coach PG has a great relationship with my high school head coach. It was the most comfortable decision and best decision for me."
Thomas and Ferrelli are expected to lead a linebacker room that Ole Miss rebuilt through the portal, but Butler has put himself in position to be next in line. He said he and Ferrelli both see themselves as newcomers who can step into leadership right away.
"We came in and can become leaders here and work hard and be the best we can for the team to be successful," Butler said.
Between now and Louisville, Butler’s biggest focus is cutting down on hesitation.
"Working hard to stay consistent," he said. "Having a better understanding of the defense and the linemen and secondary responsibilities so I can play as fast as I can."
And when he talks about what makes that easier, he doesn’t hesitate at all.
"The D-line is amazing," Butler said. "Best defensive line I've ever been around."
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