Cowbell Corner

Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets will battle for coveted linebacker

Rising 3-star senior pass rusher expected to announce his commitment on Independence Day

Jacob Davis

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State appears to be in great position to land one of its best remaining targets available for the 2026 class now that 3-star defensive lineman Chris Carbin has trimmed his list to two schools.

The Powder Springs, Georgia native will choose between Mississippi State and Georgia Tech with an announcement date set for July 4.

Considered an edge rusher, Carbin can play either linebacker or defensive end and had a breakout season in 2024 recording 49 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

He initially released a top five schools list in late May with Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Baylor, Virginia Tech and Louisville included.

However, Virginia Tech was the only school in the list not to receive an official visit from Carbin.

His trip to Starkville was his first with the Bulldogs with a path of early playing time sold to him as Mississippi State continues to rebuild along the line of scrimmage.

Carbin has visited Georgia Tech multiple times during the recruitment, as he lives less than 40 minutes from campus.

Proximity to home will likely play a role being the Yellowjackets were among one of the first Power Conference programs to extend an offer.

He has over 30 offers from programs across the country such as Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Kansas State, Appalachian State, East Carolina, Liberty, UConn, Memphis, Wake Forest, Virginia, Minnesota, West Virginia and many more.

Mississippi State linebacker Nic Mitchell chases down Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) runs the ball against Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Nic Mitchell (40) at Mountain America Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Bulldogs class has grown plenty over the past week as they now sit at 15 players pledged to the 2026 class which is headlined by 3-star Macon athlete Jaiden Taylor.

Mississippi State currently ranks No. 10 in the SEC, No. 42 nationally by 247sports composite rankings.

At this point in the summer, Mississippi State has yet to gain a commitment from a high school linebacker in the 2026 class although linebackers coach Vincent Dancy has them positioned well for Maurice Jones, Jr.

Last season, the Bulldogs struggled on defense last season, giving up 456 total yards per game along with a run defense that finished No. 130 nationally at 217 yards per game. 

2025 Bulldogs Linebackers

Nic Mitchell, Redshirt Senior
Fatt Forrest, Redshirt Freshman
Zakari Tillman, Junior
Malick Sylla, Senior (Texas A&M transfer)
Jalen Smith, Redshirt sophomore (Tennessee transfer)
Tyler Lockhart, Freshman
Derion Gullette, Redshirt Freshman (Texas transfer)
Montrell Chapman, Junior
LaKendrick James, Junior
AJ Rice, Freshman
Tyshun Willis, Freshman
Branden Jennings, Redshirt Senior
Turner Reeves, Freshman
Ja'Byris Stewart, Junior

• Mississippi State lands commitment ahead of next official visit weekend
• Five Bulldogs earn All-American track and field honors after NCAA meet
• Mississippi State Football Class of 2026 Recruit Tracker
• Mississippi State adds power-hitting 1B/OF from Ball State

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Jacob Davis
JACOB DAVIS

Jacob Davis is a reporter for Arkansas Razorbacks on SI, with a decade of experience covering high school and transfer portal recruiting. He has previously worked at Rivals, Saturday Down South, SB Nation and hosted podcasts with Bleav Podcast Network where his show was a finalist for podcast of the year. Native of El Dorado, he currently resides in Central Arkansas with his wife and daughter. Follow on X: @ jacobscottdavis

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