Recruiting Rundown: A Look at Mississippi State Football Commits and a Transfer Official Visitor
STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs are preparing for their first practices under their first-year head coach, Jeff Lebby. Lebby is also focusing on his first full recruiting class for the Bulldogs, and Mississippi is rich with talent for 2025.
The Bulldogs are making initial impressions on several prospects, but MSU already has three commits. Only one of the commits hails from the Magnolia State, but he will be the driving force for this class.
KaMario Taylor
Taylor committed to the Bulldogs under former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett and, even through the coaching search, remained loyal to the Bulldogs. The consensus 4-star recruit possesses everything a quarterback needs in the Lebby offense, and he has a big arm and the athleticism to make plays with his feet.
The Macon native also comes from an elite high school football program in Mississippi, Noxubee County High School. MSU has done well recruiting with Noxubee County, most notably former 5-star and current Tennessee Titan Jeffrey Simmons.
The 6-4 180-pound quarterback matched up against another Mississippi high school football powerhouse, Jefferson Davis, in the playoffs, and Taylor led the Tigers to victory, thanks to his play-making ability.
Ultimately, their run would end in the State championship as they lost to Winona in the state championship 34-27. Like many Mississippi quarterbacks, Taylor is still a raw prospect, but he could be a star for the Bulldogs with some development.
Getting your quarterback in the class early is always essential, and having Taylor will only help the Bulldogs in their pursuit of other top prospects in Mississippi.
Do not expect any drama in this recruitment process.
Aj Rice
Rice was the first to commit to this class, as he committed on September 4th to the previous staff. The Alabama native is a linebacker who has excellent size.
The 6-2 240-pounder holds 14 offers from several SEC schools, such as Ole Miss, Arkansas, and South Carolina. The consensus three-star committed early to the Bulldogs, and despite a disappointing season and a coaching change, he has not wavered on his commitment.
If first-year defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler likes what he sees, expect Rice to remain in the class. However, it is always best to watch the in-state schools like Auburn and Alabama.
Jeramiah McCloud
McCloud was a surprise commit for Mississippi State when he announced earlier this year. The Florida native picked MSU over LSU, Miami, and Florida offers.
It was impressive by the Bulldog staff to pull an out-of-state kid so early in the process despite offers from a pair of in-state schools, but it should come as no surprise given the track record of Mississippi State defensive line coach David Turner. Turner is known for his high school recruiting prowess as he signed three Bulldog greats on the defensive line: Chris Jones, Fletcher Cox, and Jeffrey Simmons.
Another impressive part is that Turner was willing to make that commitment early in the recruiting calendar as well. It would be best to remain cautiously optimistic about the consensus 3-star prospect because it is always tough to pull out-of-state kids, especially when the hometown schools have offered.
However, In the new age of college football, transfer recruiting is just as, if not more prevalent than in high school. The Bulldogs have one official visitor lined up from the transfer portal in the coming weeks.
Marcus Bryant
April 5th-6th
The former SMU offensive tackle will officially visit Mississippi State, and he has been busy, having also officially visited TCU and Missouri. The 6-8 318-pounder would be the second projected tackle the Bulldogs have signed out of the portal (Makylan Pounders).
New Bulldog offensive line coach Cody Kennedy has been busy recruiting and having to replace six contributors off last year's offensive line. If Kennedy can sign this prospect, the Bulldogs will be in an excellent position up front next season as the first-team All-AAC member could slide right into a starting tackle spot.
Come back to Cowbell Corner next week for the next rundown.
