2025 MSU Football Recruiting Thread

[Goldendawg]

AJ Rice - Madison Academy, Madison, AL., Edge, 6' 2" 240, .88, committed 9/4/23.

KaMario Taylor - Noxabee Co, Macon, MS ATH (Tearing it up in QB camps), 6'4" 180, .88, committed 10/13/23.

Jack Richardson - Madison Central, Madison, MS, Punter (#1 in State), 6'2" 210, .80 committed 3/34/24.

Tyshun Willis - Velma Jackson, Camden, MS, LB, 6'2" 220, .90, committed 4/22/24.

Ranked #58 at this time. Does not include Portal RB & DB.

NOTE: Maybe someone can stick this to top of threads as I don't know how. Hail State!

[ScoobaDawg]

Done. Yea its that time I guess.

[DEDawg]

Caleb Cunningham should tell you everything you need to know about 1) this staff ability to recruit and 2) our NIL as a whole. 5 star local kid who we have the lead on. If we can't land him, one of those 2 things is seriously flawed. I expect it to be a very bumpy recruitment either way, but we will see how it plays out.

[Todd4State]

Caleb Cunningham should tell you everything you need to know about 1) this staff ability to recruit and 2) our NIL as a whole. 5 star local kid who we have the lead on. If we can't land him, one of those 2 things is seriously flawed. I expect it to be a very bumpy recruitment either way, but we will see how it plays out.

He's a priority. I think we have a good chance.

[Bothrops]

We have a good chance with Cunningham but.......we won't compete with his NIL offers and will have to win him over on propriety. He's Lebby's baby.

[KOdawg1]

Should get our share in-state.

[BigDawg81]

Should get our share in-state. We are looking pretty good with the in-state guys right now but it?s still a ways to go.
State are favorites with
Cunningham #1 player by 247 and On3
Lockhart #4 player by 247 #6 by On3
Oatis # 6 player by 247 #8 by On3
Nash #9 player by 247 and #11 by On3
Thomas #13 player by 247 and #10 by On3

Taylor is commited which is the #14 player by 247 and #9 by On3
Willis is committed #8 player by 247 and #12 by On3

[msstate7]

Delete

[Todd4State]

We are looking pretty good with the in-state guys right now but it?s still a ways to go.
State are favorites with
Cunningham #1 player by 247 and On3
Lockhart #4 player by 247 #6 by On3
Oatis # 6 player by 247 #8 by On3
Willis #8 player by 247 and #12 by On3
Nash #9 player by 247 and #11 by On3
Thomas #13 player by 247 and #10 by On3

Taylor is commited which the #14 player by 247 and #9 by On3

Willis is also committed.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Caleb Cunningham should tell you everything you need to know about 1) this staff ability to recruit and 2) our NIL as a whole. 5 star local kid who we have the lead on. If we can't land him, one of those 2 things is seriously flawed. I expect it to be a very bumpy recruitment either way, but we will see how it plays out.

We have to be competitive. He wants to play here and his family wants him here. We just have to be competitive on the field and with his NIL offer.

[Cooterpoot]

We have a good chance with Cunningham but.......we won't compete with his NIL offers and will have to win him over on propriety. He's Lebby's baby.

Not true

[DEDawg]

We just picked up Trent Hudson in the portal. UNM WR transfer with 1 year left

[Todd4State]

We just picked up Trent Hudson in the portal. UNM WR transfer with 1 year left

I fully expect our next two teams at least to be portal heavy while Lebby reboots our recruiting.

We really need to get an EDGE rusher and another CB.

[Pancho]

Was and Edge guy not visiting campus over the weekend?

[BigDawg81]

I have a feeling that the Indiana corner will commit. We need a P5 corner with starting experience.

[Bothrops]

Lockhart to Auburn. Man we're a tough row to hoe.

[Tripp McNeely]

Lockhart to Auburn. Man we're a tough row to hoe.

No inside info here, but from everything I've heard, sounds like Auburn paid him to verbal, but he'll sign with the good guys when it matters!

[Cooterpoot]

That defensive staff isn't really going to do a thing until they show they can coach and we decide to spend NIL on defense

[StarkVegasSteve]

Lockhart to Auburn. Man we're a tough row to hoe.

Optics aren't great but he'll end up with us. Too much family and friends pressure to not.

[Bothrops]

No inside info here, but from everything I've heard, sounds like Auburn paid him to verbal, but he'll sign with the good guys when it matters!

When was the last time we flipped a commit from Auburn? I can't remember it ever happening.

[KOdawg1]

This defensive coaching staff is ass at recruiting.

Like absolutely atrocious

[Todd4State]

This defensive coaching staff is ass at recruiting.

Like absolutely atrocious

It's really puzzling to me why it seems like we can't get both on the same page.

[Todd4State]

That defensive staff isn't really going to do a thing until they show they can coach and we decide to spend NIL on defense

It looks like we're following the Kiffin/Ole Miss model of build a high scoring exciting offense and then worry about defense later.

[Mjoelner34]

It looks like we're following the Kiffin/Ole Miss model of build a high scoring exciting offense and then worry about defense later.

If you watched the Alamo Bowl last year, that's exactly what the announcers said that Jed Fisch said you should do. As Fisch told them, "Nobody, not even defensive players, wants to play for a team that doesn't score."

[Todd4State]

If you watched the Alamo Bowl last year, that's exactly what the announcers said that Jed Fisch said you should do. As Fisch told them, "Nobody, not even defensive players, wants to play for a team that doesn't score."

It makes sense. Even though it counterintuitive to the old school defense wins championships mantra.

[Bothrops]

This defensive coaching staff is ass at recruiting.

Like absolutely atrocious

It's more about being the ugliest and poorest bloke at the debutante ball.

[StarkVegasSteve]

This may be uncomfortable for some. But maybe it's time to reevaluate David Turner's place on the staff. The guys we seem to be missing on are almost all on the DLine. We're filling at other positions fine, but that's the one place that development has not been great and neither has recruiting.

[BigDawg81]

This may be uncomfortable for some. But maybe it's time to reevaluate David Turner's place on the staff. The guys we seem to be missing on are almost all on the DLine. We're filling at other positions fine, but that's the one place that development has not been great and neither has recruiting. At least change the recruiting pitch. DLU doesn?t seem to be working anymore.

[Cooterpoot]

This may be uncomfortable for some. But maybe it's time to reevaluate David Turner's place on the staff. The guys we seem to be missing on are almost all on the DLine. We're filling at other positions fine, but that's the one place that development has not been great and neither has recruiting.

Nah, we're going to sign our share of DL instate this year and no, we aren't doing well at other spots either. We aren't spending big money on defense, plain and simple.

[Todd4State]

Nah, we're going to sign our share of DL instate this year and no, we aren't doing well at other spots either. We aren't spending big money on defense, plain and simple.

Because we don't have enough to do so?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Because we don't have enough to do so?

Because Lebby is taking the Kiffin approach. Get a badass offense and just outscore people. The hope is the defense is extremely aggressive the first couple of years and just forces enough TOs.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Montre Miller just committed. A big pickup for the defensive secondary if he can regain his 2021 and 2022 form.

[HoopsDawg]

Montre Miller just committed. A big pickup for the defensive secondary if he can regain his 2021 and 2022 form.

I barely keep anymore. What happened in 2023.

[Todd4State]

Because Lebby is taking the Kiffin approach. Get a badass offense and just outscore people. The hope is the defense is extremely aggressive the first couple of years and just forces enough TOs.

That may not be a bad approach. Especially since even in this NIL era we can still fill some holes with JUCO's on defense and be pretty decent.

Also if Hutzler turns out to be Peter Sirmon 2.0 we have shown that we can attract quality DC's to MSU over the years.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I barely keep anymore. What happened in 2023.

Injured.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That may not be a bad approach. Especially since even in this NIL era we can still fill some holes with JUCO's on defense and be pretty decent.

Also if Hutzler turns out to be Peter Sirmon 2.0 we have shown that we can attract quality DC's to MSU over the years.

I mean if he turns out to be Sirmon 2.0 then oh well. Even when we had Sirmon at least by the end of the year we were damn near scoring at will on people. People forget that outside of the Bama game we avg'd 47 a game in the last 5 games. Throw in the Bama game where we only scored 3 and our avg was still 38 a game. Having a coach that knows the offense he wants to run and is confident in that offense is paramount to success in college football. We didn't have that last year. We had a QB who wanted to run the Air Raid, an OC who wanted to run some sort of zone read Mullenish scheme, and a HC who wanted to run the Power I

[Cooterpoot]

I see we took on another cripple for our defense. We not going cheap, we going full blown scratch and dent.

[Bothrops]

At least change the recruiting pitch. DLU doesn?t seem to be working anymore.

Because of the portal, NIL, two year attrition rate, and emphasis on offense, I think the days of defensive notoriety are a thing of the past for us. That goes for most P5 teams too. We will get a Dandy Dozen player here and there but nothing like the 2010s. The Georgia's and LSU's will still have defense because of brand and NIL capacity. We will essentially become like an old PAC or BiG 12 team. 55-49. It's time to start embracing it, because if we don't assimilate this way, we'll wish we didn't have to play football in 5 years.

[Pancho]

be good staying home and watching on the 90" TV

[SilentSteel16]

You spoke of dandy dozen. It is going to be real interesting seeing the dandy dozen vs the 247/rival top players in the state. That state list on rivals is hilarious. Take a screenshot of top 20 in state now and top 20 in state after football 25 season. Will be vastly different. Mississippi is a very deep state for 2025.

[BankerDog]

Nah, we're going to sign our share of DL instate this year and no, we aren't doing well at other spots either. We aren't spending big money on defense, plain and simple.

Said the same thing last year and looked how that turned out. Simply put-Turner isn?t going to be able to ride guys like he has in the past because of the portal. Simple as that.

[Cooterpoot]

Said the same thing last year and looked how that turned out. Simply put-Turner isn?t going to be able to ride guys like he has in the past because of the portal. Simple as that.

Who did we think we'd get last year with Arnett as HC? There's was no great instate DL last year.

[Cooterpoot]

Because of the portal, NIL, two year attrition rate, and emphasis on offense, I think the days of defensive notoriety are a thing of the past for us. That goes for most P5 teams too. We will get a Dandy Dozen player here and there but nothing like the 2010s. The Georgia's and LSU's will still have defense because of brand and NIL capacity. We will essentially become like an old PAC or BiG 12 team. 55-49. It's time to start embracing it, because if we don't assimilate this way, we'll wish we didn't have to play football in 5 years.

We never beat out those teams for top talent unless we had an in anyway. Little has changed. Those schools will have always recruited above us.

[Bothrops]

We never beat out those teams for top talent unless we had an in anyway. Little has changed. Those schools will have always recruited above us.

Yeah but the difference now is that we won't get more than one of those guys if we're lucky. Used to get 3-4. Im talking defense. The corporate sports world has a grand plan underway. We've seen radical changes made is just a few short years. We aren't even an afterthought. All tradition is going out the window.

[Cooterpoot]

Yeah but the difference now is that we won't get more than one of those guys if we're lucky. Used to get 3-4. Im talking defense. The corporate sports world has a grand plan underway. We've seen radical changes made is just a few short years. We aren't even an afterthought. All tradition is going out the window.

Nah, they still recruit above the guys we recruit. There's no DL in MS that UGA wants this year. We'll get our share. It's no different than it's been except more kids want out of MS. Holding on to OOS kids we sign if they have a good season is a much bigger problem.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Who did we think we'd get last year with Arnett as HC? There's was no great instate DL last year.

We were all told how Turner was going to sell DLU and get at least 1 of Beavers, Rush, Echoles, Franklin, and Waller. We went 0-5. Add that to striking out repeatedly in the portal and it is safe and warranted to wonder if Turner is more hindrance than weapon in recruiting.

[Cooterpoot]

We were all told how Turner was going to sell DLU and get at least 1 of Beavers, Rush, Echoles, Franklin, and Waller. We went 0-5. Add that to striking out repeatedly in the portal and it is safe and warranted to wonder if Turner is more hindrance than weapon in recruiting.

1. Beavers wasn't even a take. The kid isn't good and has had legal issues too. Wasn't even one of the top couple players on a 2A team really.
2. We never recruited Rush at all. We don't think much of him.
3. Franklin was an overpayment for a decent player. We were never going to do that.
4. Waller's handler is the same handler as a couple other recruits who went OOS. Waller is a tweener. I'd bet all of those like him end up in the portal

You know who 17'd up our recruiting? Leach and Arnett did it. Then we brought in a bunch of defensive coaches with no track record at all and a full rebuild staring at us. We'll start investing in defense more later.

[BankerDog]

1. Beavers wasn't even a take. The kid isn't good and has had legal issues too. Wasn't even one of the top couple players on a 2A team really.
2. We never recruited Rush at all. We don't think much of him.
3. Franklin was an overpayment for a decent player. We were never going to do that.
4. Waller's handler is the same handler as a couple other recruits who went OOS. Waller is a tweener. I'd bet all of those like him end up in the portal

You know who 17'd up our recruiting? Leach and Arnett did it. Then we brought in a bunch of defensive coaches with no track record at all and a full rebuild staring at us. We'll start investing in defense more later.

You stated in a post on 3/29/23 ?that if Beavers doesn?t go to AL we get him. Secondly, Emerick screwed up Picayune so don?t expect kids from there.? And now you?re saying Beavers wasn?t a take? So which is it?

Also your comments our defensive stats are a little off base. Hutzler has been at Bama, Barnes was a DC at Ohio State and Memphis, and Turner we know. So hardly a ?staff with no track record? like you?re stating. But that?s par the course, just run off at the mouth and hope it sticks.

[StarkVegasSteve]

1. Beavers wasn't even a take. The kid isn't good and has had legal issues too. Wasn't even one of the top couple players on a 2A team really.
2. We never recruited Rush at all. We don't think much of him.
3. Franklin was an overpayment for a decent player. We were never going to do that.
4. Waller's handler is the same handler as a couple other recruits who went OOS. Waller is a tweener. I'd bet all of those like him end up in the portal

You know who 17'd up our recruiting? Leach and Arnett did it. Then we brought in a bunch of defensive coaches with no track record at all and a full rebuild staring at us. We'll start investing in defense more later.

Then why did you say last year that the 24 recruiting class was a strong defensive class? Also you failed to answer how we miss on Echoles…..from Houston.

[Cooterpoot]

You stated in a post on 3/29/23 ?that if Beavers doesn?t go to AL we get him. Secondly, Emerick screwed up Picayune so don?t expect kids from there.? And now you?re saying Beavers wasn?t a take? So which is it?

Also your comments our defensive stats are a little off base. Hutzler has been at Bama, Barnes was a DC at Ohio State and Memphis, and Turner we know. So hardly a ?staff with no track record? like you?re stating. But that?s par the course, just run off at the mouth and hope it sticks.

And we dropped him, what's the question?

[Cooterpoot]

You stated in a post on 3/29/23 ?that if Beavers doesn?t go to AL we get him. Secondly, Emerick screwed up Picayune so don?t expect kids from there.? And now you?re saying Beavers wasn?t a take? So which is it?

Also your comments our defensive stats are a little off base. Hutzler has been at Bama, Barnes was a DC at Ohio State and Memphis, and Turner we know. So hardly a ?staff with no track record? like you?re stating. But that?s par the course, just run off at the mouth and hope it sticks.

Nobody knows those guys. Hutz has never called defense at a P5 school. Barnes was runoff and only an interim DC at OSU. Memphis wasnt going to keep him. But carry on.

[Cooterpoot]

Then why did you say last year that the 24 recruiting class was a strong defensive class? Also you failed to answer how we miss on Echoles?..from Houston.

Because it initially looked that way. But it became apparent how weak it was last fall, when committable offers didn't materialize for those guys (minus two guys). I'd take two of the guys that were mentioned, but I don't think either will be big difference makers. This year isn't strong either really. Lots of serviceable DL but no real studs.

[Cooterpoot]

Then why did you say last year that the 24 recruiting class was a strong defensive class? Also you failed to answer how we miss on Echoles…..from Houston.

Echoles we just lost but we weren't recruiting him as a DL either

[Bothrops]

We got outbid on most of those DL guys. Echoles we wanted on the OL initially. That kid from Picyune has high potential. We didn't have to legs to interest him.

[Cooterpoot]

We got outbid on most of those DL guys. Echoles we wanted on the OL initially. That kid from Picyune has high potential. We didn't have to legs to interest him.

Except we didn't. We were never getting the kid at Picayune. He had no interest and we pissed off the handler the year before. That handler is sending all his kids OOS. Beavers wasn't a take and neither was Rush. We never really got into bidding for Franklin because he wanted stupid money and frankly wasn't worth it. Echoes was just a loss plain and simple but he had family at OM and a higher bid.

[Bothrops]

Will the NIL and portal be the death of MSU football? Interest hasn't been this low since 2006

[Cooterpoot]

Will the NIL and portal be the death of MSU football? Interest hasn't been this low since 2006

LOL what? People are fired up about dumping the dump off offense. Much more excited about this than Leach and Morehead. NIL has changed very little except it forces us to commit to football now.

[Bothrops]

LOL what? People are fired up about dumping the dump off offense. Much more excited about this than Leach and Morehead. NIL has changed very little except it forces us to commit to football now.

But have we??

[BankerDog]

1. Beavers wasn't even a take. The kid isn't good and has had legal issues too. Wasn't even one of the top couple players on a 2A team really.
2. We never recruited Rush at all. We don't think much of him.
3. Franklin was an overpayment for a decent player. We were never going to do that.
4. Waller's handler is the same handler as a couple other recruits who went OOS. Waller is a tweener. I'd bet all of those like him end up in the portal

You know who 17'd up our recruiting? Leach and Arnett did it. Then we brought in a bunch of defensive coaches with no track record at all and a full rebuild staring at us. We'll start investing in defense more later.

?We?re just so thirsty for DL help?-CP on six pack today. Good things all those guys last year weren?t even takes and our new guy commitment was!

[Cooterpoot]

But have we??
Ummm, yeah, we have

[Cooterpoot]

?We?re just so thirsty for DL help?-CP on six pack today. Good things all those guys last year weren?t even takes and our new guy commitment was!

Those guys aren't helping anybody next season. Franklin was the best of the bunch. We need help NOW. It's why you see a gazillion Juco takes. But make no mistake, I have zero confidence in this defensive staff. They need to win some recruiting battles next round. I hope Lebby knows something we don't about that group.

[Bothrops]

Ummm, yeah, we have

We need more. A lot more

[Cooterpoot]

We need more. A lot more

Well, once NIL is in-house, we won't have to worry as much about our cheap ass fans being mad about football NIL and not contributing. We've got a bigger fan problem than administration now.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Well, once NIL is in-house, we won't have to worry as much about our cheap ass fans being mad about football NIL and not contributing. We've got a bigger fan problem than administration now.

A lot of truth in that statement. We may not agree on all, but we do agree on the NIL funding

[Goldendawg]

Does anyone on this board have any double ought Jethro Bodine spy info on our potential commits for this 2025 class? We have been stuck on 4 commits for weeks now. I only get info here, free genespage articles, or the pack and a friend. Heck, genespage has had more articles on 2026 propects and even offers to the 2028 talent than 2025. Facts, info and rumors encouraged and appreciated. Hail State!

[Cooterpoot]

Does anyone on this board have any double ought Jethro Bodine spy info on our potential commits for this 2025 class? We have been stuck on 4 commits for weeks now. I only get info here, free genespage articles, or the pack and a friend. Heck, genespage has had more articles on 2026 propects and even offers to the 2028 talent than 2025. Facts, info and rumors encouraged and appreciated. Hail State!

Business should be picking up soon

[SilentSteel16]

All I know is that I have personally seen the recruiting literature and communication that has been sent to recruits and to call it lacking is an understatement. Seriously the mail stuff being sent out looks like an elementary kid made it. I am a huge fan of State but comparing the stuff sent out to even Duke or Tulane it is flat out laughable.

[SilentSteel16]

They must be full throttle on a few kids in particular but they are missing on several that I have spoken to that will be multi year starters in power 5. Next to no communication to several of them. Meanwhile Duke and Manny Diaz are killing it.

[BigDawg81]

I guess there are 2 commitments today

[BigDawg81]

3 star cornerback Derrion Horsely has committed
https://twitter.com/JustinbFrommer/status/1802148147939975365

[DEDawg]

So anyone got a list of the guys this weekend?

[BigDawg81]

So anyone got a list of the guys this weekend?
I know the 5 from yesterday and still waiting on 3 to go public. 2 more have committed but I think that they are going to wait awhile before going public.
According to Paul Jones, a total of 10 has committed.

[Homedawg]

Well, once NIL is in-house, we won't have to worry as much about our cheap ass fans being mad about football NIL and not contributing. We've got a bigger fan problem than administration now.

Who do you think is going to fund it then?? Fans. Might be at a higher ticket price but the fans are the ones that will pay for it no matter in house or not. That's not changing.

[Cooterpoot]

Who do you think is going to fund it then?? Fans. Might be at a higher ticket price but the fans are the ones that will pay for it no matter in house or not. That's not changing.

TV deal will be the primary funding. Going to see scholarship cuts too. It won't be nearly as fan driven like it's close to now. Going to likely be some standards too. The AD can work out deals instead of the initiative alone. Things will improve massively with a larger team involved. Always going to be some fan support required too but not like today.

[BankerDog]

Turner is getting dominated on DL recruiting. I knew we didn?t have much shot at Maddox but the Simmons kid and Vaughn kid at Hartfield are looking doubtful too. Simmons committed to Bama yesterday.

Turner needs to retire or move off field and allow us to find another recruiter along the DL. His style isn?t going to be successful anymore. We should never lose kids on the DL to OM. Ever.

[Cooterpoot]

Turner is getting dominated on DL recruiting. I knew we didn?t have much shot at Maddox but the Simmons kid and Vaughn kid at Hartfield are looking doubtful too. Simmons committed to Bama yesterday.

Turner needs to retire or move off field and allow us to find another recruiter along the DL. His style isn?t going to be successful anymore. We should never lose kids on the DL to OM. Ever.

Vaughn I'm fine passing on but Simmons was stupid not to offer, except he was going to Bama no matter what if they offered. Maddox was tied to OM at the hip because of his dad and isn't even as good as Oatis, who we've got a great shot to get. We're on some guys, so I'm not completely worried yet but not happy either.

[BankerDog]

Vaughn I'm fine passing on but Simmons was stupid not to offer, except he was going to Bama no matter what if they offered. Maddox was tied to OM at the hip because of his dad and isn't even as good as Oatis, who we've got a great shot to get. We're on some guys, so I'm not completely worried yet but not happy either.

All about optics and perception am I right?

[Cooterpoot]

All about optics and perception am I right?

We need players, there's no denying that. Got a huge recruit today! DL is behind, so not arguing that at all. I'm waiting see if we can pull a couple guys. Oatis looks like a good fit but we need to stack a couple

[Cooterpoot]

And we just keep adding defensive players with more commits! If this weekend goes well, we could see some big moves.

[Commercecomet24]

And we just keep adding defensive players with more commits! If this weekend goes well, we could see some big moves.

I'm excited about what's happening with our staff and recruiting. Lebby seems to be a driver and wants to win. Hopefully we'll get behind him with nil and let him get his players.

[Pancho]

A driver. sounds good.

[Goldendawg]

We are currently ranked 56th in the nation. 15th in the SEC, but linebacker from Copiah-Lincoln, former 4 star Edge from California JC, HS safety from Florida are not yet ranked. Surely, we will move up when they are ranked. Also, punter from Madison Central was a given an 80 even though he is the best punter in the state. I don't know why they even include punters and kickers in your recruiting average.

[ScoobaDawg]

Punter just decommited.

https://twitter.com/jackrichardskn/status/1803180806195532190

[StarkVegasSteve]

Punter just decommited.

https://twitter.com/jackrichardskn/status/1803180806195532190

Was he actually on scholarship or just a PWO spot?

[DEDawg]

Is the owner of this thread going to update the first post with commits and 247 links like in the past years? If not, maybe one of the mods can at least add the link for easy access https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/Season/2025-Football/Commits/

[BigDawg81]

When was the last time a punter has been on scholarship?

[Pancho]

didn't sherrill have a punter on scholly?

[Todd4State]

When was the last time a punter has been on scholarship?

Logan Cooke? And he was worth it.

[Leroy Jenkins]

Logan Cooke? And he was worth it.

He was. And, he was.

[BigDawg81]

Logan Cooke? And he was worth it.one of the best in the NFL

[Dawgology]

Is the owner of this thread going to update the first post with commits and 247 links like in the past years? If not, maybe one of the mods can at least add the link for easy access https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/Season/2025-Football/Commits/

It’s sad but I think most average fans have lost their interest in recruiting

[Goldendawg]

Is the owner of this thread going to update the first post with commits and 247 links like in the past years? If not, maybe one of the mods can at least add the link for easy access https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/Season/2025-Football/Commits/

Update right from the link you added: (I don't know how to embed info from other sites and get mine from the free recruiting info at the top of the home page, start by clinking FB Recruiting) 6/15 or 6/16/24 - Steve Miller Greene County, Greensboro GA, 6-2, 185, .89 rating, ATH, probably DB. Derrion Horsley East Coweta Sharpsburg, GA. 6-2 , 185, .87, DB. Sekow Smith JR. Miami Central Miami, FL 6-1 170, .86 Safety. Christopher Johnson Robert E. Lee Montgomery, AL 6-3 255 DL, .85. Josiah Clemens Clinton Christian Academy Clinton, MS, 6-7 335 IOL, .85. LaKentrick James Copiah Lincoln CC 6-2 217 LB, not yet ranked. Lo'kavian Jackson A. Crawley Mosley Lynn Haven FL 6-2 195 Safety Not Yet ranked. Kevonta Henry Cerritos College Norwalk, CA 6-4 220 DL/Edge Not Yet Ranked but a 4 Star out of HS and redshirted at OK before returning for CA JC. Clink on these guys names on 247 link and you can see their offer sheets, most are impressive. We should move up in ratings as these four are ranked. Also rumors we have a few secret 4 star commits. This class getting more D players. Needed. Hail State!

[Goldendawg]

Update: Now at #51. Smith ranked an .86, Clemons an .85, Jackson an .85 & Henry an .88. As noted above punter (rated .80 but best in State at that position decommited). James , JC LB. only unranked player at this time. Still a lot of work to do before December. Upon on Further Review: Hope majority of these guys are "Diamonds In The Rough" with our evalutions showing a big upside as their offer sheets are very questionable at best with us being the only SEC offer and only P5 on a couple. Concerning. Hope we indeed have some highly ranked "secret commits".

[Cooterpoot]

Update: Now at #51. Smith ranked an .86, Clemons an .85, Jackson an .85 & Henry an .88. As noted above punter (rated .80 but best in State at that position decommited). James , JC LB. only unranked player at this time. Still a lot of work to do before December. Upon on Further Review: Hope majority of these guys are "Diamonds In The Rough" with our evalutions showing a big upside as their offer sheets are very questionable at best with us being the only SEC offer and only P5 on a couple. Concerning. Hope we indeed have some highly ranked "secret commits".

Far less diamond in the rough than you think. Two guys are projects, the rest are damn solid ball players. And most of them have multiple P4 offers, not sure wtf you're looking at.

[BigDawg81]

Far less diamond in the rough than you think. Two guys are projects, the rest are damn solid ball players. And most of them have multiple P4 offers, not sure wtf you're looking at.The Oklahoma/JUCO commit is only not ranked ?

[Goldendawg]

The DL/Edge, Henry, from CA is rated an .88 and James, LB, from Copiah-Lincoln is now ranked an .86. All our 11 commits are now ranked. All recent commitnent activity moved us from a 61 to a 51 in the national rankings. We have more work to do. I am encouraged that 9 of the 11 are defensive players, but we need more DL that can contribute quickly.

[Goldendawg]

Far less diamond in the rough than you think. Two guys are projects, the rest are damn solid ball players. And most of them have multiple P4 offers, not sure wtf you're looking at.

Was looking at offer sheets on their 24/7 profiles and may have missed on some of the info. That being said, I do trust the evaluations of Lebby and his staff that these are SEC players. Now keep the ball rolling on the 4 stars and the one 5 star WR that we are in on, along with more high caliber 3 stars. Hail State!

[Goldendawg]

Running Back Kolin Wilson 5'9 180 Lbs, Gulf Shores Alabama, head coach Mark Hudspeth. He is a weekend visitor and Cincinnati commit, 3 star .85 flipped to us. His other big offer was Northwestern and the Military Academies. Our national ranking moves up to #47.

[BigDawg81]

Running Back Kolin Wilson 5'9 180 Lbs, Gulf Shores Alabama, head coach Mark Hudspeth. He is a weekend visitor and Cincinnati commit, 3 star .85 flipped to us. His other big offer was Northwestern and the Military Academies. Our national ranking moves up to #47. Big Weekend coming up with some big instate guys.

[Todd4State]

The DL/Edge, Henry, from CA is rated an .88 and James, LB, from Copiah-Lincoln is now ranked an .86. All our 11 commits are now ranked. All recent commitnent activity moved us from a 61 to a 51 in the national rankings. We have more work to do. I am encouraged that 9 of the 11 are defensive players, but we need more DL that can contribute quickly.

If we rebuild our DL with JUCO guys- honestly it's worked before for us. Probably will work again.

[Cooterpoot]

If we rebuild our DL with JUCO guys- honestly it's worked before for us. Probably will work again.

Need a lot of help at DL so older kids are the way to go, but we've signed a couple that won't touch the field. IF our guys can stay healthy, the DL is viable but that's about it. We should be ok everywhere else.
Really need Hardy.

[Goldendawg]

Cooter, can you explain the mathematical formula being used for the 24/7 team ranking for us? They show us #47 with 12 commits with a player average of .87, but they show us with 2 four stars and 8 threes. Are two of our commits still not in their team rating? There are several teams ranked ahead of us with the same number of commits and a lower player average. I don't get it. ???????

[Cooterpoot]

Cooter, can you explain the mathematical formula being used for the 24/7 team ranking for us? They show us #47 with 12 commits with a player average of .87, but they show us with 2 four stars and 8 threes. Are two of our commits still not in their team rating? There are several teams ranked ahead of us with the same number of commits and a lower player average. I don't get it. ???????

Those rankings are just the same ole same ole. They cater to the masses similar to the old recruiting magazines did back in the day. We're somewhere around 30 if you look at per recruit ranking. A State commit gets the discounted ranking automatically. Plus, does 247 still use that dumbass composite score? Who thinks Rivals and ESPN actually know squat about a recruit? They barely function in the recruiting world.

[Mjoelner34]

Those rankings are just the same ole same ole. They cater to the masses similar to the old recruiting magazines did back in the day. We're somewhere around 30 if you look at per recruit ranking. A State commit gets the discounted ranking automatically. Plus, does 247 still use that dumbass composite score? Who thinks Rivals and ESPN actually know squat about a recruit? They barely function in the recruiting world.

Look no further than Van Buren this year. IIRC he was a high 4 star or maybe a 5 when he was committed to Oregon. He flips and signs with us and becomes a 3 star overnight.

[BigDawg81]

Cooter, can you explain the mathematical formula being used for the 24/7 team ranking for us? They show us #47 with 12 commits with a player average of .87, but they show us with 2 four stars and 8 threes. Are two of our commits still not in their team rating? There are several teams ranked ahead of us with the same number of commits and a lower player average. I don't get it. ??????? You don?t need CooterBrown. It is simple. Prospects commits to State, his stock goes down. The same prospect commits to a blue blood, stock goes up. It is kinda like the RPI. It is a metric but nobody really knows how it works.

[Offshore Dawg]

Apparently, if they are going to State they can't be worth a shit. However, you look at it there isn't another viable excuse for lowering an already established ranking.

[Cooterpoot]

AND ANOTHER ONE!

[BigDawg81]

AND ANOTHER ONE! show me the 4 stars

[BigDawg81]

show me the 4 stars
Mario Nash is on board

[Cooterpoot]

Killing the shit out of it right now. Need those DL still but the rest has been solid.

[DEDawg]

AND ANOTHER ONE!
Name?

[Leroy Jenkins]

6 of the top 10 in state when the smoke clears?

[Cooterpoot]

Name?
WR Davian Jackson, he's a burner legit 4.4 speed

[Todd4State]

WR Davian Jackson, he's a burner legit sub 4.4 speed

He looks like a four star guy to me when I saw his film.

[Cowbell]

This gas been the best 10 day stretch of football recruiting that I ever remember.

[Cooterpoot]

Annnd there's more
Another big commit!

[Cooterpoot]

Wooooo Weeeeeee!
Anotha One!

[BigDawg81]

The NCAA is coming to Starkville hahaha

[Pancho]

ferzel shepard

[Cooterpoot]

An OL
A WR
And a RB today
And speed kills with these guys!

[Commercecomet24]

Lebby piling up on the speed guys!
I love it!

[Cooterpoot]

Nuthuh one!

[Todd4State]

Lebby piling up on the speed guys!
I love it!

There is a very obvious emphasis on this from Lebby and this staff. Not just God given speed but also from our speed coach Beckham.

I'm guessing we'll see a pretty obvious difference in a couple of years.

As someone told me- you can't coach speed. (Or maybe you can now)

[BigDawg81]

Lebby has really hurt Ole Miss fans. Ole Miss went from State can?t beat Vandy in recruiting to averaging out player rankings. Ole Miss fans went from using 247 ranking system to using On3 ranking. Hell, there was one using rivals. Lebby is that Dude.

[Cooterpoot]

And a 2026 now!
Son of a B!
Another bigtime RB

[Cooterpoot]

But wait! There's more!
Another '26 commit!

[DEDawg]

And a 2026 now!
Son of a B!
Another bigtime RB

Can we get names on these when you announce them or are they supposed to be non public at this time? I never have any idea lol

[Mjoelner34]

https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/season/2026-football/commits/

[Cooterpoot]

Can we get names on these when you announce them or are they supposed to be non public at this time? I never have any idea lol

RB Hill from Tupelo
ATH McCoy from Tupelo

[No BS Dawg]

The offers sheet on Hill is VERY impressive! How hard will it be to hold onto him over the course of time?

[Pancho]

yes and McCoy is a freak

[Todd4State]

The offers sheet on Hill is VERY impressive! How hard will it be to hold onto him over the course of time?

He has some family ties to MSU. He might help us get Daniel Hill in the portal as well.

[Goldendawg]

Horsley and James still do not have a 24/7 Composite rating. I don't know what the delay is, but I assume this is costing us points in the team ranking. 24/7 also shows us only having 3 Four Stars instead of 4. Also, only 15 of our 17 even counted. Garbage by ranking services as usual.

[Cooterpoot]

👀

[BigDawg81]

Merry Flipmas

[ZedFedder]

Lockhart?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Akylin Dear…..come on down.

[BigDawg81]

Akylin Dear…..come on down. I wish but he is Alabama bound

[Bdawg]

Did we get someone or what?

[Todd4State]

Did we get someone or what?

Lockhart and Dear decommitted from Auburn and Ole Miss respectively.

[BigDawg81]

Lockhart and Dear decommitted from Auburn and Ole Miss respectively.

Lockhart to State
Dear to Alabama

[Todd4State]

Lockhart to State
Dear to Alabama

Most likely.

Hopefully we can get in with Dear somehow though.

[BigDawg81]

Most likely.

Hopefully we can get in with Dear somehow though.
Yea. I don?t think we are even in the game with Dear.
We need to Cunningham on board but that?s going to come down all the way to signing regardless who he commits to before signing day.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yea. I don?t think we are even in the game with Dear.
We need to Cunningham on board but that?s going to come down all the way to signing regardless who he commits to before signing day.

Cunningham is going to be a roller coaster. He wants to play in state, but also wants to go to an offense that can sell his skill set at the next level. Lebby and Co. have done a hell of a job with them and Bumphis is not going to be outworked. All going to come down to how we look on the field.

[civildawg]

Bama people seem to think Cunningham is going to commit to them soon

[StarkVegasSteve]

Bama people seem to think Cunningham is going to commit to them soon

He may, but he's not going to shut down visits. It'll be a commit just to commit. This will still be a signing day decision unless we come out and set the world on fire under Lebby.

[Cooterpoot]

I'd be fine getting the Cunningham flip from Bama

[ZedFedder]

I'd be fine getting the Cunningham flip from Bama

This feels like a Willie Gay situation.

[confucius say]

I'd be fine getting the Cunningham flip from Bama

Ding ding ding

[Offshore Dawg]

I'd be fine getting the Cunningham flip from Bama

When was the last time State flipped a 5* ?

[StarkVegasSteve]

When was the last time State flipped a 5* ?

Flipping 5 stars is not really anyone's forte because those guys usually don't commit until NSD. You could argue we flipped our commit with Chris Jones because make no mistake, he had silently committed to OM in 13 and if not for Mullen, Turner, and Mike Dunlap, he would have been a Rebel

[ZedFedder]

Cortez Thomas to OM. That was a pretty big shock, correct?

[Goldendawg]

Cortez Thomas to OM. That was a pretty big shock, correct?

A shock a this point, but a long way until December. OM has had a lot of big name decommits recently. They probably needed to make a big $tatement to right the boat as this put them back up to 10 commits and #62 nationally. NIL has ruined a lot of things in college sports, including recruiting. No rules portal even more so. At least the NFL and other pro leagues have contracts and salary caps. This is out of control. JMO.

[StarkVegasSteve]

A shock a this point, but a long way until December. OM has had a lot of big name decommits recently. They probably needed to make a big $tatement to right the boat as this put them back up to 10 commits and #62 nationally. NIL has ruined a lot of things in college sports, including recruiting. No rules portal even more so. At least the NFL and other pro leagues have contracts and salary caps. This is out of control. JMO.

I never had a good feeling about him tbh. The word was he was ready to commit and it kept being that a commitment was coming any day. That is usually when another team is in their ear and 9/10 times with in state kids, that team is Ole Miss.

[ZedFedder]

It would not surprise me if he ends up a dog kind of like Sanfrisco Magee.

[Cooterpoot]

And we just keep reeling in 2026

[ZedFedder]

Lebby taking a qb commit this early must mean he thinks the kid is really good.

[ZedFedder]

New QB Commit for 26 Michael Johnson Hudl

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17775612/65a6ed3323524a0ff8def877

[Goldendawg]

Anyone got any info or even rumors on more 2025 commits on the way? Hail State!

[Cooterpoot]

Anyone got any info or even rumors on more 2025 commits on the way? Hail State!

Not til later this month

[BigDawg81]

Who is committing?

[Pancho]

OL Carde Smith has decommitted from Auburn

[StarkVegasSteve]

OL Carde Smith has decommitted from Auburn

He did that a few weeks ago. Be a big get if you could reel him in. He could be another Charles Cross type guy.

[Cooterpoot]

Not FB

[BigDawg81]

I think it?s going to be a good day for a commitment

[Cooterpoot]

I think it?s going to be a good day for a commitment

You're going to be disappointed IMO

[BigDawg81]

You're going to be disappointed IMO I am pretty sure I know who it is. He is a high 3 star by 247

[StarkVegasSteve]

Cunningham to Bama. By no stretch is it over though.

[ZedFedder]

We are supposed to get Kyle Johnson, a corner from LA today.

Cunningham is far from over. We may miss out, but I am hoping it becomes a Dylan Raiola and Nebraska type situation.

[BigDawg81]

I am pretty sure I know who it is. He is a high 3 star by 247 Well Nevermind lololol. He is Houston bound

[Homedawg]

Cunningham to Bama. By no stretch is it over though.

Youre the negative one usually. So I'll take your place. Just move on. We aren't getting him.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Youre the negative one usually. So I'll take your place. Just move on. We aren't getting him.

We shall see. I take this as more making sure he has a place in the Bama class in case our offense looks like Barbay is running it.

[Cooterpoot]

We are supposed to get Kyle Johnson, a corner from LA today.

Cunningham is far from over. We may miss out, but I am hoping it becomes a Dylan Raiola and Nebraska type situation.

Tried to tell folks where that was headed

[Bothrops]

This new recruiting era sucks. It's ok to say it.

[Todd4State]

This new recruiting era sucks. It's ok to say it.

Eh. I like it better honestly. How many guys have we "lost" in recruiting going to a LSU or Alabama because of their brand only to see them transfer to MSU before their careers end? That wasn't an option 10 years ago.

Also, we will have a chance to counter whatever they were offered by Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, or Auburn as well. Also not an option (as much) for us 10 years ago.

[Cooterpoot]

This new recruiting era sucks. It's ok to say it.

Why? Because we didn't sign a 3 star kid who was almost committed to Houston before we got on him? He already had a relationship with those coaches too.

[Goldendawg]

Why? Because we didn't sign a 3 star kid who was almost committed to Houston before we got on him? He already had a relationship with those coaches too.

Thank you for your info and insight given regularly in this 2025 recruiting cycle. "You must spread recognition around before giving to Cooter again". Hail State!

[Cooterpoot]

This is a new era of recruiting. Recruiting doesn't stop at commitment, even with signing for a lot of these kids. Just move on to the next guy and keep working on the ones you really want/need. You've got teams paying kids to commit, you've got tampering, it's a lot and it's time to just understand that's how it is. You also still have the relationship side and our staff is a new staff just developing those relationships and with little history to help them. But, we're still recruiting pretty damn solid. You'll see us grab a couple guys next couple weeks.

[Goldendawg]

As far as "Team Rankings" on 24/7, we have 17 commits, but they only give us credit for 3 four stars and 12 three stars. JC LB James and CB Horsley do not have a composite ranking at this time. I assume we would move up if they had the composite?

[Bothrops]

Why? Because we didn't sign a 3 star kid who was almost committed to Houston before we got on him? He already had a relationship with those coaches too.

No, but because of a wide open market and more money involved. Kids are getting way more than they used to when it was under the table. Plus they are universally encouraged to chase the money. It's bizness, you know. We got lucky with KaMario Taylor before he was known, because if he were still available we couldn't afford him and he'd be ranked a lot higher. I definitely prefer having a lot less money to move with instate players and people having to watch their ass. At least some.of the time.

[Cooterpoot]

No, but because of a wide open market and more money involved. Kids are getting way more than they used to when it was under the table. Plus they are universally encouraged to chase the money. It's bizness, you know. We got lucky with KaMario Taylor before he was known, because if he were still available we couldn't afford him and he'd be ranked a lot higher. I definitely prefer having a lot less money to move with instate players and people having to watch their ass. At least some.of the time.

Only the top end guys are commanding the money people think NIL is. And more of that s on deals than actual fan money. Give me this over Alabama buying up everybody. Alabama will never again. dominate like they did in the past era. Now, things could change again and will, so we'll have to see then what it looks like, but I'm good with the current situation until it's moved to the schools. I've got a bigger problem with $10MM+ coaching salaries.

[Goldendawg]

Anyone got any news or rumors? We rose to #24 in the team rankings after those two big weekends and now we have dropped to #44 with two players still not counted due to no composite ranking.

[Cooterpoot]

Probably going to get some good news later this week.

[Pancho]

No complaints on the efforts of the staff to secure players.

[Offshore Dawg]

went from 44 to 33 who did they get ??

[Goldendawg]

went from 44 to 33 who did they get ??

CB Derrion Horsley, .87 and LB LaKendrick James, .86 finally got their composite rating. Now all 17 of our commits are counted in the team rankings as we now have 3 4 star and 14 3 stars. Nearly all of our commits' composite scores are lower than the 24/7 ranking. Can someone tell me what services rankings that are included in the composite? Thanks

[DEDawg]

CB Derrion Horsley, .87 and LB LaKendrick James, .86 finally got their composite rating. Now all 17 of our commits are counted in the team rankings as we now have 3 4 star and 14 3 stars. Nearly all of our commits' composite scores are lower than the 24/7 ranking. Can someone tell me what services rankings that are included in the composite? Thanks

Rivals and ESPN. ESPN tends to lower our score a lot because they dont really take recruiting rankings seriously and mostly focus on the big national guys which are very rarely MS players

[KOdawg1]

Rivals and ESPN. ESPN tends to lower our score a lot because they dont really take recruiting rankings seriously and mostly focus on the big national guys which are very rarely MS players

Pretty sure On3 is in there too.

On3 has passed 247, but those two are definitely the most credible. Followed distantly by rivals and then a gap the size of the Grand Canyon for ESPN

[Dawgology]

CB Derrion Horsley, .87 and LB LaKendrick James, .86 finally got their composite rating. Now all 17 of our commits are counted in the team rankings as we now have 3 4 star and 14 3 stars. Nearly all of our commits' composite scores are lower than the 24/7 ranking. Can someone tell me what services rankings that are included in the composite? Thanks

After 25 years of following MSU recruiting I’m pretty sure we will ALWAYS land between 20-35 in recruiting rankings with rare outliers in the positive or negative. I’ve more or less lost interest in it especially with the transfer portal and NIL.

[Leroy Jenkins]

I’m pretty sure we will ALWAYS land between 20-35 in recruiting rankings with rare outliers in the positive or negative.

100%

[StarkVegasSteve]

David Turner misses another DT. Laughable at this point that people still want to employ this guy.

[Tripp McNeely]

So, David Turner just lost a 4-star instate DT that we really wanted to...wait for it...not LSU, Bama or even om...to Arkansas...friggin Arkansas!!! How could you possibly not outsell a lame duck coach for a terrible program, who will probably be no better than 6-6 this year...for an instate kid??? He's pretty much gone O-fer for every decent instate DL over the last 3 recruiting cycles...its time

[StarkVegasSteve]

So, David Turner just lost a 4-star instate DT that we really wanted to...wait for it...not LSU, Bama or even om...to Arkansas...friggin Arkansas!!! How could you possibly not outsell a lame duck coach for a terrible program, who will probably be no better than 6-6 this year...for an instate kid??? He's pretty much gone O-fer for every decent instate DL over the last 3 recruiting cycles...its time

It was time before we even brought him back. Still no clue why he was brought back, much less kept.

[Todd4State]

It was time before we even brought him back. Still no clue why he was brought back, much less kept.

It's not just David Turner

Dear- Alabama
Cunningham- Alabama and visiting Ole Miss Saturday
Micah Jones- Florida
Miller- LSU
Maddox- Ole Miss
Oatis- Arkansas
Lockhart- committed to Auburn and still not to us
Thomas- Ole Miss
Dunn- Ole Miss

We need to figure out why we are not attracting the best players in state.

[Bothrops]

Welcome to the NIL era. If this doesn't put the program in the coffin, nothing will.

[Offshore Dawg]

Broke ass dogs, and a broke ass fan base will be bottom dwellers for now on without doing something besides bitching about everything.

[Pancho]

make those players feel preciated

[StarkVegasSteve]

Broke ass dogs, and a broke ass fan base will be bottom dwellers for now on without doing something besides bitching about everything.

We aren’t broke. FAR far from it actually. We’re middle of the pack in terms of NIL.

[DEDawg]

We aren’t broke. FAR far from it actually. We’re middle of the pack in terms of NIL.

Whats the issue with D Line then?

[Pancho]

need more talent and depth

[Bothrops]

We aren’t broke. FAR far from it actually. We’re middle of the pack in terms of NIL.

We just missed on an instate DT prospect to a school he hasn't even visited yet. If we have enough to compete in NIL, I'm very curious about our plans for DT recruiting.

[SilentSteel16]

I am pretty sure he just committed to them for NIL leverage, I would wait till he signs before really saying anything.

[BankerDog]

We just missed on an instate DT prospect to a school he hasn't even visited yet. If we have enough to compete in NIL, I'm very curious about our plans for DT recruiting.

Turner is using his NIL funds to go after proven guys in college. DL, OL, QB, and WR is where you spend your portal funds. Gone are the days of HS recruiting unless they?re a sure fire prospect you shore up the contract for. Our NIL is not far from OM, a lot of big donors that prefer to keep a low profile are making moves behind the scenes. A lot more wealthy alumni out of state than what people give credit for..

[Todd4State]

Turner is using his NIL funds to go after proven guys in college. DL, OL, QB, and WR is where you spend your portal funds. Gone are the days of HS recruiting unless they?re a sure fire prospect you shore up the contract for. Our NIL is not far from OM, a lot of big donors that prefer to keep a low profile are making moves behind the scenes. A lot more wealthy alumni out of state than what people give credit for..

We also got behind in NIL because of Cohen and we've had to catch up.

Good to hear that it sounds like we are finally getting there.

[Cooterpoot]

We just missed on an instate DT prospect to a school he hasn't even visited yet. If we have enough to compete in NIL, I'm very curious about our plans for DT recruiting.

Because we backed away. He measured in at 6'1. I'm not saying we dropped him, but we aren't in a hurry to take him right now. He could end up in the class still, we'll just have to see. Hardy is the big dog on our board but he's got an Alabama offer.

[Goldendawg]

Anyone got an update or rumors on who we really want or is indeed trending to us? Looking at the list on Genespage shows only one player "warm" to us and he's "warmer" to OM. I miss Arie and IYOK (unless one of them was Cohen!). I know winning 6 or 7 this year will help us out along with a lot of $. Any info appreciated, Hail State! Especially worried about DL recruiting.

[Bothrops]

Turner is using his NIL funds to go after proven guys in college. DL, OL, QB, and WR is where you spend your portal funds. Gone are the days of HS recruiting unless they?re a sure fire prospect you shore up the contract for. Our NIL is not far from OM, a lot of big donors that prefer to keep a low profile are making moves behind the scenes. A lot more wealthy alumni out of state than what people give credit for..

Yeah I dont believ that. Going after proven guys is great, but it will cost you more money because if they're worth a shit everyone else wants them too. I don't see this as an effective plan. Especially when we struggled to get pick overs for this year.

[BankerDog]

So you?d rather pay an undersized DL who may not pan out rather than get a young guy out of portal? You do realize just because they sign out of HS they can renegotiate once their freshman year is up even if they aren?t as good as they think (Jeff Pittman)

[Todd4State]

So you?d rather pay an undersized DL who may not pan out rather than get a young guy out of portal? You do realize just because they sign out of HS they can renegotiate once their freshman year is up even if they aren?t as good as they think (Jeff Pittman)

There is no question that the portal changes how you manage a roster.

I was looking at Ole Miss's depth chart and I noticed that two of their current starting d-linemen are in state players who initially signed with an out of state school including one who is from Oxford. Now, I'm not saying that's the path we should go down where we just let guys go out of state later but I did think it was interesting. And it does go to show that with the volatility in the college football world which we know all to well about things can change over the course of one offseason very quickly. You're doing good if you can keep a head coach for five years nowadays. Stability like that is why Ole Miss is where they are now or a big reason for it.

[Bothrops]

So you?d rather pay an undersized DL who may not pan out rather than get a young guy out of portal? You do realize just because they sign out of HS they can renegotiate once their freshman year is up even if they aren?t as good as they think (Jeff Pittman)

We weren't too competitive in the DL portal market in this last cycle.

[BankerDog]

We weren't too competitive in the DL portal market in this last cycle.

I?m fully aware and have been very outspoken about Turner?s lack of effectiveness since coming back last year. I will say though his portal pulls are playing meaningful snaps, but they had to because of the transfers out. He is lucky that Williams, Russell, and Dinkins were recruited previously. He needs to pick it up. But no need in bidding on a player who or may not be a game changer.

[Goldendawg]

Hope we start winning and something is going on behind the scenes, as genespage does not show a single target "warm" to us on their entire list. Anyone know the names of any visitors for the Toledo game or any positive rumors?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Hope we start winning and something is going on behind the scenes, as genespage does not show a single target "warm" to us on their entire list. Anyone know the names of any visitors for the Toledo game or any positive rumors?

That is never updated anymore. No one really looks at that. Cunningham is visiting this weekend. Mario Nash will be here. Kamario will be back again. Tylan Wilson(26 safety) will be in town. Lockhart will be in town. There's a bunch that will be in town.

[BigDawg81]

Rion is showing some eyes FWIW

[Leeshouldveflanked]

Hire Pernell McPhee as DL Coach in December.

[civildawg]

Fletcher cox

[BigDawg81]

You can kiss Caleb Cunningham good bye. He was a long shot anyways but he definitely isn?t coming now.

[StarkVegasSteve]

You can kiss Caleb Cunningham good bye. He was a long shot anyways but he definitely isn?t coming now.

Yup. He is not going to want to play in this and I do not blame him one bit.

[BankerDog]

Don?t be surprised if Turner is not around after the year. A guy who doesn?t want anyone who wants ?NIL isn?t going to last. Seems they?ve already identified who they want. And there is also talks about bringing back another former player who currently coaches LB at a Big-12 school.

[Todd4State]

Don?t be surprised if Turner is not around after the year. A guy who doesn?t want anyone who wants ?NIL isn?t going to last. Seems they?ve already identified who they want. And there is also talks about bringing back another former player who currently coaches LB at a Big-12 school.

Sounds like Jamar Chaney.

[maroonmania]

Don?t be surprised if Turner is not around after the year. A guy who doesn?t want anyone who wants ?NIL isn?t going to last. Seems they?ve already identified who they want. And there is also talks about bringing back another former player who currently coaches LB at a Big-12 school.

Right now I'm not even sure our DL talent is G5 level. It's more on FCS level. Something has to change there when u have this much playing opportunity, have the reputation we do producing DL and still nobody wants to come.

[Cooterpoot]

Don?t be surprised if Turner is not around after the year. A guy who doesn?t want anyone who wants ?NIL isn?t going to last. Seems they?ve already identified who they want. And there is also talks about bringing back another former player who currently coaches LB at a Big-12 school.

Going to be some turnover on the staff. Lebby isn't going to sit on some of these guys that don't want to work.

[Travelingdawg]

If there not working no need in waiting, cut bait now.

[Cooterpoot]

2 big 4 stars and we aren't done
Lockhart and Mitchell are big ass grabs!

[Lance Harbor]

2 big 4 stars and we aren't done
Lockhart and Mitchell are big ass grabs!

Interesting phrasing.

[DCdawg]

Interesting phrasing.

Two big ass grabs for a defense that has been doing a lot of grab-assing lately.

[Todd4State]

Two big ass grabs for a defense that has been doing a lot of grab-assing lately.

It looks like a lot of guys just running by the guy with the ball. Grabbing their ass would be an improvement.

[Pancho]

Mitchell is close with Hurstzler........ he needs talent on the D side of the ball.

[Cooterpoot]

Three 4 star players this week (1 is a 2026)
The only way to get out of the vicious portal cycle is to sign HS talent and Juco bounce backs. Then you can pick and choose your portal instead of taking the left overs.

[bulldawg28]

Interesting phrasing.

Lol

[Bothrops]

2 big 4 stars and we aren't done
Lockhart and Mitchell are big ass grabs!

These commitments along with the donation is a nice booster shot in the ass.

[maroonmania]

These commitments along with the donation is a nice booster shot in the ass.

We really need all the off field good news we can get given the on field results we are going to experience this year.

[BankerDog]

Now is an ideal time to be a juco DLineman because that?s all David Turner is offering right now! Geez man?it?s embarrassing. Competing with UAB and Coastal for Juco kids is not good. The kid we took last year Sheppard, whom 34 and Bucky deemed ?NFL future?, looks overmatched on this level and yet we continue to offer some of the same type of kids.

[Cooterpoot]

Now is an ideal time to be a juco DLineman because that?s all David Turner is offering right now! Geez man?it?s embarrassing. Competing with UAB and Coastal for Juco kids is not good. The kid we took last year Sheppard, whom 34 and Bucky deemed ?NFL future?, looks overmatched on this level and yet we continue to offer some of the same type of kids.

We haven't offered a bad Juco DL this round. Not to say we won't but we've offer Hardy and Coleman and both a players. Henry is an edge guy that's a stud too. The problem is we don't have a single SEC caliber HS DL committed.

[Bothrops]

We haven't offered a bad Juco DL this round. Not to say we won't but we've offer Hardy and Coleman and both a players. Henry is an edge guy that's a stud too. The problem is we don't have a single SEC caliber HS DL committed.

We'll have to dole out the funds to keep Henry from what I'm hearing.

[bulldawg28]

Hardy is in the boat

[Cooterpoot]

Top 25 class currently. Basically down to a few HS prospects but mostly portal and Juco. Juco class is stout and it needed to be, I think we'll see two more jucos in the boat soon. Portal is where we need to make hay!

[Matt3467]

So I did a brief scan through of the recruiting thread and it seems as if there's hope for Cunningham yet. What about Dear and Knight? Are we okay with not getting Knight since we have Taylor? Weird to see Notre Dame get one of the best players in the state, but maybe that's an area where NIL helps.

[Todd4State]

Top 25 class currently. Basically down to a few HS prospects but mostly portal and Juco. Juco class is stout and it needed to be, I think we'll see two more jucos in the boat soon. Portal is where we need to make hay!

JUCO's all on defense I am assuming?

[Todd4State]

So I did a brief scan through of the recruiting thread and it seems as if there's hope for Cunningham yet. What about Dear and Knight? Are we okay with not getting Knight since we have Taylor? Weird to see Notre Dame get one of the best players in the state, but maybe that's an area where NIL helps.

I would take Taylor over Deuce for our offense. He is pretty much the prototype for a Veer and Shoot scheme.

Cunningham I don't know. I would definitely like to take him. I wouldn't be surprised if we get Dear and Cunningham back in the portal if they go to Bama first. Much better chance at flipping Cunningham IMO especially if we perform well the second half of the season.

[Cooterpoot]

JUCO's all on defense I am assuming?

Won't be all defense but mostly for sure.

[Cooterpoot]

So I did a brief scan through of the recruiting thread and it seems as if there's hope for Cunningham yet. What about Dear and Knight? Are we okay with not getting Knight since we have Taylor? Weird to see Notre Dame get one of the best players in the state, but maybe that's an area where NIL helps.

Knight is massively overhyped. He's got a long way to go, Cunningham ain't happening, and I'll be honest, Dear is another that's overhyped a bit. He's big but I won't be surprised to see him in the portal in a year or two.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I would take Taylor over Deuce for our offense. He is pretty much the prototype for a Veer and Shoot scheme.

Cunningham I don't know. I would definitely like to take him. I wouldn't be surprised if we get Dear and Cunningham back in the portal if they go to Bama first. Much better chance at flipping Cunningham IMO especially if we perform well the second half of the season.

We are not getting Cunningham. That ship has sailed unfortunately. He's got people telling him he's the next Ryan Williams, he's not but that won't stop them from telling him that.

On Taylor, he is the guy Lebby wants and has a chance, A CHANCE, to be the best QB Lebby has ever had. He has the physical abilities to look like Nico Iamaleava in this offense. It's just going to be putting the footbal IQ and knowledge of the system together with the speed of the game.

[Coursesuper]

We are not getting Cunningham. That ship has sailed unfortunately. He's got people telling him he's the next Ryan Williams, he's not but that won't stop them from telling him that.

On Taylor, he is the guy Lebby wants and has a chance, A CHANCE, to be the best QB Lebby has ever had. He has the physical abilities to look like Nico Iamaleava in this offense. It's just going to be putting the footbal IQ and knowledge of the system together with the speed of the game.

That kid could play almost any position on the field and excel. He’s a football player.,

[Pancho]

We are not getting Cunningham. That ship has sailed unfortunately. He's got people telling him he's the next Ryan Williams, he's not but that won't stop them from telling him that.

On Taylor, he is the guy Lebby wants and has a chance, A CHANCE, to be the best QB Lebby has ever had. He has the physical abilities to look like Nico Iamaleava in this offense. It's just going to be putting the footbal IQ and knowledge of the system together with the speed of the game.

Cunningham is another AJ Brown

[DEDawg]

Mario Nash decommitted. Sucks we really need OL help

[StarkVegasSteve]

Mario Nash decommitted. Sucks we really need OL help

That one is not over by a longshot. He's trying to get us to up his offer. Wouldn't be surprised if we saw him commit to FSU and then decommit in a month.

[Dawgology]

That one is not over by a longshot. He's trying to get us to up his offer. Wouldn't be surprised if we saw him commit to FSU and then decommit in a month.

Nah. He gone. These never go our way. When they decommit they are gone.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Nah. He gone. These never go our way. When they decommit they are gone.

He may end up signing elsewhere, but his recruitment is far from over.

[Cooterpoot]

If Lebby can't get these guys, he's gone in a couple years. That's the bottom line! Either he gets the recruits or he's looking for a job. He already made terrible choices for his staff that's haunting him right now. Can't miss on these guys.