2025 Transfer Portal Thread

[StarkVegasSteve]

I could see Lebby trying to get Joe Jon Finley on staff. He was the OC at Oklahoma after they fired Littrell. So he has some play calling experience.

I would like to keep Holocek. He has a good reputation as a QB coach.

I like Matt, but this is his first QB coach job. He was Heupel's asst at Mizzou and then went with Lebby to OM and Oklahoma

If we go the Joe Jon route it would probably be in an analyst role and then figure out what we're doing with Cooper.

[BigDawg81]

I?ve heard it twice from 2 different people about Houston DC is a name of interest for our DC job.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I?ve heard it twice from 2 different people about Houston DC is a name of interest for our DC job.

He just got hired at Texas Tech yesterday. There was no interest there though. His name was brought to one of the boards and Hadad brought it up on his show that he had seen his name on a message board. Never any type of discussions though.

[RezDog7]

He is the foregone conclusion that he's being replaced. Corey Bell is safe and has us on some really good DB guys from the Florida area. Holecek will be an interesting one. I mean Lebby coaches the QB so Matt really is just QB coach in title. In a perfect world, we could get Kendall from TCU and let him handle that and Lebby would turn play calling over to him. He's making too much there though and his wife openly loathes Starkville. Even with Staley here she wouldn't want to be here.

What if we can get a Target in Starkville?

[BigDawg81]

He just got hired at Texas Tech yesterday. There was no interest there though. His name was brought to one of the boards and Hadad brought it up on his show that he had seen his name on a message board. Never any type of discussions though. Hutzler is the DC so it?s a moot point.

[BankerDog]

I like Matt, but this is his first QB coach job. He was Heupel's asst at Mizzou and then went with Lebby to OM and Oklahoma

If we go the Joe Jon route it would probably be in an analyst role and then figure out what we're doing with Cooper.

There is an alternate scenario in which Cody may leave, Cooper slides to OL Coach, and Joe Jon is brought in for TE coach.

I?d expect Coleman to remain LB Coach and STC with a new DC named. Turner will not be renewed.

[KB21]

There is an alternate scenario in which Cody may leave, Cooper slides to OL Coach, and Joe Jon is brought in for TE coach.

I?d expect Coleman to remain LB Coach and STC with a new DC named. Turner will not be renewed.

Tell me that Randy Shannon is not an option in this scenario.

[StarkVegasSteve]

What if we can get a Target in Starkville?

Then she'd still hate it. She's lived in Waco, Boca, Houston, Tallahassee(which she hated), Fayetteville, and Ft. Worth. All of those town take a crap on Starkville.

[Coursesuper]

Tell me that Randy Shannon is not an option in this scenario.

NO. No chance.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Tell me that Randy Shannon is not an option in this scenario.

He might be. Have to see if Mike wants to keep him on staff in Tallahassee. He is still an ace recruiter in the state of Florida.

[BankerDog]

There is talk of Taylor Polk who is from Brandon. Played at OM and has been Jon Sumrall?s CO-DC at Troy and now Tulane.

[maroonmania]

I'll just say this once: Big time players don't want to play for piss ant programs & first time coaches who win 2 17ing games. So get ready for Juco, Juco, Juco, and more G5 scabs. We already offering our 4th options in HS recruiting. Howdy Doodie needs to tell BBQ boy to make Lebby make changes in that staff or we can find another AD who isnt a dumb ass giving out big contracts to nobodies. Either we bring in real coaches on this staff or we hire a new staff and AD next year.
But Howdy's old lady has his nuts in a box on the mantle, so I expect a new bunch of people in another 2 years at this point.

Why is David Turner still on our staff? The man literally can't pay anyone to come play for him. Most FCS schools have better DLinemen than we do and that's no exaggeration.

[Really Clark?]

Why is David Turner still on our staff? The man literally can't pay anyone to come play for him. Most FCS schools have better DLinemen than we do and that's no exaggeration.

His contract is up Jan 31. We will just let it run out

[Young dawg]

His contract is up Jan 31. We will just let it run out

Are we planning on bringing someone in before that in order to help recruit the portal?

[Really Clark?]

Are we planning on bringing someone in before that in order to help recruit the portal?

Yes, that's what I'm told we will try to do.

[Chuck3124]

Freddie as a DL coach is a legit possibility??

[KB21]

Freddie as a DL coach is a legit possibility??

I doubt it. I feel like if Lebby can't get Miguel Chavis as Co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach that he will have to get an up and comer like Carson Hall at Western Kentucky to be the DL coach.

[Chuck3124]

I doubt it. I feel like if Lebby can't get Miguel Chavis as Co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach that he will have to get an up and comer like Carson Hall at Western Kentucky to be the DL coach.

I?d still kick the tires on Roach. He?s a hell of a coach

[KB21]

Looks like Lebby is in on both Jackson Arnold and WR Nic Anderson from Oklahoma.

[Op4isabitch]

Looks like Lebby is in on both Jackson Arnold and WR Nic Anderson from Oklahoma.

What about the RB? Take all 3?

[MBDawg601]

Looks like Lebby is in on both Jackson Arnold and WR Nic Anderson from Oklahoma.

This would be huge.

[KB21]

What about the RB? Take all 3?

Maybe. That guy has been injured his entire career though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Looks like Lebby is in on both Jackson Arnold and WR Nic Anderson from Oklahoma.

Arnold will bring guys with him is what I was told a couple of weeks ago.

[confucius say]

What about jeheim oatis? Mississippi lean per David Johnson.

[StarkVegasSteve]

What about jeheim oatis? Mississippi lean per David Johnson.

Turner screwed us on that one. I know, shocker. Jeff and Coleman tried to make up ground but does not look like they were able to.

[KB21]

Turner screwed us on that one. I know, shocker. Jeff and Coleman tried to make up ground but does not look like they were able to.

I wonder what happened with Turner there. It seemed like we had made up some ground 2-3 weeks ago.

[confucius say]

Turner screwed us on that one. I know, shocker. Jeff and Coleman tried to make up ground but does not look like they were able to.

We need a new DL coach. Like yesterday.

[HancockCountyDog]

I wonder what happened with Turner there. It seemed like we had made up some ground 2-3 weeks ago.

Honestly, I'm fine with missing on Oatis. He was a monster his freshman year. Solid his sophomore year and then got hurt.

I'm worried about how big he will get while injured.

[HancockCountyDog]

Luke Hasz - Stud TE from Arkansas just got in the portal.

If we have money, going after an ALL SEC TE with two years of eligibility would seem to be a smart place to spend it.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I wonder what happened with Turner there. It seemed like we had made up some ground 2-3 weeks ago.

Pete Golding is a damn good recruiter and was his lead recruiter at Bama.

[Cowbell]

Yall can call me an idiot all you want, but I would absolutely make an offer to Zach Arnette to come back as DC. He is hands down better than anyone mentioned here.

[Chuck3124]

Yall can call me an idiot all you want, but I would absolutely make an offer to Zach Arnette to come back as DC. He is hands down better than anyone mentioned here.

That man is also part of the reason of the lack of talent and miss evaluations so super hard pass

[Cowbell]

That man is also part of the reason of the lack of talent and miss evaluations so super hard pass
Would you take Hutz over him?

[KB21]

Would you take Hutz over him?

I 100% would take Hutzler.

[TrapGame]

Why is David Turner still on our staff? The man literally can't pay anyone to come play for him. Most FCS schools have better DLinemen than we do and that's no exaggeration.


His contract is up Jan 31. We will just let it run out

I just heard Turner is telling people he's not leaving. He is currently talking to a recruit and told him the same thing.

[Chuck3124]

I just heard Turner is telling people he's not leaving. He is currently talking to a recruit and told him the same thing.

The way I see it is if his contract really does end Jan. 31 then why hasn?t been extended if he was coming back? In my opinion he?d already be extended if he were. He can tell recruits that and still be out the door.

[Cowbell]

I just heard Turner is telling people he's not leaving. He is currently talking to a recruit and told him the same thing.

The football media team.....

[WPS]

Luke Hasz - Stud TE from Arkansas just got in the portal.

If we have money, going after an ALL SEC TE with two years of eligibility would seem to be a smart place to spend it.

Arkansas has lost about 5 starters to the portal over the last few days.

Unless they just have an insane incoming portal haul Pittman is screwed next year. Might get Chad Morris bad.

[TheLostDawg]

Arkansas has lost about 5 starters to the portal over the last few days.

Unless they just have an insane incoming portal haul Pittman is screwed next year. Might get Chad Morris bad.

Would you say that's as bad as Lebby year one bad?

[basedog]

Big No to Arnett, I doubt he would even come back.

[Brobi-wan]

Yall can call me an idiot all you want, but I would absolutely make an offer to Zach Arnette to come back as DC. He is hands down better than anyone mentioned here.

That’s a big 17 no from me. You don’t get rid of a bad apple, let it throw in with your rival, and then ask it to come back.

[Todd4State]

**** Zach Arnett.

That is all.

[Coursesuper]

Yall can call me an idiot all you want, but I would absolutely make an offer to Zach Arnette to come back as DC. He is hands down better than anyone mentioned here.

Just 17 no.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yall can call me an idiot all you want, but I would absolutely make an offer to Zach Arnette to come back as DC. He is hands down better than anyone mentioned here.

Ok. You are an idiot. Why do our fans overinflate Arnett and make it seem like he was prime Joe Lee? He was an average DC.

[Todd4State]

Ok. You are an idiot. Why do our fans overinflate Arnett and make it seem like he was prime Joe Lee? He was an average DC.

Because his defenses bailed out Leach's offense DERP.

[Brobi-wan]

Because his defenses bailed out Leach's offense DERP.

I’m not sure it did. Leach ran a ball control offense that kept Arnett’s D on the sideline a lot.

[Todd4State]

I’m not sure it did. Leach ran a ball control offense that kept Arnett’s D on the sideline a lot.

Yep. Leach's offense bailed him out at least a couple of times as well. 2022 Auburn comes to mind. Arnett's defense also almost choked away the 2022 Egg Bowl. Fortunately for us Kiffin decided to get cute and call a play that had about a 5% chance of working on the goal line.

Arnett also cost us a win against Georgia with an all out blitz call that we go burned on.

[BigDawg81]

UCF OL Caden Kitler is set to visit .

[Todd4State]

UCF OL Caden Kitler is set to visit .

And so it begins...!

[maroonmania]

Maybe. That guy has been injured his entire career though.

Yep, at some point NIL is going to have to be prorated to games played. Kind of ridiculous like these coaches' salaries that are same whether they win 10 games or 2 games.

[MBDawg601]

Yep, at some point NIL is going to have to be prorated to games played. Kind of ridiculous like these coaches' salaries that are same whether they win 10 games or 2 games.

I agree. Should be pay for performance in all aspects of coaching. Base salary low, with each win you get a chunk. Don't win, you get base salary. Not sure how the world is okay with college coaches making 5-10 mil a year. That in itself should reserve the right to fire them whenever you want. Contract should be null and void given poor performance.

[BigDawg81]

1st DL committed Jamill Burroughs.
Former Alabama and Miami DT

[StarkVegasSteve]

1st DL committed Jamill Burroughs.
Former Alabama and Miami DT

This is a depth piece probably. But I will never turn down 6-3 323

[DEDawg]

1st DL committed Jamill Burroughs.
Former Alabama and Miami DT

Has never done anything in college but high 3 star with all the physical tools. Imagine this is a depth piece for us.

[Really Clark?]

Pretty sure he got in hot water at Bama and was why he didn't play. Might be a good depth piece to solid contributor if his head get right.

[BigDawg81]

Has never done anything in college but high 3 star with all the physical tools. Imagine this is a depth piece for us.
He sat out 2024 at Miami. It?s something about missing out of the portal window

[KB21]

Burroughs was a rotational player at Bama. Got into some trouble in June of 23. Transferred to Miami but wasn?t eligible to play.

[maroonmania]

Yep. Leach's offense bailed him out at least a couple of times as well. 2022 Auburn comes to mind. Arnett's defense also almost choked away the 2022 Egg Bowl. Fortunately for us Kiffin decided to get cute and call a play that had about a 5% chance of working on the goal line.

Arnett also cost us a win against Georgia with an all out blitz call that we go burned on.

And yet with all of that Arnett would still be a significant step up from Hutzler as a DC. Really the position coaches are normally the ones responsible for recruiting moreso than the coordinator. As I've said before, we just have way too many football coaches plus our past 2 ADs that just seem to getting on the job training at MSU since they have never done their specific job before at any college level.

[BigDawg81]

Burroughs was a rotational player at Bama. Got into some trouble in June of 23. Transferred to Miami but wasn?t eligible to play. Sounds like he has not played since 2022

[BigDawg81]

This is a depth piece probably. But I will never turn down 6-3 323 It is a start and I bet that we got him for cheap if anything at all.

[maroonmania]

Imagine this is a depth piece for us.

Same exact thing we said about every DL we got out of the portal last year.

[DEDawg]

Same exact thing we said about every DL we got out of the portal last year.

Cannot miss this year

[HancockCountyDog]

It is a start and I bet that we got him for cheap if anything at all.

I would think he is free. He hasnt played in two years.

[maroonmania]

I just heard Turner is telling people he's not leaving. He is currently talking to a recruit and told him the same thing.

Of course he's not leaving because nobody else wants him. Now if we replace him I guess he is still welcome to stay in Starkville if he wants to.

[Todd4State]

And yet with all of that Arnett would still be a significant step up from Hutzler as a DC. Really the position coaches are normally the ones responsible for recruiting moreso than the coordinator. As I've said before, we just have way too many football coaches plus our past 2 ADs that just seem to getting on the job training at MSU since they have never done their specific job before at any college level.

I don't disagree that Arnett was better than Hutzler. But I still wouldn't take him back.

[Todd4State]

Of course he's not leaving because nobody else wants him. Now if we replace him I guess he is still welcome to stay in Starkville if he wants to.

I have a feeling this situation with Turner is going to get awkward.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I have a feeling this situation with Turner is going to get awkward.

Well we are not renewing his contract so he can make it awkward all he wants. He will be unemployed on Feb 1

[HancockCountyDog]

Well we are not renewing his contract so he can make it awkward all he wants. He will be unemployed on Feb 1

Why don?t we just fire him?

[Todd4State]

Why don?t we just fire him?

Probably booster related if I had to guess. I'm sure he has some in his corner. If we let his contract expire we can always make him an analyst or something if he wants it. We can also make him leaving look like a retirement.

[Brobi-wan]

Why don?t we just fire him?

Wouldn’t it save you from a severance negotiation to just let it expire?

[Really Clark?]

Burroughs is not transfer btw. He was completely out of football this whole year and not in the portal. He only had to sign his financial aid agreement.

[Todd4State]

And let me play Devil's advocate even though I am all for firing Hutzler. Turner's group was by far the worst on the defense.

LB's- Stone and Jennings weren't terrible. Tillman emerged late. Not great but could have been way worse.

CB's Jones and Pollack were solid even though one was a freshman and they had zero help from the pass rush.

S- Isaac Smith was our best player on defense. Washington and Lanier weren't very good but they had no help from the pass rush.

I think it is conceivable that our DL was such trash because of Turner that everything else had no chance. And if that's the case improving that position group alone could help alone.

And of all the position groups the most JUCO heavy was the DL. I have to believe that Turner was a big reason for that if it is true he doesn't like the portal. And then he lost his best JUCO DL recruit to South Carolina.

[HancockCountyDog]

Wouldn’t it save you from a severance negotiation to just let it expire?

You just pay out the remainder of the contract.

[DawgFromOxford]

I think it is conceivable that our DL was such trash because of Turner that everything else had no chance. And if that's the case improving that position group alone could help alone.

So basically Turner is our Scott Foxhall of football

[BigDawg81]

You just pay out the remainder of the contract.or just say that his contract will not be renewed. Either way, the fans know that something is getting done.

[Todd4State]

So basically Turner is our Scott Foxhall of football

Yeah! He could be. The only reason he is here is because the boosters brought him back and Lebby I'm sure was convinced to keep him.

Lebby was probably watching him in practice like "This guy is awful."

It sounds like boosters covered his ass when Dan was here and he is completely oblivious that we paid to get Jones and Simmons.

[Cowbell]

Yep. Leach's offense bailed him out at least a couple of times as well. 2022 Auburn comes to mind. Arnett's defense also almost choked away the 2022 Egg Bowl. Fortunately for us Kiffin decided to get cute and call a play that had about a 5% chance of working on the goal line.

Arnett also cost us a win against Georgia with an all out blitz call that we go burned on.

You don't know what you are talking about Todd. Arnette single-handily is the reason we got the egg in 22 despite Will trying to give it away twice. 2022 Auburn the defense had to hold the entire second half for the offense to come back. He made the needed adjustments. For Arnettes defense to be as good as it was with such a poor time of possession disadvantage with the Leach offense is really impressive.

[Cowbell]

Ok. You are an idiot. Why do our fans overinflate Arnett and make it seem like he was prime Joe Lee? He was an average DC.

I may be an idiot. But you lack reading comprehension. I didn't over inflate anyone. I just said he is better than anyone mentioned above. That's without a doubt. I would love to have an average DC right now. Wouldn't you? Only an idiot wouldn't....

[Bothrops]

Zach Arnett was a good DC. He was no recruiter though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I may be an idiot. But you lack reading comprehension. I didn't over inflate anyone. I just said he is better than anyone mentioned above. That's without a doubt. I would love to have an average DC right now. Wouldn't you? Only an idiot wouldn't....

Then I will be the idiot. I want no part of a coach WHO STOOD IN FRONT OF HIS TEAM and said, “Two more wins and MY JOB IS SAFE”. Not two more wins and we go to a bowl or two more wins and we build some momentum. Nope all that lying POS ever cared about was himself. Adversity reveals character and his was revealed in that moment after the UK game.

[Coursesuper]

Then I will be the idiot. I want no part of a coach WHO STOOD IN FRONT OF HIS TEAM and said, “Two more wins and MY JOB IS SAFE”. Not two more wins and we go to a bowl or two more wins and we build some momentum. Nope all that lying POS ever cared about was himself. Adversity reveals character and his was revealed in that moment after the UK game.

Every word typed here is exactly why that guy should never darken a door in the Seal building again. Lost the team at that moment and tanked everything.

[maroonmania]

You just pay out the remainder of the contract.

Exactly, why do we let him be the DL coach all the way until Feb 1 when we need a new DL coach right now that might actually be attractive to play for while we are recruiting the portal through all of Jan? Our talent on DL currently is so pathetic that it is totally crippling to the rest of the defense and the overall team.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Exactly, why do we let him be the DL coach all the way until Feb 1 when we need a new DL coach right now that might actually be attractive to play for while we are recruiting the portal through all of Jan? Our talent on DL currently is so pathetic that it is totally crippling to the rest of the defense and the overall team.

Or….you just tell him do not come back and we will pay out the remainder of your contract. He can still be employed and we have a new DL coach.

[KB21]

Or….you just tell him do not come back and we will pay out the remainder of your contract. He can still be employed and we have a new DL coach.

I?m really wondering if we are hiring WKU?s Carson Hall for DL coach.

[Coursesuper]

I?m really wondering if we are hiring WKU?s Carson Hall for DL coach.

Got zero on that one, where are you hearing this?

[KB21]

Got zero on that one, where are you hearing this?

Not hearing it. His name keeps popping up with a lot of the portal guys we are after though, so it just makes me wonder.

[Cowbell]

Then I will be the idiot. I want no part of a coach WHO STOOD IN FRONT OF HIS TEAM and said, ?Two more wins and MY JOB IS SAFE?. Not two more wins and we go to a bowl or two more wins and we build some momentum. Nope all that lying POS ever cared about was himself. Adversity reveals character and his was revealed in that moment after the UK game.

See - this is a good rebuttal. I can go along with this. My sources (who are very solid) told me a different account. Doesn't make you or I an idiot. And I'm not saying he's great. Just dang sure better than what we have now at DC. I appreciate you treating me like a grown adult.

[Todd4State]

You don't know what you are talking about Todd. Arnette single-handily is the reason we got the egg in 22 despite Will trying to give it away twice. 2022 Auburn the defense had to hold the entire second half for the offense to come back. He made the needed adjustments. For Arnettes defense to be as good as it was with such a poor time of possession disadvantage with the Leach offense is really impressive.

Yeah. Because nothing says coming up big like allowing a 99 yard touchdown drive to tie the game.**

[KB21]

UCF center Caden Kitler is in town.

[BigDawg81]

Kitler is on campus. Kennedy is a good recruiter so we will see if Kennedy can seal the deal

[Young dawg]

How many are we expecting to commit tommorow? Hopefully Arnold does if he is coming. Having him on the boat early could help sway some other players that may be on the fence.

[ZedFedder]

How good is Kitler?

[BigDawg81]

How good is Kitler? As of now, he is #1 IOL in the portal according to On3

[DEDawg]

UCF center Caden Kitler is in town.

I dont understand the rules. Isnt this technically tampering? I get you can play dumb and say this kid is just here in Starkville by coincidence, but isn?t he not allowed any contact with coaches until tomorrow?

[RisperDawg]

I dont understand the rules. Isnt this technically tampering? I get you can play dumb and say this kid is just here in Starkville by coincidence, but isn?t he not allowed any contact with coaches until tomorrow?

I also find the portal rules confusing and don't know where to look for a definitive source. Ha. However, taking bigbub50's comment in the Jackson Arnold thread as accurate, it would seem players from teams that lose their coach (e.g., Malzahn at UCF) can enter the portal early. This could explain Kitler.

Other teams' players can't officially enter until tomorrow.

ETA: this would also explain why we've already got Jayven Williams from Kennesaw State in the boat.

[DEDawg]

I also find the portal rules confusing and don't know where to look for a definitive source. Ha. However, taking bigbub50's comment in the Jackson Arnold thread as accurate, it would seem players from teams that lose their coach (e.g., Malzahn at UCF) can enter the portal early. This could explain Kitler.

Other teams' players can't officially enter until tomorrow.

Ah that makes sense then. If JA was doing the same tonight would be an issue, but ok with Kitler cause HC change. Thanks

[BigDawg81]

I also find the portal rules confusing and don't know where to look for a definitive source. Ha. However, taking bigbub50's comment in the Jackson Arnold thread as accurate, it would seem players from teams that lose their coach (e.g., Malzahn at UCF) can enter the portal early. This could explain Kitler.

Other teams' players can't officially enter until tomorrow. That?s a possibility why. It crazy how Malzahn is going to be a OC. He might been let go at UCF and decided to leave on his own or just had enough like what Chip Kelly did.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Today is going to be crazy. So buckle up. I imagine we'll see at least 7 names go into the portal within the next couple of days. A few you'll expect and there will probably be 1 or 2 that will surprise you. I have heard that we are not expecting Brice Pollock back. Have heard that UGA has gotten in his ear along with a couple of other SEC programs.

[BigDawg81]

Today is going to be crazy. So buckle up. I imagine we'll see at least 7 names go into the portal within the next couple of days. A few you'll expect and there will probably be 1 or 2 that will surprise you. I have heard that we are not expecting Brice Pollock back. Have heard that UGA has gotten in his ear along with a couple of other SEC programs. How many of those are we telling to find somewhere else? Obviously, Pollock is not one of those. We would like to keep him.

[StarkVegasSteve]

How many of those are we telling to find somewhere else? Obviously, Pollock is not one of those. We would like to keep him.

We're telling most of the defense that if they're planning on starting then they may want to find a new home.

[BigDawg81]

Maybe old news but Ahmad Hardy from ULM is name to lookout for. 1400 yds and 13 TD from ULM

[StarkVegasSteve]

Maybe old news but Ahmad Hardy from ULM is name to lookout for. 1400 yds and 13 TD from ULM

He's on the list. He's going to command a ton of money. I would look out for Auburn, Ole Miss, USCe, State, and a few more. We're obviously an in state school so we have a built in advantage there, but we have other needs besides RB that need to be handled first. DL, OL, and DB are our TOP priorities with this class.

[Op4isabitch]

He's on the list. He's going to command a ton of money. I would look out for Auburn, Ole Miss, USCe, State, and a few more. We're obviously an in state school so we have a built in advantage there, but we have other needs besides RB that need to be handled first. DL, OL, and DB are our TOP priorities with this class.

When do we start seeing us land some of these portal guys?

[StarkVegasSteve]

When do we start seeing us land some of these portal guys?

We've got a couple of guys on visits now and are setting them up every day this week. I think you'll start seeing some movement in the later part of the week. Today was the first day the portal "officially" was open. So unless your team was making a coaching change, you couldn't visit with other programs until today.

[Op4isabitch]

We've got a couple of guys on visits now and are setting them up every day this week. I think you'll start seeing some movement in the later part of the week. Today was the first day the portal "officially" was open. So unless your team was making a coaching change, you couldn't visit with other programs until today.

Thanks.

[defiantdog]

Eric Singleton Jr from Georgia Tech entered the portal. Electric WR.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Of note, fmr MSU running back Simeon Price BACK into the portal after a year at Coastal Carolina. A guy that some thought WE JUST HAD TO KEEP, on the move again. His stats on the year 44 carries/136 yds/0 TDs

[BigDawg81]

Auburn WR Cam Coleman entered the portal. He supposed to be a star. This is probably a leverage move.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Auburn WR Cam Coleman entered the portal. He supposed to be a star. This is probably a leverage move.

It is. Leverage move to either make Auburn overpay or he'll go to Georgia. Everyone is recruiting those stud Auburn WRs and recruiting off the basis that they have no QB. My guess is Auburn will have a QB by Thursday.

[BigDawg81]

It is. Leverage move to either make Auburn overpay or he'll go to Georgia. Everyone is recruiting those stud Auburn WRs and recruiting off the basis that they have no QB. My guess is Auburn will have a QB by Thursday.
They will have 10 QBs since they are connected to ever QB in the portal.

[StarkVegasSteve]

They will have 10 QBs since they are connected to ever QB in the portal.

They'll settle on either Kaidon Salter, Fifita, or Miller Moss. Mateer will end up at OU, Arnold here, and I think Weigman goes to the Big 10 somewhere. I could also see Auburn trying to make a run at Darian Mensah, the Tulane transfer. I've heard his number is STUPID.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Jahron Manning, safety from Old Dominion, will be visiting either today or tomorrow. Feel pretty good about that one.

[KB21]

MSU has offered Cody Hardy, a big TE (6'5", 265 lbs) from Elon and Dante Anderson, Edge from FSU.

[StarkVegasSteve]

MSU has offered Cody Hardy, a big TE (6'5", 265 lbs) from Elon and Dante Anderson, Edge from FSU.

Seems like Hardy may be a replacement for Ball. Big blocking TE that will help in the run game.

[KB21]

Bear Alexander is in the portal.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Bear Alexander is in the portal.

We may pursue because we can offer him the one thing he covets, guaranteed playing time. He'd instantly become one of our starters.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Maybe old news but Ahmad Hardy from ULM is name to lookout for. 1400 yds and 13 TD from ULM

Rosebowl seems to think it's us and Auburn for this kid.

[KB21]

We may pursue because we can offer him the one thing he covets, guaranteed playing time. He'd instantly become one of our starters.

May not mean anything, but Hutzler and Turner are following him on X.

[BigDawg81]

It is. Leverage move to either make Auburn overpay or he'll go to Georgia. Everyone is recruiting those stud Auburn WRs and recruiting off the basis that they have no QB. My guess is Auburn will have a QB by Thursday.


Rosebowl seems to think it's us and Auburn for this kid.
We will see. Rosebowl bats around .500

[StarkVegasSteve]

As expected, John Lewis in the portal.

[StarkVegasSteve]

May not mean anything, but Hutzler and Turner are following him on X.

I mean he has been in the portal since like September so there's a shot we've been on him for awhile.

[Pancho]

Bear Alexander is in the portal.

how serious would he consider MSU?

[KB21]

how serious would he consider MSU?

Not sure. He's a bit of a problem child. It could be a Last Chance type of thing. We seem to be on a few players like that, as we have some interest in Denver Harris as well.

[Pancho]

thx

[StarkVegasSteve]

Not sure. He's a bit of a problem child. It could be a Last Chance type of thing. We seem to be on a few players like that, as we have some interest in Denver Harris as well.

When you're in the position we are, you have to take a chance on guys like that. OM did it when Kiffin first got there with guys like Michael Trigg, Otis Reese, and even into this year with a guy like Walter Nolan. It's huge if they hit and there's not a whole lot of risk if they don't.

[KB21]

When you're in the position we are, you have to take a chance on guys like that. OM did it when Kiffin first got there with guys like Michael Trigg, Otis Reese, and even into this year with a guy like Walter Nolan. It's huge if they hit and there's not a whole lot of risk if they don't.

Got to take a chance to be great. Playing it safe may get you to average.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Got to take a chance to be great. Playing it safe may get you to average.

Average, while an improvement over this past year, will still get you beat in this conference.

[Really Clark?]

Jahron Manning, safety from Old Dominion, will be visiting either today or tomorrow. Feel pretty good about that one.

He can play too. I like this one if we can get him.

[KB21]

Average, while an improvement over this past year, will still get you beat in this conference.

Heard anything directly on Red Hibbler?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Heard anything directly on Red Hibbler?

We were in it early in the ballgame. I've heard nothing to counter that since so I would assume we are still in a good position with him. He's a plug and play starter so we really need him.

[KB21]

https://x.com/On3sports/status/1866176258175889770

[StarkVegasSteve]

https://x.com/On3sports/status/1866176258175889770

Sources>>>>>>

[Really Clark?]

Sources>>>>>>

You've been all over it for a long time on this one.

[StarkVegasSteve]

You've been all over it for a long time on this one.

I've been pretty confident with my sourcing on this one. Again, you kind of have to take some of it with a grain of salt, but sometimes you can figure out the ones that have legs pretty easily.

[Really Clark?]

I've been pretty confident with my sourcing on this one. Again, you kind of have to take some of it with a grain of salt, but sometimes you can figure out the ones that have legs pretty easily.

That's true. Be interesting to see where the NIL amount settles on him and MVB. Not asking prices but what they end up getting. Plus the idea that we should be guaranteeing a starting spot to MVB at his asking price coming off 2-10 when he can't get that anywhere else in the SEC rubs me wrong. Just my own curiosity though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's true. Be interesting to see where the NIL amount settles on him and MVB. Not asking prices but what they end up getting. Plus the idea that we should be guaranteeing a starting spot to MVB at his asking price coming off 2-10 when he can't get that anywhere else in the SEC rubs me wrong. Just my own curiosity though.

From what I was told, it'll come in between 700-1 million.

[BigDawg81]

UNC LB Amare Campbell enters the portal
6.5 sacks on the season

[KB21]

Aaron Bryant from Texas is in the portal. Former 4-star DL from Southaven. I don't think he has gotten much run in Texas.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Aaron Bryant from Texas is in the portal. Former 4-star DL from Southaven. I don't think he has gotten much run in Texas.

We were on him a little out of HS but never got much action. I don't know how active we'll be with him this cycle.

[confucius say]

See - this is a good rebuttal. I can go along with this. My sources (who are very solid) told me a different account. Doesn't make you or I an idiot. And I'm not saying he's great. Just dang sure better than what we have now at DC. I appreciate you treating me like a grown adult.

We have no idea if Arnett is better than Hutzler.
Arnette had 2 nfl draft guys all three seasons (Emerson, Forbes, dcam), nfl linebacker all three seasons (bookie), and nfl DL.
Switch the talent and I bet you there is little to no difference.

[KB21]

One thing that I really love about Jeff Lebby getting Jackson Arnold in the fold and possibly some others on offense is this. It shows that as bad as the defense was, Jeff Lebby is still not pleased with the offense even though they improved by 10 PPG over the previous season. He didn't like the fact that he had to scale it down and slow the pace down this season. He didn't like the fact that his quick passing game was almost unusable. He didn't like that he couldn't get the looks he wants to get in the running game. In comes a QB that can run his entire offense at the pace he wants it run. In comes a potentially devastating blocker at TE that can help give us the numbers in the running game we want. In comes a receiver potentially that averaged over 20 yards per reception and scored 10 TDs for Lebby in 23. In comes a RB potentially that can improve our ability to gain those tough short yardage yards while also being able to get the chunk yard runs that Lebby wants.

This isn't our grandparent's Mississippi State anymore where we look to just do enough on offense. Jeff wants to blow the top off the offense.

[StarkVegasSteve]

One thing that I really love about Jeff Lebby getting Jackson Arnold in the fold and possibly some others on offense is this. It shows that as bad as the defense was, Jeff Lebby is still not pleased with the offense even though they improved by 10 PPG over the previous season. He didn't like the fact that he had to scale it down and slow the pace down this season. He didn't like the fact that his quick passing game was almost unusable. He didn't like that he couldn't get the looks he wants to get in the running game. In comes a QB that can run his entire offense at the pace he wants it run. In comes a potentially devastating blocker at TE that can help give us the numbers in the running game we want. In comes a receiver potentially that averaged over 20 yards per reception and scored 10 TDs for Lebby in 23. In comes a RB potentially that can improve our ability to gain those tough short yardage yards while also being able to get the chunk yard runs that Lebby wants.

This isn't our grandparent's Mississippi State anymore where we look to just do enough on offense. Jeff wants to blow the top off the offense.

Well and he also realizes that to succeed in the next year or so he's going to have to SCORE ON PEOPLE. Look at Tennessee in 21, they allowed a bunch of points but damn they scored on people. Reminiscent also of those first two Kiffin years at OM. They were in shootouts every week.

The defense will get there, but while it's getting there you will have to win some 45-42 or 51-47 type games.

[Brobi-wan]

One thing that I really love about Jeff Lebby getting Jackson Arnold in the fold and possibly some others on offense is this. It shows that as bad as the defense was, Jeff Lebby is still not pleased with the offense even though they improved by 10 PPG over the previous season. He didn't like the fact that he had to scale it down and slow the pace down this season. He didn't like the fact that his quick passing game was almost unusable. He didn't like that he couldn't get the looks he wants to get in the running game. In comes a QB that can run his entire offense at the pace he wants it run. In comes a potentially devastating blocker at TE that can help give us the numbers in the running game we want. In comes a receiver potentially that averaged over 20 yards per reception and scored 10 TDs for Lebby in 23. In comes a RB potentially that can improve our ability to gain those tough short yardage yards while also being able to get the chunk yard runs that Lebby wants.

This isn't our grandparent's Mississippi State anymore where we look to just do enough on offense. Jeff wants to blow the top off the offense.

If we get the right pieces, we can steal a win against one of those blue bloods. Georgia may be the most beatable next year. A lot of people think this is all about the money, some of it is, but a lot of dudes are not sitting and waiting their turn anymore. They want to play now. Blue bloods roster isn’t nearly as deep as it used to be. We can be bowl eligible with a top ten win next year with a MARGINALLY improved D if the O improves

[Cowbell]

May not mean anything, but Hutzler and Turner are following him on X.

Because that's about the extent of their recruiting efforts

[KB21]

WR Caleb Goodie from Colorado State with an offer.
DE Red Hibbler with an official offer.

[Really Clark?]

Because that's about the extent of their recruiting efforts

I have my issues with DT's recruiting but Hutz is no where close to the same as for as effort.

[Matt3467]

We have no idea if Arnett is better than Hutzler.
Arnette had 2 nfl draft guys all three seasons (Emerson, Forbes, dcam), nfl linebacker all three seasons (bookie), and nfl DL.
Switch the talent and I bet you there is little to no difference.

We had the worst defense in all of FBS this year and you think a DC with actual DC experience wouldn't have improved us? There was only one way to go and that was up. Arnett had a top 25 defense at San Diego St before he came here. He was a solid DC. Yea he had more talent but saying a DC with no experience vs one with experience wouldn't have made a difference is crazy.

[StateDawg44]

I have my issues with DT's recruiting.


I really don't understand keeping DT around until his contract runs out in January other than being cheap.

But we are ok with him recruiting for this class even though he has proven that he is incapable since he came back? So now he get's to leave his mark for one more year and decide what get's left for a new incoming DL coach?

As critical as it is to get this position group right this offseason.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I really don't understand keeping DT around until his contract runs out in January other than being cheap.

But we are ok with him recruiting for this class even though he has proven that he is incapable since he came back? So now he get's to leave his mark for one more year and decide what get's left for a new incoming DL coach?

As critical as it is to get this position group right this offseason.

Playing a little devils advocate here, how do we know he is doing any recruiting??

[RezDog7]

We had the worst defense in all of FBS this year and you think a DC with actual DC experience wouldn't have improved us? There was only one way to go and that was up. Arnett had a top 25 defense at San Diego St before he came here. He was a solid DC. Yea he had more talent but saying a DC with no experience vs one with experience wouldn't have made a difference is crazy.

Why are you talking about a coach that's never coaching here again. We fired him. He didn't leave on his own.

[Matt3467]

Why are you talking about a coach that's never coaching here again. We fired him. He didn't leave on his own.

Read the post I replied to.

[DEDawg]

Playing a little devils advocate here, how do we know he is doing any recruiting??

Is he?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why are you talking about a coach that's never coaching here again. We fired him. He didn't leave on his own.

Because people have an overinflated view of Arnett as the DC. It's as simple as that. A lot of people got this "he's one of us" mindset stuck in their head and can't let it go.

He fielded the following defenses:

2020: Total Defense Ranking: 57th. Gave up 28.1 PPG

2021: Total Defense Ranking: 62nd. Gave up 25.9 PPG

2022: Total Defense Ranking: 40th. Gave up 23.1 PPG.


He had ONE defense ranked 40th. The rest were not top 50. That is an average DC.


You also have to remember that those defenses had: Martin Emerson, Emmanuel Forbes, Jett Johnson, Nathaniel Watson, Shawn Preston Jr, Jalen Green, Jackie Matthews, Jaden Crumedy, Errol Thompson, Tyrus Wheat, and I could go on but you get the picture. Those teams had guys that could start on other SEC teams. We had MAYBE two that could start for another SEC team this year and MULTIPLE who couldn't start for a G5 team.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is he?

I don't think he is. I have some pretty good reason to believe he is not.

[DEDawg]

I don't think he is. I have some pretty good reason to believe he is not.

Excellent news. I?m scared we?re gonna somehow end up keeping him. Dont understand why we don?t just make the move now but trying to be patient

[KB21]

Because people have an overinflated view of Arnett as the DC. It's as simple as that. A lot of people got this "he's one of us" mindset stuck in their head and can't let it go.

He fielded the following defenses:

2020: Total Defense Ranking: 57th. Gave up 28.1 PPG

2021: Total Defense Ranking: 62nd. Gave up 25.9 PPG

2022: Total Defense Ranking: 40th. Gave up 23.1 PPG.


He had ONE defense ranked 40th. The rest were not top 50. That is an average DC.


You also have to remember that those defenses had: Martin Emerson, Emmanuel Forbes, Jett Johnson, Nathaniel Watson, Shawn Preston Jr, Jalen Green, Jackie Matthews, Jaden Crumedy, Errol Thompson, Tyrus Wheat, and I could go on but you get the picture. Those teams had guys that could start on other SEC teams. We had MAYBE two that could start for another SEC team this year and MULTIPLE who couldn't start for a G5 team.

...and he inherited ALL of that talent. He didn't recruit a single impact player until Isaac Smith.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Excellent news. I?m scared we?re gonna somehow end up keeping him. Dont understand why we don?t just make the move now but trying to be patient

There's no reason to. You can still hire someone else with him on staff. Just because Lebby hasn't gotten in front of a microphone and said, "Guys, David Turner 17 sucks at his job and I'm canning his ass" doesn't mean he thinks he's doing a good job. He doesn't. He's not happy with Turner. He didn't want him to begin with but it was pushed on him by boosters who JUST HAD TO HAVE the great recruiting maestro David Turner who one time kind of helped recruit Jeffrey Simmons.

[StarkVegasSteve]

DT Sheffield in the portal from North Texas. Originally from Corinth and went NWCC for two years. Had a hell of a year for North Texas. 66 catches/822 yds/11 TDs. Look for us to be a player.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Landyn Watson from Marshall will be visiting some time this week. LB with 66 tackles on the year.

[KB21]

Reports say Craver is in the portal.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Reports say Craver is in the portal.

I talked about that being a possibility. I got some info over the weekend and this morning that made me feel better, but was always kind of 50/50 on him.

[Pancho]

he is iffy

[StarkVegasSteve]

Craver is a loss because he was a contributor but receivers want to play in this offense. And I know Mario Craver may hate to hear it, but there's 450 Mario Craver's out there and about 150 in the portal. This offense will always attract receiver talent. Craver also has some growing up to do. Maybe he has a change of heart, but if not you move on and go get Sheffield from UNT and Anderson from Oklahoma and roll.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Raion Strader was just offered. CB out of Miami(OH). I'm extremely high on him. He would be a Day 1 starter for us.

[Brobi-wan]

Craver is a loss because he was a contributor but receivers want to play in this offense. And I know Mario Craver may hate to hear it, but there's 450 Mario Craver's out there and about 150 in the portal. This offense will always attract receiver talent. Craver also has some growing up to do. Maybe he has a change of heart, but if not you move on and go get Sheffield from UNT and Anderson from Oklahoma and roll.

Certainly a loss, but Coleman is the one you CAN’T lose. Craver is much more replaceable.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Certainly a loss, but Coleman is the one you CAN’T lose. Craver is much more replaceable.

We have Coleman locked up. Again, things change but I feel confident in saying Kevin Coleman is locked in. He has a really good NIL deal right now. And he also has done the transfer thing and it didn't work out. He knows a good spot when he sees it.

[Really Clark?]

Raion Strader was just offered. CB out of Miami(OH). I'm extremely high on him. He would be a Day 1 starter for us.

Me too, he will have options but an upgrade from Pollock

[StarkVegasSteve]

Just so it's out there, Rosebowl is reporting that Coleman's reps are sniffing around to see what his value is. Does not mean he's in the portal though. Goes against what I have heard for weeks on end, but just wanted to keep everyone updated on all sides. I'm still not very worried about Coleman.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Reginald Hughes, Edge rusher from Jax State but we may move to LB, picked up an offer. Fmr OM signee out of Tunica. Went nuts at Jax State this year. 83 tackles, 4.5 sacks

[StarkVegasSteve]

Clev Lubin, LB from Coastal Carolina, also picked up an offer. 43 tackles, 9.5 sacks on the year.

[KB21]

Malik Charles from West Georgia looks like a player.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Malik Charles from West Georgia looks like a player.

I think we will probably kick him to EDGE but he has really good size. Impressive offer sheet so far.

[KB21]

I think we will probably kick him to EDGE but he has really good size. Impressive offer sheet so far.

That?s what he played in the clips I saw. He was in the standup rusher position that they had Branden Jennings at this season.

[Young dawg]

Malik Charles from West Georgia looks like a player.

Dude looks like a problem coming off the edge. Good size and speed.

[KB21]

Lee is in the portal.

[Brobi-wan]

Are we trying to keep JJ H at all? He seemed to really want to be here out of HS. Just wondering what the rumor is on his transfer decision.

[BigDawg81]

Are we trying to keep JJ H at all? He seemed to really want to be here out of HS. Just wondering what the rumor is on his transfer decision. I think playing time.

[StateDawg44]

I think playing time.

Just makes no sense (to me) to go start some where new in a whole new system if it's just playing time. New relationships, new trust to build.

Unless he sees himself getting buried or something and is open to whatever gets him on the field some where.

He was definitely doing a lot of recruiting of other players during his recruiting process. Seemed all dawg.

[BankerDog]

Just makes no sense (to me) to go start some where new in a whole new system if it's just playing time. New relationships, new trust to build.

Unless he sees himself getting buried or something and is open to whatever gets him on the field some where.

He was definitely doing a lot of recruiting of other players during his recruiting process. Seemed all dawg.

What happens when you get hurt and then don?t show up to practice?add on top getting paid this is the type player you get.

[StateDawg44]

What happens when you get hurt and then don?t show up to practice?add on top getting paid this is the type player you get.

There's zero doubt the current system does nothing to bring out the best in players.

[BigDawg81]

Seeing that Arkansas DT Nico DaVillier is expected to visit

[StarkVegasSteve]

Seeing that Arkansas DT Nico DaVillier is expected to visit

He is a true edge guy. Would be a really solid pickup for us.

[StarkVegasSteve]

There is a chance Zxavian Harris jumps into the portal. We would be interested if he does.

[msstate7]

Delete

[StarkVegasSteve]

David Blay, DT from La Tech, has been offered.

[Matt3467]

Because people have an overinflated view of Arnett as the DC. It's as simple as that. A lot of people got this "he's one of us" mindset stuck in their head and can't let it go.

He fielded the following defenses:

2020: Total Defense Ranking: 57th. Gave up 28.1 PPG

2021: Total Defense Ranking: 62nd. Gave up 25.9 PPG

2022: Total Defense Ranking: 40th. Gave up 23.1 PPG.


He had ONE defense ranked 40th. The rest were not top 50. That is an average DC.


You also have to remember that those defenses had: Martin Emerson, Emmanuel Forbes, Jett Johnson, Nathaniel Watson, Shawn Preston Jr, Jalen Green, Jackie Matthews, Jaden Crumedy, Errol Thompson, Tyrus Wheat, and I could go on but you get the picture. Those teams had guys that could start on other SEC teams. We had MAYBE two that could start for another SEC team this year and MULTIPLE who couldn't start for a G5 team.

Not sure where you're looking but Arnett only once had total defense worse than 39th and that was #51 in '20. In '21 and '22 our total defense was #36 and #39. The ppg I was looking at other than '20 were a little higher however (around 1 point or so). His defense was solid, not great but my point before was more so in response to Confucious that said a DC with experience wouldn't have been any better than Hutzler which I think is wrong.

Edit: Btw whoever bad repped my post and left that comment in my box reading comprehension must be hard. I didn't bring up the topic just responding to it.
Context: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/context

[StarkVegasSteve]

Another portal entrant, Eric Taylor. I am not lying when I say this, the last two staffs may have been some of the worst talent evaluators we've ever had by a mile.

[HancockCountyDog]

Another portal entrant, Eric Taylor. I am not lying when I say this, the last two staffs may have been some of the worst talent evaluators we've ever had by a mile.

One thing all of these portal entries also show is how our on3 or 247 and their membership numbers help our recruiting ranking. Every year we are ranked between 20-35 and that is largely because we have so many members on those sites.

I remember in the old genespage days where Steve would just admit that he would "talk to the rankings guys" and get our two stars bumped up to 3 stars and would push for our solid 3 star guys to get bumped up to 4 stars. Every year this happens.

Tab Hinton, the LB from Hattiesburg was a low 3 star and Steve was pushing him to be a 4 star player and this happens all the time. I guess I'm just tired of his bullshit.

[StarkVegasSteve]

One thing all of these portal entries also show is how our on3 or 247 and their membership numbers help our recruiting ranking. Every year we are ranked between 20-35 and that is largely because we have so many members on those sites.

I remember in the old genespage days where Steve would just admit that he would "talk to the rankings guys" and get our two stars bumped up to 3 stars and would push for our solid 3 star guys to get bumped up to 4 stars. Every year this happens.

Tab Hinton, the LB from Hattiesburg was a low 3 star and Steve was pushing him to be a 4 star player and this happens all the time. I guess I'm just tired of his bullshit.

That happens with every player though. That's why it's called the Bama bump. Look no further than Bray Hubbard(who ended up being a really good player). But he was a low 3 star when he committed to us, he gets a Bama offer and is a mid 4 star the next day.

[Really Clark?]

That happens with every player thought. That's why it's called the Bama bump. Look no further than Bray Hubbard(who ended up being a really good player). But he was a low 3 star when he committed to us, he gets a Bama offer and is a mid 4 star the next day.

Also why Dan actually recruited higher than the actual rankings we got because of bias against our name. He evaluated extremely well. Heck, Freeze had no clue really about evaluating in the 3 star pool. It's why he had to ride our offer coattails and try to flip them.

[Really Clark?]

MVB will be hitting the portal

[HancockCountyDog]

That happens with every player though. That's why it's called the Bama bump. Look no further than Bray Hubbard(who ended up being a really good player). But he was a low 3 star when he committed to us, he gets a Bama offer and is a mid 4 star the next day.

The problem is that Saban earned the Bama bump. I don't think we have earned any type of bump, at least not recently, and yet you have mods running these sites trying to get our commits bumped so people don't bitch about us not being in the top 25.

Then when players like Taylor or Hinton transfer to G5 schools everyone is like "what happened?". Nothing happened, they weren't SEC players to begin with and shouldn't have been ranked where they were and our "recruiting experts" should tell our fans the truth on some of these signees.

I like how Faulk shoots straight in recruiting, i'm worried he will lose any access as a result, but at least I don't think he is trying to pump up a guy just for the membership numbers.

[HancockCountyDog]

MVB will be hitting the portal

I like Arnold more than MVB, but it is close.

This is 100% a trust Lebby situation.

[msstate7]

I like Arnold more than MVB, but it is close.

This is 100% a trust Lebby situation.

Let's just hope ND gets their main target...

[KB21]

Let's just hope ND gets their main target...

Arnold isn't interested in playing in ND's offense.

[Cowbell]

Let's just hope ND gets their main target...

Correct. Fortunately, he also wants to play in the SEC

[Cowbell]

Arnold isn't interested in playing in ND's offense.

Dillon Gabriel didn't want to play in Oregons either...

[BeardoMSU]

I like Arnold more than MVB, but it is close.

This is 100% a trust Lebby situation.

For an athletic looking dude, MVB seemed oddly immobile this year. I know much of that was by design given depth issues (i.e., not calling a lot of runs for him), but he also had horrendous pocket awareness, and it didn't seem to get better over the course of the season.

[BankerDog]

That happens with every player though. That's why it's called the Bama bump. Look no further than Bray Hubbard(who ended up being a really good player). But he was a low 3 star when he committed to us, he gets a Bama offer and is a mid 4 star the next day.

Bray never committed to us. You?re thinking of Jay Lindsey in last years class. Tight End.

[BankerDog]

The problem is that Saban earned the Bama bump. I don't think we have earned any type of bump, at least not recently, and yet you have mods running these sites trying to get our commits bumped so people don't bitch about us not being in the top 25.

Then when players like Taylor or Hinton transfer to G5 schools everyone is like "what happened?". Nothing happened, they weren't SEC players to begin with and shouldn't have been ranked where they were and our "recruiting experts" should tell our fans the truth on some of these signees.

I like how Faulk shoots straight in recruiting, i'm worried he will lose any access as a result, but at least I don't think he is trying to pump up a guy just for the membership numbers.

I don?t like Faulk at all. Tries to be too cool.

However I have said many times-go look over last ten years the 247 or ON3 state of MS rankings and see what guys really produced once signed. We had people pissed that Ty Cooper almost didn?t sign with us-look how he turned out. Jake Thomas 4*, Damien Robinson 5*, etc. more of those who don?t work out than the Charles Cross or Suntarine Perkins/Jeff Simmons/Cox/Jones who do.

Hell the RB from ULM we are on wasn?t even a top 30 player last year in state.

[KB21]

Dillon Gabriel didn't want to play in Oregons either...

Dillon Gabriel is a completely different situation. He grew up idolizing Marcus Mariotta. Oregon has a large Polynesian population. The fact that we were even in the mix for him is a testament to Jeff Lebby.

[BankerDog]

I like Arnold more than MVB, but it is close.

This is 100% a trust Lebby situation.

Leb recruited both. He knows his guys. He also knows how the fanbase is tearing him up and pressuring him even when talent was as bare last year.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Dillon Gabriel didn't want to play in Oregons either...

Gabriel was different. His childhood idol was Marcus Mariota and his dream was to follow in Mariota’s footsteps and be the Oregon QB. We were the highest offer in that deal. If it was not for how much he revered and idolized Marcus, he would have been a Bulldog. You have to remember, Mariota was really the first QB to make it off the islands and have sustained success. Hell that is how UCF got Gabriel. They had Frost and he had recruited Marcus at Oregon and then Mackenzie Milton at UCF so that peaked Gabriel’s interest and then Lebby and Heupel brought it home.

Jackson Arnold has none of that. He and Lebby have had a relationship since he was a Sophomore, Jackson would have been at OM had Lebby still been there.

[KB21]

I'm curious to see if Nic Anderson follows him.

[msstate7]

Arnold isn't interested in playing in ND's offense.

I hope you're right, but as long as a playoff team is talking to him, I won't be confident. I've saw this show before esp when the kid isn't from Mississippi.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I hope you're right, but as long as a playoff team is talking to him, I won't be confident. I've saw this show before esp when the kid isn't from Mississippi.

And that's ok. But as I have tried to tell everyone since September, this is different. The relationship that not only Jeff and Jackson have, but also the relationship Jeff has with Todd and Sharon(his parents). They want him around Jeff and Staley. They look at Jeff as a second father to Jackson. The hours that Jeff spent recruiting Jackson paid off. And it will pay off here as well.

He tried to follow Jeff to State last year, but they decided to give Oklahoma a chance with all they were offering.

[StarkVegasSteve]

DT Sheffield has been offered. I would expect us to pursue heavily.

[Goldendawg]

Another portal entrant, Eric Taylor. I am not lying when I say this, the last two staffs may have been some of the worst talent evaluators we've ever had by a mile.

This and there is little to no "foundation building" in the NIL/Portal world of today. Try to rebuild a team every year with new players from other programs.

[KB21]

Wow! It looks like Bill Belichick has agreed to the North Carolina job pending approval by their AD and Board of Trustees.

[KB21]

DT Sheffield has been offered. I would expect us to pursue heavily.

DT Sheffield and Kevin Coleman together would be like the college version of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle together.

[BigDawg81]

I think that will be a disaster. Belichick has never recruited a day in his life.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I think that will be a disaster. Belichick has never recruited a day in his life.

The plan he has is really good. If UNC will follow it. He's not really recruiting. He's taking the Kiffin and Deion plan and recruiting the portal.

[msstate7]

Wow! It looks like Bill Belichick has agreed to the North Carolina job pending approval by their AD and Board of Trustees.

UNC hates young people

[HoopsDawg]

That happens with every player though. That's why it's called the Bama bump. Look no further than Bray Hubbard(who ended up being a really good player). But he was a low 3 star when he committed to us, he gets a Bama offer and is a mid 4 star the next day.

The Bama bump makes sense. The Steve bump don't.

[StarkVegasSteve]

The Bama bump makes sense. The Steve bump don't.

The point I was trying to make was, and maybe I did a bad job, was that these recruiting evals are not unbiased. Whether it be a Bama bump or a certain network site having a lot of subscribers, there is always going to be bias in these rankings. There is no such thing as unbiased recruiting Rankings because every one of these guys were a fan before they were anything.

[Cowbell]

The plan he has is really good. If UNC will follow it. He's not really recruiting. He's taking the Kiffin and Deion plan and recruiting the portal.

Agreed - people forget that Bilichek is a master at finding value in players under the radar - I mean, college is basically turning into the NFL with no salary cap anyway.

[msstate7]

Agreed - people forget that Bilichek is a master at finding value in players under the radar - I mean, college is basically turning into the NFL with no salary cap anyway.

BB sorta ran the pats off the rails there af the end

[KB21]

Jeff Lebby following several portal WRs on X:

Chase Sowell, WR, East Carolina
Kobe Prentice, WR, Alabama
DT Sheffield, WR, North Texas
Javonnie Gibson, WR, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

[StarkVegasSteve]

Jeff Lebby following several portal WRs on X:

Chase Sowell, WR, East Carolina
Kobe Prentice, WR, Alabama
DT Sheffield, WR, North Texas
Javonnie Gibson, WR, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

As I've stated, I would expect us to heavily pursue Sheffield. I would also expect us to pursue Gibson.

[KB21]

Chris Murray, an Edge from Sam Houston State, has been offered. He and the linebacker we offered from Marshall seem to be close.

[Chuck3124]

Nic Anderson is officially in the portal

[StarkVegasSteve]

Jalil Farooq,WR from OU, in the portal. We will be a player for him.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Travis Shaw from UNC in the portal. He could turn your defense around in a hurry. 5 star out of HS. 6'5 330

[StarkVegasSteve]

Arnold is supposed to visit Auburn on Thursday. We'll see if that visit ends up taking place.

[Chuck3124]

Arnold is supposed to visit Auburn on Thursday. We'll see if that visit ends up taking place.

Are we expecting him to visit us before or after?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Are we expecting him to visit us before or after?

Considering setting one up for the weekend, but could be sooner than that. Possibly tomorrow. If not tomorrow it will be Friday and Saturday.

Also, no one freak out. We knew there was a pretty good chance he would end up visiting there.

[HoopsDawg]

The point I was trying to make was, and maybe I did a bad job, was that these recruiting evals are not unbiased. Whether it be a Bama bump or a certain network site having a lot of subscribers, there is always going to be bias in these rankings. There is no such thing as unbiased recruiting Rankings because every one of these guys were a fan before they were anything.

Rankings started to mean less when they did away with 2 stars.

[bulldawg28]

Considering setting one up for the weekend, but could be sooner than that. Possibly tomorrow. If not tomorrow it will be Friday and Saturday.

Also, no one freak out. We knew there was a pretty good chance he would end up visiting there.

You don't visit unless you're interested. Auburn and their weapons along with money is a legitimate situation.

[Chuck3124]

Considering setting one up for the weekend, but could be sooner than that. Possibly tomorrow. If not tomorrow it will be Friday and Saturday.

Also, no one freak out. We knew there was a pretty good chance he would end up visiting there.

You still feel good about us landing Arnold?

[StarkVegasSteve]

You don't visit unless you're interested. Auburn and their weapons along with money is a legitimate situation.

It is a legitimate situation. But we've got it handled. They're throwing an astronomical amount of money at him. Hell they're paying him to visit.

[DEDawg]

Arnold is supposed to visit Auburn on Thursday. We'll see if that visit ends up taking place.

Man I wanna believe you but I?ve been burned way too many times on this and with it being Freeze and Auburn I just can?t have hope. The Cam thing will never leave me and what Freeze did to us while at Ole Miss in recruiting. I?m at like 40% we get him but I would love to be wrong

[StarkVegasSteve]

You still feel good about us landing Arnold?

Yes. Auburn is paying him to visit. He'd be stupid to not take the money and then come to State.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Man I wanna believe you but I?ve been burned way too many times on this and with it being Freeze and Auburn I just can?t have hope. The Cam thing will never leave me and what Freeze did to us while at Ole Miss in recruiting. I?m at like 40% we get him but I would love to be wrong

I could go into a ton of reasons why we will get him, but it boils down to this: Lebby has a relationship with Arnold and the family. Hugh does not.

[DEDawg]

I could go into a ton of reasons why we will get him, but it boils down to this: Lebby has a relationship with Arnold and the family. Hugh does not.

I know I know but that was the same with Dan and Cam from the Florida days. Eerily similar situation

[ZedFedder]

I am probably in the minority on this, but I really enjoy transfer portal season.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I am probably in the minority on this, but I really enjoy transfer portal season.

Oh I love it. It's free agency every year.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I know I know but that was the same with Dan and Cam from the Florida days. Eerily similar situation

It's not though. Jackson's dad is very well off and not a minister with his hand out.

[Brobi-wan]

You don't visit unless you're interested. Auburn and their weapons along with money is a legitimate situation.

Hugh isn?t offering hookers anymore. I doubt some cash and a baptism is enough to get him in that ugly navy and orange.

[DEDawg]

I am probably in the minority on this, but I really enjoy transfer portal season.

Yeah it?s really fun as long as we have the money to compete. I think it?s the opposite of the doom and gloom crowd, if we can keep funding respectable this is MSUs best shot at being relevant.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Marshall LB Landyn Watson and Sam Houston St EDGE Chris Murray are both visiting tomorrow. Both originally signed with TCU out of HS. Seems like they are a package deal and I'd expect to close them both tomorrow.

Also a possibility we hear some good news on Jahron Manning in the next 24 hours.

[HoopsDawg]

Yes. Auburn is paying him to visit. He'd be stupid to not take the money and then come to State.

Fckin Hugh Freeze and AU.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Shapen is coming back at a discount so we have QB2 in the fold.

[TrapGame]

Yeah, I don't like the look of him visiting Auburn when he is supposed to be "locked in" with Lebby.

Just ****ing announce you're going to Mississippi State and let it end.

I don't like this. I got a bad feeling this is about to go to shit.

[Really Clark?]

Shapen is coming back at a discount so we have QB2 in the fold.

Good, glad they let him know this soon he was cleared for another year. Get Arnold in and let's roll with the QB room.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yeah, I don't like the look of him visiting Auburn when he is supposed to be "locked in" with Lebby.

Just ****ing announce you're going to Mississippi State and let it end.

I don't like this. I got a bad feeling this is about to go to shit.

I mean why would he not pick up a 25K check. It also is going to make us look better when Lebby whips the ass of the Reverend for a QB.

[TrapGame]

I mean why would he not pick up a 25K check. It also is going to make us look better when Lebby whips the ass of the Reverend for a QB.

25k just to visit?!!

Hell, I wouldn't turn that down either.

[StarkVegasSteve]

25k just to visit?!!

Hell, I wouldn't turn that down either.

It is perception for Auburn. They want Salter to think they have other options so he does not believe he has them bent over a barrel and can command well over market. They pay for visits just like OM did under Freeze.

[TrapGame]

It is perception for Auburn. They want Salter to think they have other options so he does not believe he has them bent over a barrel and can command well over market. They pay for visits just like OM did under Freeze.

So Freeze knows the chances of getting Arnold are pretty much zero but he's making a power move to get Salter's attention?

Sounds like a Freeze move.

[Todd4State]

Yes. Auburn is paying him to visit. He'd be stupid to not take the money and then come to State.

Can we pay him to not visit Auburn?

[DEDawg]

Can we pay him to not visit Auburn?

For real I?d throw 30k on top of his NIL not to visit and commit today lol