Exciting Times in Starkville: Mississippi State Bulldogs on a Roll!
Starkville, Mississippi, is buzzing this week as the Mississippi State Bulldogs make headlines on the NCAA transfer portal stage. It seems like every day has brought a new commitment to the team, and today is no exception! The latest addition to the roster? None other than former Tennessee linebacker Jalen Smith, who made a name for himself during the 2024 season.
A New Chapter for Jalen Smith
Originally hailing from Loganville, Georgia, Smith made a splash at Tennessee, racking up an impressive 34 tackles as he helped the Volunteers reach the FBS playoffs. However, he felt it was time for a change and decided to enter the NCAA portal. After weighing his options and taking official visits to Auburn, Mississippi State, and Virginia Tech, Smith chose to make Starkville his new home.
“Mississippi State is a team that is rebuilding,” Smith shared, clearly excited about the fresh start. “I feel like I want to be a part of that.” Smith also expressed his enthusiasm after speaking with Coach Jeff Lebby, saying, “He told me that I could be a big part of things for them moving forward. I like what I heard from him and Coach Coleman Hutzler. I believe in their plan. Hopefully, once I get there, we can get things changed around. I am excited for sure. I am excited for the change and I am excited for my new home.”
Connections That Matter
One of the key reasons Smith felt drawn to Mississippi State is his prior relationship with Coach Hutzler. The two go way back to Smith’s days as a high school prospect at Grayson High School in Georgia. “We’ve had a lot of interactions before,” Smith noted. “He recruited me before from some of his previous spots. That was a big connection for us. That is a big reason why I chose Mississippi State.” Having that familiarity made his transition feel more comfortable, and it’s always nice to see players go where they know they’ll fit in!
The Charm of Starkville
After his visit to Starkville, Smith couldn’t shake off the charm of the town. “It’s different,” he said with a smile. “Every change is going to be a little bit different. I think it’s a good different. I am excited to be down there in ‘Stark Vegas,’ as they say. I am excited to make it my new home.” It looks like Starkville has won him over with more than just its football program!
Navigating the New Recruiting Landscape
The recruitment process has evolved considerably since Smith first signed with Tennessee. With the emergence of NIL deals and new revenue-sharing models, the landscape can feel like a whirlwind. “This has been the wildest recruitment for me,” he shared with a chuckle. “It was way different from high school. There are a lot of moving pieces. Everything just moves so fast.”
Despite the rapid pace of college football recruitment, Smith is dedicated to helping the Bulldogs’ recruiting effort. “We’re going to see who else is out there and who’s trying to become a Bulldog,” he said, radiating team spirit.
A Warm Welcome to the Bulldogs
While Smith is officially the tenth commitment from the NCAA transfer portal for the 2025 class, he is also the sixth transfer from a Power Four program to join Mississippi State this recruiting cycle. It’s safe to say that the Bulldogs are building something special this season, and fans are excited to witness what these new talents will bring to the field!
As Smith prepares to report next month, one thing is clear: the Bulldogs are on a mission, and with Jalen Smith in the fold, the future looks bright for Mississippi State football.
