Mississippi State Football: Rising Stars Join 2026 Recruiting Class!

Havana, Florida, USA - The Mississippi State Bulldogs are gearing up for the future amidst the shadows of a challenging previous season. Under the guidance of coach Jeff Lebby, the team faced a tough 2025 campaign, ending with a dismal record of 2-10 and failing to secure a single victory in the SEC. Their only wins came against Eastern Kentucky and UMass, and every SEC loss was by a margin of double digits. The effects of this season have already begun to ripple through the recruitment landscape as the team looks to bounce back in 2026.

According to Clarion Ledger, the first recruiting class under Lebby for 2025 boasted a national ranking of 28th, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. The excitement for the 2026 class, however, is starting to build. The Bulldogs have already secured commitments from several promising recruits, highlighting their potential for a brighter future.

2026 Commitments

So far, Mississippi State has brought in a diverse crop of talent for their 2026 recruiting class:

• Brodie McWhorter – Quarterback, ranked No. 523 nationally.
• Jakobe Green – Offensive lineman from Florida, ranked No. 569.
• Jaiden Taylor – Athlete from Mississippi, ranked No. 595.
• Camden Capehart – Wide receiver, ranked No. 658.
• Jaeden Hill – Running back, ranked No. 715.
• Kaleb Morris – Defensive lineman, ranked No. 923.
• Camron Brown – Cornerback, ranked No. 1,097.
• Kolby Barrett – Safety, ranked No. 1,153.
• Antavius Willis – Safety, yet to be ranked.

Each of these incoming players adds a unique skill set to the Bulldogs, paving the way for an exciting season ahead.

Positive Takes on Solitude

One recruit, Evan Goodwin, a 4-star offensive lineman standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 320 pounds, is weighing his options between Mississippi State and other programs like Oklahoma State and Missouri. Goodwin, who recently transferred to Bauxite from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, is now ranked as the No. 200 overall prospect for 2026. Speaking with Sports Illustrated, he opened up about his experiences during the recruitment process, praising Mississippi State’s offensive line coach, Phil Loadholt. Goodwin values the strong relationship he has built with Loadholt, who brings NFL experience to the table following his draft by the Minnesota Vikings in 2009.

Goodwin is particularly drawn to Starkville’s charm; he appreciates its hospitality and the community vibe that resonates with him. Despite the Bulldogs‘ recent struggles, he sees a potential turnaround under Jeff Lebby, voicing his belief in the direction the program is heading. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of education and career opportunities in his decision-making process regarding college football.

As things stand, the Bulldogs are clearly on a path toward improvement. With their commitment from talented recruits and the strategic leadership of Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State may well be on the brink of a resurgence. As they continue to build their roster, fans remain hopeful for a turnaround season in the near future.