Mississippi Rebels' transfer portal pickups could spark major QB battle

Mississippi landed former Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders, ESPN senior writer Chris Low tweeted Thursday, setting up what could be a fierce QB battle for the Rebels. The transfer portal pickup came a day after former LSU QB quarterback Walker Howard committed to Mississippi.

Sanders, a former four-star commit, started for four years with Oklahoma State. He placed second in school history in passing yards with 9,553. The 6-foot-1-inch quarterback tacked on 67 touchdown passes.

Howard, a former four-star commitment from Lafayette, La., chose LSU over offers from Notre Dame, Alabama, Arkansas, Penn State and Texas A&M. 

However, the 6-foot-1 QB didn't play much behind Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniel and 2021 commitment Garrett Nussmeier. Howard played briefly in Tigers' blowout win over Purdue in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. 

Other high-profile coaches are reaping the benefits of the transfer portal.

Per On3.com, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reportedly is in good position to land tight end Arik Gilbert from Georgia after landing several other high-profile commitments from SEC schools.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has assembled one of the best commitment classes in the country, per 247Sports, despite never having coached in the Power Five.

Sanders recently landed Cormani McClain, a five-star cornerback.