Mississippi State Football Cashes In on Recruiting Hot Streak

After a slow start to the 2026 cycle, Mississippi State finally gained momentum with a nine-commitment weekend that boosted the class to No. 30 nationally, according to 247 Sports. 

Leading the haul is 6’5” WR/TE Zayion Cotton (Grenada, MS), now MSU’s top commit. The 3-star, 89-rated Cotton projects as a versatile flex tight end, a key role in Jeff Lebby’s offense. He’s joined by 3-star receivers Jayden Cration and Zion Crumpton, both explosive vertical threats, and Luke Hutchinson, a more traditional in-line tight end from Nashville.

Defensively, MSU added 3-star DBs Jax Pope and Terrell Johnson Jr., plus front-seven prospects Caleb Triplett, Davon Young, and Micah Nickerson. While some remain unranked, the class now stands at 23 total commits, offering improved depth and potential.

Still, serious concerns linger. Mississippi State has no composite 4-star commits and has failed to gain traction with elite in-state talent. Of the top five prospects in Mississippi, all have committed elsewhere—including 4-star Xavier McDonald, who chose Sacramento State. MSU’s top in-state commit ranks No. 14.

This isn’t an NIL issue—MSU has the resources. The problem is perception. Right now, top-tier recruits aren’t buying in. The offensive group is solid, but the defensive side lacks SEC-level talent. Jeff Lebby and his staff must shift that trend if this class is going to meet expectations.