Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby. Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mississippi State lands four-star OT over SEC rivals

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 10:17 PM ET

Emanuel Tucker is one of the top 2026 offensive tackle prospects in the 2026 class. That's great news for Mississippi State, because the 6-foot-45, 290-pound product of New Albany, Mississippi, has decided to stay in-state to play college football with the Bulldogs.

Tucker announced his decision on social media on Tuesday.

Hail State! @Coach_Leb pic.twitter.com/KbdgpdZBoQ
— Emanuel Tucker (@EmanuelTucker7) February 18, 2025

Not only is Tucker big, but he's a big-time recruit for the Bulldogs. According to 247Sports, he's the No. 17 offensive tackle in the 2026 class.

This is also a big recruiting win for head coach Jeff Lebby as he heads into an all-important second season in Starkville after going 2-12 (0-8 SEC) in his inaugural season.

Bringing in big-time talent on the recruiting trail and landing important wins is a must for Lebby if he wants to grow the Bulldogs back into a contender, and he and his staff landed Tucker over LSU and Tennessee.

“I love their staff, it’s just like family,” Tucker told On3’s Chad Simmons, which is a statement that is undoubtedly a feather in Lebby's cap.

Tucker is Mississippi State's seventh 2026 commitment, and he's the highest-ranked recruit in the Bulldogs' class.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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