Mississippi State Lands Impact 2026 DB Commit Kolby Barrett

Mississippi State’s recruiting under second-year head coach Jeff Lebby continues to take shape, and Barrett is exactly the type of athlete the staff is targeting. A player who is physical, versatile, and eager to lead.

Ranked No. 99 among safeties and the No. 34 overall player in Tennessee by the 247Sports Composite, Barrett chose the Bulldogs over offers from Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Purdue, Tulane, and SEC-rival Vanderbilt. The early offer from MSU stood out.

“They cut on my film and trusted my ability,” Barrett said. “Coach Barnes has been real with me throughout the whole process.”

Barrett becomes the ninth commit in Mississippi State’s 2026 class and the fourth defensive back. MSU now holds the No. 37 national class and sits 10th in the SEC, according to 247Sports.

Barrett’s decision also comes at a pivotal time. Just two days prior, cornerback Iverson McCoy decommitted from the class. Barrett’s pledge helps stabilize the secondary plans and boosts confidence in the Bulldogs’ future defensive core.

But this is more than just a player addition, Barrett wants to help build something bigger.

“Coach Lebby and I talked about it. We want to get the best 2026 class we can,” he said. “I definitely want to help recruit for that.”

He’ll be in Starkville for visits starting June 13, joining other 2026 prospects as momentum builds. With SEC experience on the horizon and a system that values early playing time, Barrett sees Mississippi State as a platform to shine, and to help lead.

“I just felt like State was the best opportunity for me,” he added. “I think great things are ahead.”