Lebby, Mississippi State steal big-time OT recruit from Sanders

Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State steal big-time OT recruit from Deion Sanders

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Nov 9, 2026 7:52 PM ET

Jeff Lebby has done a great job of building the Mississippi State Bulldogs into a formidable SEC team in his third year with the program.

That, of course, feels a bit funny with the Bulldogs riding a five-game losing streak. They're currently 4-5 and ranked near the bottom of the SEC.

Earlier this season, this was a team that was ranked as high as No. 16 in the AP poll, though. Before quarterback Kamario Taylor was shut down because of a turf toe injury, Lebby's team was one of the better stories in the country.

Lebby's long-term prospects in Starkville have certainly improved because of the way his team looked earlier this season. He also just picked up a massive win on the recruiting trail over Deion Sanders, and that type of recruiting win can be a game-changer.

On Monday, four-star offensive tackle Li'Marcus Jones flipped his commitment from Colorado to Mississippi State.

Jones had been committed to Colorado since May.

I want to start by thanking the University of Colorado, Coach Prime, the entire coaching staff, and everyone who has supported me during my time committed to Boulder. After a lot of prayer, conversations with my family, and careful consideration, I have decided to go back home pic.twitter.com/NqSKAsJBfE
— Li'Marcus “BUG” Jones (@limarcusjones74) November 9, 2026

So what changed for the four-star?

Jeff Lebby deserves credit for flipping four-star OT Li'Marcus Jones

He took an official visit to Mississippi State in June, even after his commitment to Colorado. In fact, the Bulldogs kept recruiting him despite to commitment to "Coach Prime" and the Buffs.

“Mississippi State never gave up on me,” Jones told Rivals. “They stayed consistent throughout the whole process and continued showing me that they really wanted me to be a part of their program. Even after I committed to Colorado, they never changed how they approached me."

Jones transferred from a high school in Jackson, Mississippi, to the prestigious Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee, for his senior season of football.

Flipping to Mississippi State gives him a chance to head back home to play college ball. This decision was as much about Lebby and the Bulldogs' staff, though.

“I love Coach Lebby’s energy, his vision, and the way he believes in his players,” Jones said. “He’s a coach who knows what he wants and has a plan for getting there. I definitely believe he can do big things at Mississippi State. I believe in his vision, and I’m excited about the direction the program is headed.”

This is a big flip for Mississippi State, without a doubt.

Checking in at 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Jones is ranked as the No. 29 offensive tackle in the class of 2027, according to 247Sports. Out of 17 commitments, he's the Bulldogs' second-highest-ranked recruit.

Andrew Kulha

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

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