Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. hit the switch portal after one season in Starkville, igniting one other probably string of dominoes on the faculty QB carousel.
The true freshman began eight video games for the Bulldogs in 2024, taking up as QB1 when starter Blake Shapen was injured, together with a 300-yard effort with three TD passes in a 41-31 loss to Georgia.
“My household and I are eternally grateful to teach (Jeff) Lebby, the workers, my teammates, the executive staff and the professors for his or her contributions to my progress as a person,” Van Buren posted on social media. “For the previous yr, we now have labored arm in arm to generate some memorable moments in coach Lebby’s first yr, and I’m assured there may be extra greatness to come back from this system.”
Shapen mentioned Monday he plans to return to Mississippi State subsequent season.
Nonetheless, he might quickly have important competitors for the beginning job.
Mississippi State is reportedly closely pursuing quarterbacks within the switch portal and was on the checklist of deliberate visits by Oklahoma switch Jackson Arnold, in keeping with studies.
The Bulldogs have been 2-10 in Lebby’s first season and Van Buren handed for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions with 5 dashing touchdowns.
Lebby was beforehand offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma and recruited Arnold. He coached Arnold in 2023, the primary of the quarterback’s two seasons in Norman, when Dillon Gabriel — the present Oregon starter — was forward of Norman on the depth chart.
In Might 2023, Van Buren dedicated to Dan Lanning and Oregon forward of his two different finalists, Penn State and Maryland.
However when Lebby left Oklahoma to take over at Mississippi State, the dominoes dropped on this order: Van Buren decommitted from the Geese and signed with Mississippi State; Gabriel transferred from Oklahoma to Oregon; and Arnold was promoted to the beginning job with the Sooners.
Luke Moga, a four-star recruit within the 2024 class, held to his dedication to Oregon and stays with the Geese coming into the postseason.
–Discipline Degree Media