Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
By Chris Marler
It’s an important offseason for Jeff Lebby and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs took a big step forward in year two going from two to five wins. Here’s a look at how they graded in this year’s transfer portal.
Numbers to Know
Players Gained: 24
Players Lost: 39
247Sports Ranking: No. 35
On3 Ranking: No. 14
𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤.
13th-Ranked Transfer Portal Class 📈 pic.twitter.com/NZcowOX7lG
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) January 26, 2026
Headliner – WR Marquis Johnson (from Missouri)
It was a surprise to many that Johnson left Missouri. With Kevin Coleman’s departure, Johnson was expected to have an increased role in next year’s offense. He finished with 28 catches, 340 yards, and two touchdowns in just eight games last year. The leading receiver for Mississippi State in the first two years of Jeff Lebby’s offense has averaged over 70 receptions. He should see a big uptick in production and targets in a pass friendly offense with one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league.
Freshman Leader in Yards Per Reception last season:
🐯 Marquis Johnson, Missouri: 29.5 YDS pic.twitter.com/eB6xT2RpQT
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 29, 2024
Instant Impact – OL DJ Chester (from LSU)
Chester has not been a great offensive lineman at the SEC level in the past two seasons at LSU. He’s definitely had his struggles, but for a program that lost eight offensive lineman in the portal, he brings a lot of value. Not only is he a veteran presence, he provides a ton of flexibility in the positions he can play. Most of his struggles have come in pass protection, but they’ve also mostly come while playing tackle. Chester is not a tackle. He’s best suited for center or guard, and that’s where he will most likely play in Starkville.
ChillGuyCommitment:
RING THE BELL! DJ Chester has committed to MSU! Chester is a 6-5, 305 lbs. OL from LSU. Chester is a former 4⭐️ prospect. Go follow @DJChester6 Hail State! pic.twitter.com/BmnvrX19Re
— MSU Chill Guy (@MSUChillGuy) January 12, 2026
Biggest Sleeper – TE Riley Williams (from Oregon State)
I don’t know why he ended up at Oregon State, but there’s a ton to like about Williams. A former top 150 recruit from IMG Academy, he saw limited action playing in only two games and catching just one pass for 15 yards. Mississippi State lost three tight ends in the transfer portal this offseason. They have had a tight end catch at least 34 passes in each of the last two seasons. Williams is a big bodied target at 6-foot-5 273 pounds. Expect him to be involved in the offense this year.
Here are some TEs to watch if you need more names.
RJ Maryland, SMU
Justin Joly, NC State
Holden Staes, Indiana
Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Boise State
Dakota Twitty, Virginia
Riley Williams, Oregon State
Jaleel Skinner, Louisville
Eli Raridon, Notre Dameweek 2
Jack Pedersen, UCLA…— Draft Professor (@nfldraftfanatc) June 17, 2025
Grade – B
Any time you lose 39 players, bring in only 24, and still finish with a top 15 class, you have done something right. There’s a lot to like about this class and the way it’s been put together by Lebby and his staff. Of the additions, 19 of those are from the Power Four level, including ten from the SEC. Half of the newcomers are on the offensive and defensive line. Lebby will face increased expectations this season, and he scored a passing grade with this portal class.
More SEC News
