Mississippi State Reloads Through the Transfer Portal: 24 New Faces, SEC Heavy
Mississippi State has wrapped up its work in the 2026 transfer portal cycle, and if there’s a theme to this haul, it’s experience and speed-with a heavy dose of SEC pedigree. The Bulldogs brought in 24 new players, 20 of whom come from Power Four programs, including 10 with SEC roots. For a team looking to quickly elevate its depth and talent under a new staff, this class checks a lot of boxes.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s coming to Starkville and what they bring to the table.
Quarterback: Veteran Depth Behind the Future
- AJ Swann - Appalachian State (via Vanderbilt)
- Jaden Rashada - Sacramento State
Kamario Taylor is the guy moving forward, but Mississippi State needed insurance and competition in the quarterback room-and they got it. AJ Swann brings SEC experience from his time at Vanderbilt before transferring to App State.
He’s started games in hostile environments and knows how to manage an offense. Rashada, once a high-profile recruit, hasn’t quite found his groove yet, but the raw tools are still there.
He’s a developmental piece with upside, and together, they give the Bulldogs solid depth behind Taylor.
Running Back: Standing Pat
No additions here, which says a lot about how the staff feels about the current room. It’s a vote of confidence in the backs already on campus.
Wide Receiver: Speed, Speed, and More Speed
- Marquis Johnson - Missouri
- Zion Ragins - Oklahoma
Jeff Lebby wants burners on the outside, and he’s added two of the fastest guys available. Johnson clocked a verified 4.29 in the 40 and was a legitimate deep threat at Missouri, racking up over 1,000 career receiving yards.
Ragins, who ran a 10.4 in the 100 meters back in high school, brings track-star speed to the slot. Expect one of them to slide into the Brenen Thompson role-stretching defenses and opening up space underneath.
Tight End: Size and Experience
- Riley Williams - Oregon State
At 6-foot-5, 273 pounds, Williams is a big target and a willing blocker-two things this offense needs. A former 4-star recruit who started at Miami, he’s played in 23 career games and brings a mix of physicality and experience to a tight end room that needs contributors right away.
Offensive Line: A Full Reload
- DJ Chester (G/C) - LSU
- Brandon Sneh (T) - UAB
- Miles McVay (T) - North Carolina
- **Mario Nash Jr.
(T) - Florida State**
- Tyler Miller (T) - LSU
- LJ Prudhomme (G) - Arkansas
- Ja’Elyne Matthews (T) - Florida State
- Isaiah Dent (T) - Oklahoma
Eight new linemen join the fold, and this group is a blend of plug-and-play experience and long-term potential. Chester, Sneh, McVay, and Prudhomme are expected to push for starting jobs immediately.
That’s crucial for a unit that needs to protect a young quarterback and open up lanes in the run game. Several of these guys come from major programs, and that kind of battle-tested experience is invaluable in the SEC.
Defensive Line / Edge: Reinforcements Up Front
- Dealyn Evans (DT) - Texas A&M
- Jayson Jenkins (Edge) - Florida State
- Gus Cordova (Edge) - USC
- Amaree Williams (Edge) - Florida State
The defensive front got a serious injection of talent. Evans was a rotational piece at Texas A&M but was trending toward a starting role before hitting the portal.
He’s a big-time get for Mississippi State. Jenkins and Cordova add depth and pass-rushing ability on the edge, and there’s real excitement about what Williams can do at the SAM position.
He flashed at Florida State and could be a difference-maker in this system.
Linebacker: A Quiet but Notable Addition
- Gav Holman - Florida State
Holman may not have a long stat sheet, but he’s a player the staff clearly believes in. He played in two games as a redshirt freshman at FSU, recording three tackles and a pass breakup. He also brings familiarity with new defensive coordinator Zach Arnett, which could help him carve out a role quickly.
Cornerback: Immediate Help and Future Stars
- Quentin Taylor Jr. - Iowa State
- Kaylib Singleton - Syracuse
- Jamroc Grimsley - Florida
Taylor Jr. is the headline here. He started six games for Iowa State last year and led the team in pass breakups.
He’s the frontrunner to start opposite Kelley Jones. Singleton and Grimsley are younger players with high ceilings-guys who might not start right away but should contribute and develop into key pieces in the secondary.
Safety: Plug-and-Play Veterans
- Jardin Gilbert - LSU
- Marcus Williams - Rice
- Kendal Dolby - Oklahoma
This was a position of need after several departures, and the Bulldogs responded with experience. Gilbert and Williams have logged a lot of snaps and bring production to pair with Isaac Smith on the back end.
Dolby has dealt with injuries, but when healthy, he’s been a standout. If he can stay on the field, this trio gives Mississippi State a solid foundation at safety.
Special Teams: No Additions
No new faces here, which suggests confidence in the specialists already on the roster.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi State didn’t just dip into the portal-they dove in headfirst. With 24 additions, including 10 from the SEC, this is a group built to compete right away. There’s a clear emphasis on speed, experience, and physicality, and the Bulldogs addressed needs across the board-from quarterback depth to the trenches on both sides of the ball.
It’s not easy to rebuild on the fly, but this portal class gives Mississippi State a real shot to raise their floor in 2026-and maybe even surprise a few people along the way.