By Mark Pszonak
With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the Mississippi State Bulldogs
The skinny: Over the last five years the Bulldogs have experienced a coaching carousel that they hope will finally stop with the hiring of Jeff Lebby. The former Oklahoma offensive coordinator arrives in Starkville hoping to rejuvenate a Bulldogs’ offense that has sputtered recently. This has led to a complete overhaul of the unit through the portal, including bringing in a new quarterback, wide receivers and several offensive linemen. How quickly all of these new players adjust to their new environment will go a long way in determining Mississippi State’s success level this season.
Total # entries into portal: 35
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 27
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 1
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Key losses: QB Will Rogers (Washington), WR Zavion Thomas (LSU), DB DeCarlos Nicholson (USC), RB JoQuavious Marks (USC), OL Percy Lewis (Auburn), DB Decamerion Richardson (Ole Miss)
Key additions: QB Blake Shapen (Baylor), OL Makylan Pounders (Memphis), OL Marlon Martainez (LSU), OL Ethan Miner (North Texas), WR Kelly Akharaiyi (UTEP), DB DeAgo Brumfield (Memphis), LB Stone Blanton (South Carolina), WR Kevin Coleman (Louisville), TE Justin Ball (Vanderbilt)
Final thoughts: Even with all the new additions on offense, early results have been very positive in Starkville. That starts with the play of QB Blake Shapen, who completed 18 of 22 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns during the spring game after impressing since his winter arrival. He has quickly developed a connection with WR Kelly Akharaiyi, WR Kevin Coleman and TE Justin Ball, giving the Bulldogs a potentially exciting passing attack. For the passing game to be successful though, Mississippi State had to improve their offensive line. Makylan Pounders has been the most promising addition so far, but Marlon Martinez and Ethan Miner should also be key contributors.
