Why Jeff Lebby said Mississippi State would sign a QB out of transfer portal
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CHARLOTTE, NC — Mississippi State football coach Jeff Lebby said the team is planning to add a quarterback from the transfer portal.
“We are going to go sign a guy in the portal,” he said. “Very hopeful that gets wrapped up here in the next three or four days. Feel really good about where we’re at with a specific guy. Excited about him being on campus.”
The transfer portal opened Jan. 2, the same day as MSU’s 43-29 loss to Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The window is open until Jan. 16 and there is no spring transfer portal.
While Lebby didn’t provide more details on who that quarterback could be, it makes sense for the Bulldogs (5-8) to possibly bring in a veteran backup.
Kamario Taylor will be MSU’s starter next season as a sophomore. He made his second career start in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Although he was carted off the field with 1:52 remaining with a leg injury, the initial reports indicated Taylor avoided a major injury.
MSU could use someone to back up Taylor and mentor him.
Blake Shapen, who started the first 11 games of the season, is out of eligibility. Sophomore Luke Kromenhoek is transferring despite playing in the bowl game three times after Taylor’s multiple injuries.
Brodie McWhorter is a three-star signee in the 2026 recruiting class. Otherwise, walk-on Parker Puckett is the only other quarterback and will be a sophomore next season.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football targeting QB transfer for 2026 roster
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