Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. entered the transfer portal after just one season in Starkville, potentially triggering more shifts in the college quarterback market.
The true freshman started eight games for the Bulldogs in 2024, stepping in as QB1 after Blake Shapen was injured. He notably threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-31 loss to Georgia.
“My family and I are deeply grateful to coach (Jeff) Lebby, the staff, my teammates, the administrative team, and the professors for helping me grow as a person,” Van Buren wrote on social media. “Over the past year, we’ve worked together to create memorable moments in coach Lebby’s first season, and I believe the program has even more success ahead.”
Shapen confirmed Monday that he plans to return to Mississippi State next season, but he could face significant competition for the starting role.
The Bulldogs are reportedly making a strong push for quarterbacks in the transfer portal and were on the list of schools Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold planned to visit.
Mississippi State finished 2-10 in Lebby’s first season, with Van Buren passing for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, along with five rushing touchdowns.
Lebby, who was previously Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, recruited Arnold and coached him in 2023, his first season at Oklahoma when Dillon Gabriel was the starting quarterback.
Van Buren originally committed to Oregon in May 2023, choosing the Ducks over finalists Penn State and Maryland. However, when Lebby left Oklahoma for Mississippi State, the following chain of events occurred: Van Buren decommitted from Oregon and signed with Mississippi State; Gabriel transferred to Oregon from Oklahoma; and Arnold became the starting quarterback for the Sooners.
Luke Moga, a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, honored his commitment to Oregon and remains with the Ducks as they head into the postseason.
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