Mississippi State football has seen a handful of notable contributors from the 2024 season hit the transfer portal over the last two weeks. Now one of the biggest names from that group has announced where he's heading, and he's off to join a familiar foe.
Former Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren lands at LSU out of transfer portal
When former Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren hit the transfer portal, it was fairly assumed that he would have an impressive list of potential suitors. Sure enough, Van Buren will be transferring to a traditional power in the SEC. The one-time Bulldog has committed to the LSU Tigers and coach Brian Kelly.
BREAKING: Mississippi State True Freshman transfer QB Michael Van Buren has Committed to LSU, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 15, 2024
The 6’0 200 QB totaled 1,886 Yards & 11 TDs this season (9 games)
Will have 3 years of eligibility remaining
“Geaux Tigers”https://t.co/HtCFSHXKo7 pic.twitter.com/uVdFwBQPIi
Michael Van Buren started eight games for Mississippi State as a true freshman in the 2024 season, stepping in after original starter Blake Shapen went down for the season in the fourth game of the year. He would complete 54.7% of his passes for 1886 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions to go along with five rushing scores.
The Bulldogs' only win during Van Buren's run as a starter came against UMass, but he put together several impressive performances, keeping State competitive with strong competition. His best game came in a 41-31 loss at Georgia, in which he threw for 306 yards and three scores. Van Buren announced his decision to transfer on December 10.
LSU is not the transfer portal landing spot many would've expected for Michael Van Buren
Michael Van Buren choosing the Tigers comes as somewhat of a surprise. Yes, he was expected to have good programs after him. But you would have thought he'd have chosen a destination where he would start in 2025. LSU starting QB Garrett Nussmeier has already announced his return to Baton Rouge for next season, and that job will again be his.
Van Buren going to LSU means he's on the bench next season, unless of course Nussmeier goes down. But obviously immediate playing time isn't the only factor. NIL played a big role in Van Buren's decision to leave Starkville, so you would certainly imagine that LSU met his demands. Also, the QB room post-Nussmeier is murky in Baton Rouge. He is the clear top option to step in once Nussmeier leaves while State has elite true freshman KaMario Taylor in the room.
While I still would've thought Michael Van Buren would've chosen a program in need of a starter for 2025, being next in line at LSU (and being compensated well for it) is by no means a bad place to be. Either way, Mississippi State fans are likely to see plenty of Michael Van Buren going forward.