Mississippi State football continues its lengthy quest to rebuild through the transfer portal. They've put together a good portal class so far, and now, they're taking a talented piece directly from their biggest rivals.
Former Ole Miss wide receiver Ayden Williams commits to Mississippi State out of transfer portal
Wide receiver has been a major position of need for Mississippi State out of the transfer portal, and now, they're adding a wideout who began his career at their in-state rival. Former Ole Miss wide receiver Ayden Williams has committed to the Bulldogs.
BREAKING: Ole Miss transfer WR Ayden Williams has Committed to Mississippi State, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 10, 2025
The 6’2 200 WR will have 2 years of eligibility remaining
Was ranked as a Top 85 Recruit in the ‘23 Class (On3 Industry)https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/v35Va2e7EB
Ayden Williams was a big time recruit in the class of 2023. The Ridgeland, MS native was ranked as the second-best prospect in the state of Mississippi and the nation's #82 player with a 94.69 rating according to On3. He's highly regarded as a skilled route runner who's fantastic off the line.
Williams saw limited opportunities with the Rebels. In two seasons in Oxford he recorded seven catches for 119 yards. But that production is not at all due to a lack of talent. Ole Miss has had a crowded wide receiver room over the past few years with some outstanding pass-catchers leading the way.
At Mississippi State, however, there's a major need for WRs. Williams immediately becomes to most talented pass-catcher on the roster, and given the similarities between the Ole Miss and MSU offensive schemes, it should be a smooth transition. State needs someone to step up in that room, and if Williams can live up to his potential, he could blossom in Starkville.
Mississippi State still may not be done adding wide receivers out of the transfer portal
With the commitment of Ayden Williams, Mississippi State has now added five WRs through the portal, but there aren't done looking for potential candidates to join the room. The Bulldogs lost eight WRs to either the portal or graduation, and a ninth in Braylon Burnside appears to be moving to defense.
That's a lot of bodies to replace, and though they do have four true freshmen coming in, they need experienced players who can step in right away to help lead the turnaround. Plus, they're still looking for a true slot receiver who can fill the massive hole left by Kevin Coleman.
If the right transfer wants to come to State, you'll see another WR added in this class. But in the meantime, adding Ayden Williams gives the Bulldogs a high level talent they were previously lacking in the class. He's a major addition to the roster.