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Mississippi State adds another edge rusher out of the transfer portal

Doing a better job of pressuring QBs is obviously a priority for Mississippi State.

ByAndrew Miller|
Nov 11, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet on the sideline during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet on the sideline during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Mississippi State football's offseason roster overhaul continues. State needs a lot of new faces to join the team who can help right away, especially on defense. On Friday, the Bulldogs brought another important piece into the fold for their defense.

Northern Illinois edge rusher Nevaeh Sanders commits to Mississippi State out of the transfer portal

Mississippi State added another pass rusher to its transfer class. Former Northern Illinois defensive end Nevaeh Sanders has committed to the Bulldogs following a visit to Starkville.

Nevaeh Sanders was a situational pass rusher for Northern Illinois. At 6-4, 220, he's a bit light to be an every down player on the edge. But in pass rush situations, he performed well. Sanders recorded 4.5 sacks for the Huskies in 2024. Some advanced analytics graded him as one of the more successful pass rushers in the country in the opportunities he got.

Sanders will likely play the same role at Mississippi State. He's not going to be a starting defensive end or outside linebacker for the Bulldogs, but he's someone that you'll likely see come in the game on passing downs to pin his ears back and get after the QB, something he does very well.

Getting more pass rushers out of the transfer portal is a clear priority for Mississippi State

After totaling just 10.0 sacks as a team in 2024, Mississippi State football has to find any possible way to get better at pressuring QBs next season. And it's clear that Jeff Lebby and Coleman Hutzler are working to resolve that issue through the transfer portal.

Former NC State defensive end Red Hibbler was a big addition whose best attribute is pass rushing. The same now applies for Nevaeh Sanders. Those are two players who should be big helps in generating pressure in 2025. And they won't be the only ones. State is going to continue trying to add pass rushers to this team over the next few weeks.

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