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Mississippi State adds explosive wideout through Transfer Portal

The first commitment of Mississippi State's 2026 Transfer Portal class is a big-play receiving threat.
ByAndrew Miller|
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Sep 20, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Marquis Johnson (2) runs the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Marquis Johnson (2) runs the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Mississippi State football is expected to be aggressive in the Transfer Portal in 2026, and their transfer class got off to a hot start. The Bulldogs first commitment out of the Portal is former Missouri wide receiver Marquis Johnson. The 5-11, 185 wideout is rated as a 92-overall 4-star and the No. 14 WR in the Portal according to 247 Sports. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

A native of Dickinson, TX, Marquis Johnson caught 66 passes for 1,075 yards and six TDs in three seasons at Missouri. A true burner with a reported 4.29 in the 40-yard dash, Johnson's specialty is as a deep threat. In his career with the Tigers, he caught 10 passes that went for at least 40 yards, including half of his TD receptions.

As a freshman in 2023, Johnson was used almost exclusively as a downfield target for Mizzou, catching 13 passes for 383 yards and three scores. He averaged an absurd 29.5 yards per catch. In 2024, Johnson saw his target-share increase with 25 receptions, but with a lower yards per reception, his yardage total decreased to 352. However the 2024 Music City Bowl seemed to be a breakout party for Johnson, who caught seven passes for 122 yards and a score in a win over Iowa.

This past season, Marquis Johnson became a starter and was on pace for the best statistical year of his career. But after the injury to Tigers' QB Beau Pribula, Mizzou's passing game was effectively nonexistent. He posted 28 catches for 340 yards and two scores in 2025.

Marquis Johnson an ideal fit for the Mississippi State offense

Marquis Johnson's overall numbers may not jump off the page, but he's considered a 4-star transfer for a reason. The talent is real. Johnson's speed allows him to consistently win one-on-one downfield. He's great at tracking the ball, elevates well when necessary, and despite lacking a bigger frame, possesses a great catching radius. While he excels at vertical routes, he's more than comfortable working across the middle of the field too.

Jeff Lebby's scheme is the exact type of offense that should maximize Johnson's skillset. CBS Sports' Cooper Petagna believes Johnson can thrive in Starkville in the same way that previous transfers Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans III were able to.

Speaking of Brenen Thompson, Marquis Johnson will likely step into Thompson's role in the offense as State's featured vertical threat. Pairing Johnson with Anthony Evans III gives the Bulldogs an explosive duo in the receiving corps for 2026 similar to what they had between Thompson and Evans III in 2025. State should be in good shape at WR once again next season.

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