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Mississippi State football nabs potential starter in key spot out of transfer portal

The Bulldogs likely just found a starter up front for the fall!
ByAndrew Miller|
Sep 14, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrates with Cavaliers offensive lineman Blake Steen (54) after scoring a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrates with Cavaliers offensive lineman Blake Steen (54) after scoring a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, Mississippi State football landed their first transfer portal commitment of the spring cycle in former Purdue offensive tackle Jaekwon Bouldin. Now the Bulldogs are adding more talent to that position.

Offensive tackle Blake Steen commits to Mississippi State Bulldogs out of transfer portal

It was well established that Mississippi State wanted to add multiple offensive lineman to the roster through the spring portal window, and they've now succeeded in doing so. On Thursday the Bulldogs landed a commitment from former Virginia offensive tackle Blake Steen. The 6-5, 330 lineman started all 12 games at right tackle for the Cavaliers in 2024, allowing just one sack while proving to be a strong run blocker.

An 81-overall 3-star prospect coming out of high school in 2022, Steen didn't see any playing time for the Cavaliers as a freshman. In 2023, he became a part of the offensive line rotation and took over as the starting right tackle for the final five games of the year, the role he continued in 2024.

The Miami, FL native is the younger brother of former Vanderbilt and Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Steen, who currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Like his older brother, Blake Steen was able to improve upon his recruiting profile over his first few years of college ball. He ranks as an 87-overall transfer prospect according to 247 Sports.

Mississippi State's offensive line in a much better place than it was at start of spring

Coming out of spring practices, it felt as though the offensive line was the weak link for the Bulldog roster. The unit did not have a good showing in the spring game and adding more talent through the portal was a necessity.

Jeff Lebby and OL coach Phil Loadholt have done just that. Blake Steen is a good addition who is likely to start for MSU at tackle. Jaekwon Bouldin will most likely be a backup, but he's a quality one. State is now in a position where they should be able to, at a minimum, field a serviceable starting line for 2025 while also having a few capable depth pieces. If the line can be solid, the offense can blossom this fall.

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