Mississippi State lands talented defensive back out of transfer portal

Mississippi State football has found itself in desperate need of good news regarding the transfer portal, and luckily, they got some on Wednesday. The Bulldogs landed a talented piece for the backend of their defense.

Former Old Dominion safety Jahron Manning commits to Mississippi State out of transfer portal

Mississippi State picked up a big time commitment for its defense on Tuesday. Former Old Dominion safety Jahron Manning announced his decision to head to Starkville for 2025. On3's transfer portal rating grades Manning as a 4-star 90-overall transfer prospect.

Manning had a huge season for the Monarchs in 2024. He racked up 85 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, three passes broken up, and three interceptions. PFF College gave him a 90.4 coverage grade, which was the best amongst safeties in the Sun Belt. He was named 3rd Team All-Sun Belt this season.

Manning, a New Orleans native and product of Copiah-Lincoln CC, wrapped-up a visit Mississippi State on Wednesday, and clearly, he was sold on what Jeff Lebby and DC Coleman Hutzler presented him in Starkville. Rather than taking any further visits, he chose to be a Bulldog. Manning also held offers from Houston, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.

Mississippi State's safeties room is looking strong for the 2025 season

Mississippi State needed to do a lot of work in the transfer portal on the defensive side of the ball after an abysmal 2024 season, and they've gone hard at several defenders in the portal. Jahron Manning was amongst those, and he's a really nice pickup for the Bulldogs.

With Manning in the fold, State is looking strong at safety for 2025. Isaac Smith returns after leading the SEC in tackles, and JUCO transfer and former Alabama safety Tony Mitchell likely starts right away next season. Manning will likely be a starter too, and that trio puts the Bulldogs in a good spot when it comes to the backend of the defense.