Mississippi State strikes out in the Jackson Arnold sweepstakes

Mississippi State football has experienced a roller coaster of emotions through the transfer portal to this point. There have been some crushing losses from the roster, but there have also been some good wins on the portal trail.

One of the biggest battles the Bulldogs had found themselves in was for a coveted quarterback that head coach Jeff Lebby was very familiar with. We now know where that QB is headed...

Mississippi State transfer portal target Jackson Arnold signs with Auburn

Former Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold was viewed as a primary target for Mississippi State since he announced his decision to transfer following the end of the 2024 season. In fact On3's Pete Nakos quickly predicted Arnold, a former Jeff Lebby QB, to land in Starkville. Arnold and Lebby have a strong relationship, and it looked like an ideal fit, especially when Bulldog freshman Michael Van Buren transferred out.

But other reporters didn't feel so strongly. 247 Sports' Matt Zenitz called Auburn the early front-runner to land Arnold (subscription needed). The first visit for Arnold as a transfer was in fact Auburn, and clearly, that visit made an impact.

As of Saturday morning, Jackson Arnold has signed with the Tigers. There was talk he would follow up his visit to the Plains with a trip to his old play-caller in Starkville. That obviously is not happening. Jackson Arnold will be an Auburn Tiger, and Mississippi State must move on.

Where does Mississippi State go from here? Are they still targeting a transfer portal QB?

So what's the plan now for the Bulldogs when it comes to QB? Veteran Blake Shapen and original starter in 2024 has announced his return to Mississippi State after being granted a sixth year of eligibility. You can presume that he will be the starter for the Bulldogs next year.

But State isn't done targeting QBs out of the portal. They need someone to serve as Shapen's backup (true freshman KaMario Taylor isn't quite ready for that) and potentially challenge him for the job. The primary target now appears to be Florida State transfer Luke Kromenhoek. Kromenhoek, an elite prospect in the class of 2024, is leaving the 'Noles after one year. He is now rated as the top QB in the portal, and he actually rates higher than Arnold did.

Kromenhoek is expected to visit Mississippi State this weekend, and many view the Bulldogs as the front runner (without the conflicting reports we saw with Arnold). Landing him would bring a highly talented passer into the room, someone who could not only be a serviceable backup, but potentially be a high-level starter. MSU needs to seal the deal here.