Key Points:
- Rivals’ recruiting expert predicts four-star offensive tackle Bryson Cooley to flip from LSU to Mississippi State.
- Cooley is ranked as the No. 31 offensive tackle and No. 388 overall prospect nationally.
- A commitment from Cooley would elevate Mississippi State’s 2026 class, currently ranked No. 53 in the nation.
After going just 2-10 in 2024, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are turning things around. Throughout the first nine games, they’re 5-4 and 1-4 in SEC games, meaning head coach Jeff Lebby is seeing improvement in his second season.
Of course, it’s not easy competing in the SEC, but one way the Bulldogs are looking to keep the program trending up is through high school recruiting. Most of the top players in the 2026 cycle have already committed, meaning Lebby and his staff are on the hunt for flips.
One player they’re keeping a close eye on is offensive tackle Bryson Cooley, who has been committed to the LSU Tigers since July 4. However, following the firing of Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, several recruits have made it clear they’re keeping their options open.
According to Rivals’ Paul Jones, Cooley was one of several recruits scheduled to be on campus to watch Mississippi State’s Week 9 clash against the Texas Longhorns. Rivals Industry Rankings place him as a four-star prospect, the No. 31 offensive tackle and the No. 388 player in the nation.
Despite losing 45-38 in overtime, the Bulldogs made a strong impression. It may have been enough to sway him from LSU, because on Tuesday, Rivals’ vice president of recruiting logged an expert prediction for Cooley to flip to Mississippi State.
Mississippi State’s 2026 Recruiting Cycle
The Bulldogs have failed to attract as many high-level recruits as their other conference opponents. Their 2026 recruiting class has 22 commitments, ranking No. 15 in the SEC and No. 53 nationally.
Mississippi State’s only four-star recruit is tight end Zaylon Cotton. That’s the third-least of any SEC team, only above the Vanderbilt Commodores and Arkansas Razorbacks, who each have zero.
Adding a player like Cooley, though, would be a major boost. A flip means he would be the Bulldogs’ second offensive tackle commit, joining three-star Dalton Toothman.
With the Bulldogs close to securing their first bowl game appearance since 2022, Lebby has the program heading in a positive direction. Bringing in talented players and even flipping them from fellow SEC programs would be a positive sign.