Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. has hit the transfer gate after one season in Starkville, raising the possibility of another domino falling on the college QB merry-go-round.
The true freshman started eight games for the Bulldogs in 2024, took over as QB1 when starter Blake Shapen was injured, and rushed for 300 yards and three TD passes in a 41-31 loss to Georgia. He was active in recording.
“My family and I are forever grateful to Coach (Jeff) Levy, his staff, teammates, administrative team, and faculty for contributing to my growth as an individual,” Van Buren posted on social media. did. “Over the past year, we have worked together to create some memorable moments in Coach Levy’s first year, and I am confident that even more greatness will come from this program.”
Chapen said Monday he plans to return to Mississippi State next season.
However, he could soon face significant competition for the early job.
Mississippi State is reportedly making a strong push to acquire a quarterback in the transfer portal, and Jackson-Arnold, a transfer from Oklahoma, was on the list to visit.
In Levy’s first season, the Bulldogs went 2-10, with Van Buren passing for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and five rushing touchdowns.
Levy previously served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma and scouted Arnold. He coached Arnold in 2023, the first of his two seasons in Norman, when current Oregon State starter Dillon Gabriel was ahead of Norman in depth.
In May 2023, Van Buren committed to Dan Lanning and Oregon State ahead of the other two finalists, Penn State and Maryland.
But when Levy left Oklahoma State to take the position at Mississippi State, the dominoes fell in the following order: Van Buren leaves the Ducks and signs with Mississippi State University. Gabriel transferred from Oklahoma State to Oregon State. And Arnold was promoted to the Sooners’ starting job.
Luke Moga, a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, remains committed to Oregon State and will remain with the Ducks well into the postseason.
–Field level media
