3 things I know, 3 things I think I know

It’s Friday so that means another round of ‘3 Things I Know, 3 Things I Think I Know’.

It’s simply what the title says – ‘3 Things I Know, 3 Things I Think I Know’. Today we look at several 2025 targets for Mississippi State football and basketball along with transfer targets in football and basketball:

3 Things I Know

I know that Mississippi State still has one spot left to fill on the 2024 roster and the remaining priority is finding a transfer cornerback, which is nothing new. Earlier this week Mississippi State hosted former Indiana transfer cornerback Kobee Minor for an official visit and last weekend, the Bulldogs hosted former West Virginia cornerback Montre Miller for an official visit, as well. Earlier this week from the transfer portal, State added Illinois defensive lineman Anthony Johnson to the roster.

It was a surprise to most that Minor left his State visit without committing and sources have noted that SMU is also recruiting Minor. At last check, it was not clear if Minor would officially visit SMU in the near future and so far, Mississippi State has been Minor’s only official visit. Miller has taken an official visit to UAB since his Bulldog visit and at some point soon, we should get a little more clarity where both of those guys will land.

I know that Mississippi State’s basketball program is also focused on finding a transfer center to go along with previous additions from the transfer portal. The main names mentioned on that board include Vanderbilt transfer Ven-Allen Lubin and Kentucky transfer Ugonna Onyenso. The Bulldogs were also showing some interest in former Utah center Keba Keita before Keita committed to BYU earlier this week.

So far Mississippi State has added Penn State guard Kanye Clary, Boston College guard Claudell Harris, Georgia wing RJ Melendez and Miami center Michael Nwoko from the transfer portal. Overall, Mississippi State has two open spots to fill on the 2024-25 roster and along with center, that last spot could possibly go to another guard although that has not been confirmed by sources. With the summer semester rapidly approaching, obviously time is starting to become a factor, as well.

I know that Mississippi State is still in good position with 2025 defensive lineman and On3 composite four-star prospect Kevin Oatis. The Hattiesburg High School standout took in several unofficial visits this spring, including multiple trips to Mississippi State and LSU, and his next visits will be his official visits in June. So far, Oatis has officials set for Southern Cal, Mississippi State and Arkansas in June and he may add one or two more visits to that list.

As noted often, Oatis and his family have a good relationship with defensive line coach David Turner and he is also a priority for head coach Jeff Lebby. Oatis is another top instate target that wants to make his college decision before his senior season kicks off in late August. At this point of his recruiting process, Oatis has Mississippi State, LSU, Texas A&M and Ole Miss as his main favorites.

2025 LB Tyler Lockhart

3 Things I Think I Know

I think I know that Mississippi State remains in the mix with 2025 linebacker and On3 four-star prospect Tyler Lockhart despite his recent commitment to Auburn. Obviously, that commitment surprised most and it was a big sting for Mississippi State’s recruiting efforts. But recent history also shows that surprise commitments like Lockhart’s decision have happened and then ended up in Mississippi State’s favor on signing day.

Regardless, State now faces an uphill battle to flip Lockhart from Auburn and clearly, he likes the Tigers a lot or else he would not have committed this early. The Winona High School standout confirmed earlier this week that he will still take his official visit to Mississippi State on June 21-23 and he also has an official visit set for Auburn on June 14-16. With other SEC offers from Alabama, LSU and Georgia, it would not be shocking to see Lockhart add more official visits to his list in the future.

I think I know Mississippi State continues to be in a good spot with 2025 guard prospect Salim London of Hoover (Ala.) High School. Alabama and Ole Miss are also among London’s top favorites and he does not plan to make his college decision until his senior season. London has helped Hoover High School capture back-to-back Class 7A state championships and he has displayed the ability to play both backcourt positions.

London has noted that he wants to start taking some official visits early in the fall period and he has taken several trips to Mississippi State since last summer. He is expected to be back in Starkville this summer for the camp scene and he also has built good bonds with assistant coach George Brooks and head coach Chris Jans. While others may emerge later, the main 2025 guard prospects on State’s radar right now include London, King Grace and JR Leonard.

And lastly today, I think I know that Mississippi State is in good shape with 2025 receiver and On3 three-star prospect Davian Jackson. He already holds several Power 5 offers and I have no doubts that list will grow this summer as he makes his camp rounds. Of course, being a Louisiana native, that means it would be wise to see if LSU starts showing more interest in Jackson, who is one of the more versatile athletes in the Louisiana prep ranks.

The Westgate (La.) High School product is drawing recruiting looks as a receiver and defensive back while State prefers his talents on the offensive side of the ball. So far, Jackson has official visits set for Miami and Mississippi State in June, and has discussed his plan to make a college commitment before his senior season kicks off. With State not expected to take but 2-3 high school receivers in the Class of 2025, it will be intriguing to see how all of that plays out with so many good receivers on State’s board.

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