One-time Oregon commit, Miss. State QB Michael Van Buren Jr. hits portal

Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. hit the transfer portal after one season in Starkville, igniting another likely string of dominoes on the college QB carousel.The true freshman started eight games for the Bulldogs in 2024, taking over as QB1 when starter Blake Shapen was injured, including a 300-yard effort with three TD passes in a 41-31 loss to Georgia.”My family and I are forever thankful to coach (Jeff) Lebby, the staff, my teammates, the administrative team and the professors for their contributions to my growth as an individual,” Van Buren posted on social media. “For the past year, we have worked arm in arm to generate some memorable moments in coach Lebby’s first year, and I am confident there is more greatness to come from the program.”Shapen said Monday he plans to return to Mississippi State next season.However, he could soon have significant competition for the starting job.Mississippi State is reportedly heavily pursuing quarterbacks in the transfer portal and was on the list of planned visits by Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold, according to reports.The Bulldogs were 2-10 in Lebby’s first season and Van Buren passed for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions with five rushing touchdowns.

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