Despite starting seven games as a true freshman, Mississippi State Bulldogs QB Michael Van Buren has entered the transfer portal. What’s next for Hail State and the rising signal-caller?
Where Will Michael Van Buren Transfer?
All signs point to former Oklahoma Sooners QB Jackson Arnold reuniting with head coach Jeff Lebby in Starksville. MVB read the writing on the walls and opted to search for a starting position elsewhere.
“Mississippi State faithful, you all have embraced me, supported me and nurtured me both academically and athletically in our short time together,” he wrote in his announcement. “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.
“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. After a lot of consideration, prayer and consultation with my family, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal with three years of eligibility left.”
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Blake Shapen’s early-season injury forced Van Buren into the starting lineup, but he flashed potential as a true freshman. He completed 55% of his passes for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, but the Bulldogs finished the year with their worst record since 2003 (2-10).
Van Buren’s standout moment came in a 306-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Georgia Bulldogs, earning him SEC Freshman of the Week honors. However, it wasn’t enough to convince Lebby he was the man for the job. So, where to next?
Oklahoma Sooners
Could the Sooners and Bulldogs simply swap QBs? It’s not out of the question, considering Oklahoma benched true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. midseason. The Sooners are also turning play-calling duties to former Washington State Cougars OC Ben Arbuckle, offering a fresh start for all involved.
The WR room has some moving pieces, but Oklahoma should still be relatively high on Van Buren’s list of landing spots.
Auburn Tigers
How about another SEC program? Hugh Freeze’s Auburn Tigers struggled mightily with QB play this season, and now starter Payton Thorne and backups Hank Brown and Holden Geriner are gone.
While Freeze’s fingerprints are all over the offense, OC Derrick Nix comes from Lebby’s and Lane Kiffin’s coaching trees, which should appeal to Van Buren from a schematic standpoint.
Oregon Ducks
In May 2023, Van Buren committed to Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks. Yet, several dominos fell, including Dillon Gabriel leaving Norman for Eugene and Lebby departing Oklahoma for Mississippi State.
With Gabriel off to the NFL after this season, perhaps Lanning and OC Will Stein show renewed interest in Van Buren, particularly after a true freshman campaign with plenty of flashes.
Miami Hurricanes
Cam Ward became a Heisman finalist in his one year with the Miami Hurricanes, instantly boosting the program’s pitch to prospective QBs.
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With Ward off to the NFL and backup Reese Poffenbarger in the portal, the ‘Canes could use a fresh body or two in the QB room, especially of Van Buren’s caliber.
Maryland Terrapins
The Maryland Terrapins and Penn State Nittany Lions were Van Buren’s other two finalists alongside Oregon the first time around. As a Maryland native, a return home could make sense for both sides in 2024.
The Nittany Lions have their starter in Drew Allar, but the Terps are coming off a disappointing 4-8 season with inconsistency under center.
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