Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren Enters Transfer Portal
Mississippi State Freshman Quarterback Michael Van buren Enters Transfer Portal
Starkville, MS – After a challenging freshman season, Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren has announced his decision to enter the NCAA Transfer portal. The move comes after a 2-10 season for the Bulldogs,marking the end of coach Jeff Lebby’s inaugural year.
Van Buren, a four-star recruit out of St. Frances Academy (MD), saw significant playing time in his freshman campaign, appearing in 10 games. He completed 55% of his passes for 1,886 yards,11 touchdowns,adn seven interceptions.
“Mississippi State faithful, you all have embraced me, supported me and nurtured me both academically and athletically in our short time together,” Van Buren wrote in his proclamation on X (formerly Twitter). “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.”
The 5-foot-11,180-pound quarterback’s best performance came against a formidable Georgia defense,where he threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns.
Van Buren’s decision to transfer comes after the return of starting quarterback Blake Shapen was announced. shapen missed significant time due to injury, paving the way for Van Buren to take the reins.
With three years of eligibility remaining,Van Buren is seeking a fresh start and an chance to compete for a starting role. The transfer portal officially opened on Monday and will remain open until December 28th.
Van Buren’s departure leaves Mississippi State with a quarterback competition heading into the 2025 season.
QB van Buren Seeks Fresh Start: departing Mississippi State for Portal
Starkville, MS – Mississippi State’s hopes of a breakout season under new head coach Jeff Lebby were dashed with a 2-10 record. Now,teh Bulldogs are facing another challenge as freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren has decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Van Buren, a highly touted four-star recruit from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, saw ample playing time during his freshman year, appearing in 10 games. While the bulldogs struggled as a whole,
Van Buren displayed flashes of potential, completing 55% of his passes for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. his performance against a tough Georgia defense,where he threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns,stood out as a highlight.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Van Buren expressed his gratitude to Mississippi State, writing, ”Mississippi State faithful, you all have embraced me, supported me and nurtured me both academically and athletically in our short time together. 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’s decision comes on the heels of the announced return of Blake Shapen, the starting quarterback who missed significant time due to injury this past season.With Shapen back in the mix and three years of eligibility remaining, Van Buren is seeking a fresh start and the chance to compete for a starting role elsewhere.
He entered the transfer portal on Monday, joining a wave of players seeking new opportunities. The portal will remain open until December 28th. Van Buren’s departure leaves Mississippi State with a quarterback competition shaping up for the 2024 season.