Mississippi State Football’s 2026 Recruiting Class Faces Decommitments

Starkville MS, October 9, 2025

News Summary

Mississippi State football’s 2026 recruiting class experienced a significant disruption as four three-star recruits announced their decommitments. Tomareo Johnson, Caleb Triplett, Maurice Jones Jr., and Charles Humphrey withdrawing leaves the Bulldogs with 23 commitments and challenges ahead as they prepare for the December signing date. Coach Jeff Lebby noted the need for agility in recruitment strategies amidst these changes, emphasizing future recruitment efforts to address the gaps left by the decommitted players.

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State football’s 2026 recruiting class underwent a significant shakeup on October 6, 2023, as four players announced their decommitments. The decommitments came from Tomareo Johnson, Caleb Triplett, Maurice Jones Jr., and Charles Humphrey, all of whom were three-star recruits according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Following the decommitments, the Bulldogs now hold 23 commitments in their 2026 recruiting class. The class is currently ranked No. 47 nationally by 247Sports Composite and stands at 12th position within the SEC. This situation represents a challenge for the program as they prepare for the upcoming December signing date.

Details on the Decommitted Players

Tomareo Johnson, a safety from Pascagoula, is the highest-ranked decommitment at No. 1,106 nationally. Caleb Triplett, a linebacker from D’Iberville, is ranked No. 1,169 nationally. Charles Humphrey, who plays as an offensive tackle, is ranked No. 1,341 nationally. Lastly, Maurice Jones Jr., another linebacker, holds the ranking of No. 1,360 nationally.

As of now, none of the decommitted players have flipped their commitments to other schools immediately after their announcements, which keeps the door open for potential recruitment moves in the future.

Coaching and Recruitment Perspectives

Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby acknowledged the fluidity of the roster situation in light of the recent decommitments. He highlighted the necessity for the coaching staff to remain agile and adaptable as they head towards the signing date. The coaching staff’s focus in the upcoming weeks will include balancing roster sizes and navigating potential NCAA changes related to player eligibility and redshirting options.

The Bulldogs (4-2, 0-2 SEC) are currently enjoying an open week before their next game against Florida on October 18, 2023. Coach Lebby emphasized the importance of actively recruiting and remarked on plans to be on the road for recruitment following team meetings.

Strategic Recruitment Moves

In light of the recent decommitments and ongoing shifts in college football, this could possibly indicate a strategic move by Mississippi State to focus on attracting higher-caliber prospects. Additionally, the program may be looking to utilize available spots for transfers amidst these changes, allowing for a flexible approach to future recruiting efforts.

As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, Mississippi State’s coaching staff will need to remain vigilant and proactive in their recruitment strategies to fill the gaps left by the decommitted players and build a stronger future for the program.

Key Facts Overview

• Four players decommitted from Mississippi State’s 2026 recruiting class.
• The decommitted players are Tomareo Johnson, Caleb Triplett, Maurice Jones Jr., and Charles Humphrey.
• All players are ranked as three-stars according to 247Sports Composite.
• Mississippi State’s 2026 recruiting class has 23 commitments post-decommitments.
• The class is ranked No. 47 nationally and 12th in the SEC.
• Tomareo Johnson is the highest-ranked decommitment at No. 1,106 nationally.
• Coach Jeff Lebby is preparing the team to adjust as the December signing date approaches.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mississippi State Focuses on Healing During Bye Week
Mississippi State Football Shows Early Promise Under New Coaching Strategy
Mississippi State Bulldogs Preparing for Northern Illinois Huskies Showdown
Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Alcorn State Braves 63-0
Coach Dillingham’s Hotel Controversy Sparks Fan Reactions
Mississippi State Bulldogs Prepare for Home Opener Against Arizona State
Mississippi State Football Gears Up for Home Opener
Ayden Williams Transfers from Ole Miss to Mississippi State
Former Ole Miss WR Ayden Williams Transfers to Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs Wide Receiver Room Receives High Praise

Additional Resources

• Clarion Ledger: Tomareo Johnson Mississippi State Football Recruiting
• On3: Mississippi State Commitments 39
• Hattiesburg American: Jeff Lebby Mississippi State Football Recruiting 2026
• SI: Mississippi State Baseball Building for Beyond 2026
• Wikipedia: College Football

Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER

The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.