News Summary
Mississippi State University has added junior college transfer Jahron Manning to its football roster for the upcoming season. The safety from Copiah-Lincoln Community College is anticipated to enhance the Bulldogs’ defense, known for its need for playmakers. Manning’s impressive stats and history with junior colleges in Mississippi position him as a promising asset for the team. His intelligence and work ethic have caught the attention of the coaching staff, which aims to leverage his skills to improve defensive performance in the Southeastern Conference.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University has announced the addition of junior college transfer Jahron Manning to its football roster for the upcoming 2025 season. The safety, who previously played at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, is expected to be a significant contributor to the Bulldogs’ defense, which is in need of playmakers.
This is not the first time Mississippi State has turned to junior college programs for talent, as the university has a history of successfully recruiting players from junior colleges, particularly ones within the Magnolia State. The state’s junior college programs are regarded as some of the finest in the country, attracting players who may have faced academic challenges or require further development before entering the competitive college football landscape.
Jahron Manning, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, began his collegiate career at Tyler Junior College in Texas. He made five appearances for the team, registering seven tackles. His performance at Tyler propelled him to Copiah-Lincoln CC, where he truly emerged as a standout performer. In his time at Co-Lin CC, Manning recorded an impressive 71 tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He played alongside current Mississippi State players LaKendrick James and Johnnie Daniels, creating a familiar bond that may assist in his transition to the Bulldogs.
Notably, Manning is recognized as the second-highest defender on Mississippi State’s roster in the EA College Football 26 video game rankings. After two successful years at the junior college level, he transferred to Old Dominion University, where he started all 11 games in the season. During his tenure at Old Dominion, Manning compiled an impressive 85 tackles, which tied him for the team lead in interceptions, recording three picks throughout the season. Additionally, he showcased his capability by achieving double-digit tackle games on four occasions, starting with seven tackles in the season opener against South Carolina.
Following the conclusion of the season, Manning entered the transfer portal and emerged as one of the most sought-after safeties available. His ability to make plays on the field aligns perfectly with Mississippi State’s current defensive needs, specifically targeting an improvement in interception and sack rates. Manning’s skill set is expected to complement the existing safety on the team, Isaac Smith, who plays a hybrid linebacker/safety role. This chemistry between players is anticipated to enhance the overall effectiveness of the defensive unit.
The Mississippi State coaching staff has highlighted Manning’s intelligence and work ethic, suggesting he brings not only physical ability but also mental acuity to the field. As he joins the Bulldogs, Manning will face competition for a starting position in the secondary. Nevertheless, the coaching staff demonstrates confidence in Manning’s potential impact, particularly on special teams, emphasizing that his addition will add both energy and playmaking ability to the roster.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, it is focusing on fostering strong bonds among players, enhancing teamwork and overall performance. With the inclusion of Jahron Manning, Mississippi State aims to bolster its defensive capabilities and increase its competitiveness within the Southeastern Conference. As the 2025 season approaches, the team looks forward to harnessing the talent and experience that Manning brings to the field.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Jahron Manning Joins Mississippi State
- WJTV: Mississippi State’s Transfer Student Success Recognition
- On3: Countdown to Kickoff – Red Hibbler
- SI: Jett Jefferson’s Statements After Practice
- C Dispatch: Community Profile on Anthony
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State University
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football Team
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- Google News: Mississippi State University
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.
