News Summary
Zayion Cotton, a four-star wide receiver from Grenada, has committed to Mississippi State University. Cotton’s performance at Grenada High School included 48 receptions for 700 yards and six touchdowns, contributing to the team’s MHSAA Class 6A championship win. His decision to join MSU adds significant talent to their 2026 recruiting class, which also saw several other recruits commit on the same day.
Grenada – Zayion Cotton, a talented four-star wide receiver from Grenada, has officially committed to Mississippi State University (MSU), making his announcement on June 22, 2023. Cotton expressed his dedication to MSU with a post on the social media platform X, where he declared he is “1,000% committed!!! #HailState.” His commitment is a significant boost for MSU, which saw six additional recruits join the program on the same day.
Cotton’s decision came after an outstanding junior season at Grenada High School, where he recorded 48 receptions for a total of 700 yards and six touchdowns. This performance not only showcased his skills but also played a crucial role in Grenada winning the MHSAA Class 6A championship. Cotton is highly regarded as one of the most promising wide receivers in the region, considered a key player among a trio that includes fellow recruits Jaydon Cration from Canton and Zion Crumpton from Carver, Alabama.
Zayion Cotton opted for MSU over multiple offers from prestigious power conference schools, including Ole Miss, Miami, Vanderbilt, Florida State, Auburn, Arkansas, and NC State. His commitment positions him as the top player in MSU’s 2026 recruiting class, surpassing quarterback Brodie McWhorter in rankings. Cotton stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds, attributes that enhance his potential on the field.
Following Cotton’s signature moment, the MSU program also welcomed other recruits. Zion Crumpton, who initially committed to South Florida, flipped his commitment to MSU. Despite not being ranked nationally, Crumpton has drawn attention from other schools, including North Carolina, Arkansas, Auburn, and Florida. In addition, Jaydon Cration, another notable recruit for MSU, has been ranked No. 563 nationally and is considered the 91st best wide receiver in the country. Cration holds offers from significant programs like Ole Miss, LSU, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia.
As it stands, Cotton is ranked at No. 418 nationally, No. 65 among wide receivers, and No. 16 in Mississippi by the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The latest commitments to the Bulldogs also include several defensive recruits: Davon Young, a defensive lineman from Theodore, Alabama; Terrell Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound cornerback from Holmes County; Caleb Triplett, a linebacker from D’Iberville; and Micah Nickerson, another defensive lineman from South Pike. Johnson is noted for being ranked as the No. 146 cornerback in the nation.
Currently, Mississippi State’s 2026 recruiting class ranks No. 34 in the nation and stands at No. 7 within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The program has accumulated a total of 23 commitments for this recruiting cycle, indicating a strong influx of talent aimed at enhancing their competitive standing in college football.
This recent wave of commitments, highlighted by Cotton’s decision, demonstrates Mississippi State’s strategic focus on building a formidable roster for future seasons, further reinforcing the program’s reputation and aspirations in collegiate athletics.
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Mississippi State Football and Baseball Programs Making Waves
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Zayion Cotton Commits to MSU
- Starkville Daily News: MSU Picks Up Football Commitments
- 247 Sports: Zayion Cotton’s 2026 Ranking
- Wikipedia: Zayion Cotton
- Google Search: Zayion Cotton
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
STARKVILLE STAFF 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.
