Hours after Blake Shapen announced his return to Starkville on Tuesday, a different Mississippi State quarterback decided to hop in the transfer portal.
Michael Van Buren, Jr., the true freshman who took over after Shapen went down with a season-ending shoulder injury a third of the way through 2024, had many Bulldog fans pleased with his output in eight starts with some even lobbying for him to be the starting quarterback moving into the future.
However, Van Buren may have seen the writing on the wall with Shapen’s announcement, or he simply may have wanted to play for a new school. Either way, the once four-star prospect does not plan to be on the sidelines for the maroon and white during the 2025 season.
Van Buren made his decision to transfer public via an X post accompanied by a heartfelt message to the program:
“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 professors for their contributions to my growth as an individual. For the past year, we have worked arm and arm to generate some memorable moments in Coach Lebby’s first year, and I am confident there is more greatness to come for 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.”
During his lone season at Mississippi State, Van Buren passed for 1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He added five touchdowns on the ground as the rebuilding Bulldogs stumbled to a 2-10 record. As of now, it’s unclear where he may end up, although plenty of high-profile programs are looking for a new signal caller.
As for the quarterback situation in Starkville, Shapen’s return may not guarantee he will be the starter. Jackson Arnold recently announced his intention to leave Oklahoma after two seasons – one of which he played under Lebby when he was the offensive coordinator in Norman – with an official visit already scheduled at Mississippi State.
The transfer portal opened Monday and will remain open until Dec. 28 for those not playing in the postseason. For those playing in the postseason, it will be open for five additional days following the conclusion of their season.
