Mississippi State, Michigan State Face Multiple 2026 Football Decommitments Affecting In-State Talent Pools

Mississippi State's 2026 recruiting class has suffered setbacks with two in-state commitments decommitting: linebacker Caleb Triplett and safety Tomareo Johnson. Triplett, who had chosen Mississippi State after an official visit, and Johnson, who had been committed since July, both reopened their recruitment, with Johnson also expressing gratitude to the program via social media. These departures come amid a broader struggle in Mississippi State's recruiting efforts, including losing other commitments to Missouri and having a relatively small number of in-state commits, highlighted by one four-star tight end. Meanwhile, Michigan State faces challenges in its 2026 recruiting class after four-star wide receiver Tyren Wortham, the highest-ranked Spartan commit, withdrew his pledge to explore other options, dropping the class to 21 commits and four four-star recruits. Additional concerns include linebacker Braylon Hodge visiting rival programs, signaling potential further decommitments. Both programs are navigating difficult recruiting periods that may impact the strength and depth of their future recruiting classes.