Mississippi State kicker Brandon Ruiz announces his return

Brandon Ruiz hit 10 of his 13 field goal attempts in 2020, his first season at Mississippi State after graduate transferring from Arizona State.

Brandon Ruiz hit 10 of his 13 field goal attempts in 2020, his first season at Mississippi State after graduate transferring from Arizona State. Photo by: SEC Media Portal

Ben Portnoy

January 13, 2021 7:41:53 PM

STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State received a major boost to its 2021 fortunes Wednesday night.

Redshirt junior kicker Brandon Ruiz announced via Twitter that he would be returning to MSU for his senior season. A former Arizona State graduate transfer, Ruiz started 10 games at placekicker last season.

"After considering all my options I have decided to return for my senior year at Mississippi State," he wrote. "And I am excited to hear the cowbells at Davis Wade Stadium with full capacity!"

With program kicking points leader Jace Christmann -- whom Ruiz beat out for the starting job in fall camp -- announcing his intention to transfer from MSU on Tuesday, Ruiz's return gives the Bulldogs another valuable offensive weapon and less uncertainty at the position.

Entering bowl season, Ruiz ranked No. 17 in career field goals made in the FBS (47) and No. 24 in points per game (7.2). He finished his inaugural season in Starkville 10 of 12 with a long of 43 yards. Ruiz also averaged 64.9 yards on his 43 kickoff attempts this season.

MSU concluded its 2020 campaign at 4-7 with a win over No. 24 Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl. Ruiz did not appear in the bowl game.

Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.

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