STARKVILLE — Mississippi State offensive lineman Brandon Cunningham is likely on his way out.
Cunningham, who appeared in nine games, earning one start in 2020, has entered the transfer portal a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Dispatch. Matt Zenitz of AL.com first reported the news.
Assuming Cunningham does not return to MSU, he would be the 18th player since Mike Leach took over last January to seek a transfer from the program. Junior defensive backs Marcus Murphy and Tyler Wiliams and junior running back and Columbus native Kylin Hill also previously opted out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns.
With Cunningham expected to depart, MSU is slated to lose three pieces to its offensive line after senior Dareuan Parker announced he will enter the NFL draft, while classmate Greg Eiland is also expected to do so. The Bulldogs also saw offensive linemen Nick Pendley and James Jackson leave the program in previous months.
MSU did bring in a five-man offensive line class in the 2021 recruiting cycle that included junior college imports Nick Jones (East Mississippi Community College) and Carson Williams (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College). The Bulldogs’ 2021 class ranks No. 27 nationally and No. 10 in the Southeastern Conference heading into Wednesday’s national signing day. It’s expected MSU will add another player or two to its 2021 haul.
The Bulldogs concluded their first year under Mike Leach with a win over No. 24 Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl. MSU has yet to announce plans for spring ball, but it was revealed last week that the Bulldogs will open the 2021 season on Sept. 4 against Louisiana Tech.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
