Mississippi
Will Jackson Arnold transfer to Mississippi State football? What Oklahoma QB could add to MSU
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football could be adding a former five-star quarterback from the transfer portal.
On3’s Pete Nakos logged a prediction on Monday, the day the transfer portal opened, for Oklahoma starter Jackson Arnold to transfer to Mississippi State. The Oklahoman reported last week that Arnold planned to enter the portal.
Arnold’s connection to MSU is obvious through coach Jeff Lebby, who was Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023. Arnold was a freshman for the Sooners in Lebby’s last season before being hired by the Bulldogs.
Here’s why adding Arnold would and wouldn’t make sense for Mississippi State.
Why adding Jackson Arnold would make sense for Mississippi State
Arnold was a five-star in the 2023 recruiting cycle, the No. 10 player and No. 4 quarterback, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was the backup to Dillon Gabriel as a freshman and then entered 2024 as the starter when Gabriel transferred to Oregon.
Arnold was benched against Tennessee in Week 4 and didn’t play the following two games against Auburn and Texas. He was renamed the starter for the final six games of the season, though Oklahoma fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell on Oct. 20. Arnold had two strong finishes to the season, rushing for 131 yards in an upset win against Alabama and 75 yards in a loss at LSU. His final stats for 2024 were 1,421 passing yards on a 62.6% completion percentage, 12 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 444 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Lebby has consistently found ways to get high-level production from his quarterbacks in his coaching career. While Arnold didn’t have a spectacular first season as a full-time starter, MSU would be banking on Lebby’s system to unlock his five-star potential.
Why adding Jackson Arnold wouldn’t make sense for Mississippi State
Mississippi State isn’t necessarily in need of a new starting quarterback. Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending injury after Week 4 and could return with a medical redshirt waiver from the NCAA. Freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. showed promise in his eight starts after Shapen’s injury. MSU also signed four-star KaMario Taylor in the 2025 recruiting class.
Adding Arnold could throw out any previous plans the Bulldogs had at quarterback.
NIL is also a factor. Funds aren’t unlimited. Mississippi State must weigh whether it’s worth investing a chunk of money in Arnold — and decide if he’s an upgrade over the current quarterbacks on the roster — or use it to address other positions of need.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
Following the arguments, students questioned the judges about their careers and the responsibilities of serving on the appellate court.
Alfred Galtney, Alcorn State University compliance officer and a member of the academy’s planning committee, said the experience helped students understand the role law plays in everyday life.
“I hope they’ll get an understanding of how law impacts society and the important role lawyers play in our everyday lives,” Galtney said.
Several students said the event strengthened their interest in legal careers.
Layla Woods, an incoming junior at Franklin County High School, said the program encouraged her to continue pursuing her goals of attending law school. Izzy Turner, who will enter the 10th grade at Franklin County High, said watching the proceedings helped her better understand the seriousness and importance of the legal system. Turner plans to major in psychology before attending law school.
Kavion Curtis Jr., enrolled at Natchez Early College at Co-Lin, said his interest in law stems from a love of debate and courtroom advocacy.
“I’ve always loved courtroom shows and how professional lawyers are,” Curtis said. “I have a passion for debating, and I hope to become an attorney and eventually a judge.”
The Court on the Road program is designed to bring the appellate court process directly to communities across Mississippi while educating students about careers in law and public service.
The Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy is organized by a committee made up of school counselors, judges and community leaders.
They are Maggie Allgood, Adams County Christian School Counselor; Tennecia Barber, Vidalia High School Counselor; Jennifer Beach, Cathedral High School Counselor; Walt Brown, Adams County Court Judge; Ikeecia Colenburg, Attorney; Penny Daggett, Delta Charter School Counselor; Christina Daugherty, Sixth District ADA; E. Vincent Davis, 17th District Chancery Court Judge; Carmen Drake, Sixth District Circuit Judge; Courtney Fleming, Jefferson County High School Counselor; Alfred Galtney, Alcorn State University Compliance Officer; Aimee Guido, Natchez Inc; Anthony Heidelberg, Attorney; Angela James, Natchez High School Career Coach and Nicole McLaughlin of the Mississippi Bar Association.
Private high schools in Mississippi are receiving an enrollment multiplier for their respective sports teams.
The MHSAA announced on June 2 that it will apply a 1.5 multiplier to private schools enrollment for grades 9-11. The multiplier will go into effect during the 2027-28 sports season, when the MHSAA implements its new reclassification.
The MHSAA board voted on the motion, which passed.
“There’s always been a question of why our state does not have a multiplier from private schools that are in our association,” MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves said in a statement. “So beginning with the next reclassification year, there will be a 1.5 multiplier added to all private schools that are currently in our organization. And to any of those that may be wanting to join our association.”
The change will affect private schools in all classes and will not affect schools for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Private schools around the state currently fluctuate through classes 1A-3A.
“We’re the only state in our section that does not have a multiplier of some kind,” Neaves said. “This was done because private schools, it is perceived, can control what classification they’re in by limiting the number of people that attend there. Also for the competitive and fair play advantage.”
Presbyterian Christian is the most recent private school to switch from MAIS to MHSAA, after making its MHSAA debut in 2025. The Bobcats recently won the MHSAA Class 3A baseball title.
In other sports during the 2025-26 year, Our Lady Academy won a Class 3A volleyball title and has the most MHSAA volleyball championships with 18. St. Stanislaus claimed a 3A boys basketball championship and St. Patrick won the Class I boys and girls soccer titles. Presbyterian Christian also won the 3A boys and girls tennis titles, while Sacred Heart won in Class I.
There are currently 10 private schools in the association.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 2 drawing
05-14-16-33-35
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 3-3-8, FB: 5
Evening: 6-9-5, FB: 7
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 6-0-4-9, FB: 5
Evening: 2-8-1-0, FB: 7
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 03
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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