Mississippi

Mississippi fans can now vote for Daniel Stallworth on ‘American Idol’ – SuperTalk Mississippi

Published

5 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Mississippi fans can now vote for Daniel Stallworth on ‘American Idol’ – SuperTalk Mississippi

Mississippi residents have a chance to help a homegrown talent become the second consecutive winner of ABC singing competition “American Idol.”

Daniel Stallworth, a 27-year-old from Moss Point, is looking to join Meridian’s Jamal Roberts in the win column after Roberts captured the title in season 23. Season 24 resumes Monday night with Stallworth among the top 20 contestants.

But from this point forward, Stallworth will need the viewers to advance.

For the first time this season, fans will be able to vote for who they want to move on in the competition. Traditional voting methods – online and through text message (text 4 to 21523) – will be available. It will also be the first time a reality competition has made the leap to social voting, meaning fans can vote in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

“You can vote up to 10 times on each platform for a total of 50 times per person, and when voting in the comments on social media, please make sure to spell my name correctly. All you need is my first name,” Stallworth said with a laugh. “But I’m looking forward to Monday and I’m looking forward to the support.”

Even though fans haven’t been able to vote up until this point in the competition, Stallworth says the support he’s received behind the scenes from his hometown and alma mater, Alcorn State University, has been “so encouraging.”

“Moss Point, from day one, has been standing by me even before this ‘American Idol’ journey,” Stallworth said. “They’ve shown their love and support the whole time. They always show me how much they love me. So I’m definitely grateful for my home city. Even my college, Alcorn State University, shouted me out after I received the golden ticket.”

Stallworth earned that golden ticket during the season 24 premiere when the elementary school teacher performed a rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Since then, he has taken the stage with “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

According to him, each song was intentionally chosen to express gratitude for the support he’s received while also offering a glimpse into the challenges of chasing his dream to become the next “Idol” winner.

“Each week, honestly, I try to paint a picture and tell a story from the beginning,” he explained. “With Journey…I wanted to send a message out to anybody who has a hard time believing in themselves or has a hard time with confidence. I try to tell them that no matter what you’re dealing with in your life or no matter how hard you think things are, don’t stop believing. Because there is something inside of you that is great and the world needs to see that.

“With ‘Stand By Me,’ I wanted the people who I know believe in me that as long as you keep believing in me, I want you to stand by me as well. That’s the thing. Even with ‘The Climb,’ this journey in itself has been a climb for sure. I’ve had moments that I was kind of second guessing my vocal ability and second guessing who I am, but I had to remember that I’m telling a story. I can’t stop believing if I’m telling other people to believe.”

Stallworth, who moved to Texas a few months ago to teach music outside of Houston, said he still carries Mississippi with him everywhere he goes – including now, as he competes in Hawaii on one of the nation’s most influential singing competitions.

“American Idol” airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC.

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Mississippi

Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State football offseason grades from transfers to staff moves

Published

17 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Press Room

Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State football offseason grades from transfers to staff moves

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football improved by three wins in 2025 in coach Jeff Lebby’s second season.

Now, the Bulldogs aim to make a similar leap as a program that can win multiple SEC games. They haven’t accomplished that since 2022.

Lebby and MSU shook up the coaching staff, especially on defense with Zach Arnett rehired as the new defensive coordinator. MSU also added 23 transfers and signed 30 players in the 2026 recruiting class while it builds around new starting quarterback Kamario Taylor.

Spring practice begins March 17, and here’s how we graded Mississippi State’s offseason so far.

Mississippi State added 23 transfers, missed on Jordan Seaton

The Bulldogs added 23 players from the transfer portal. That’s the ninth most in the SEC. However, the class ranks 15th in the conference and No. 35 nationally, according to 247Sports.

Seven of those transfers are on the offensive line. Mississippi State was able to land a visit from Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, the No. 4 overall player in the transfer portal, but he picked LSU. Seaton alone could’ve propelled MSU’s transfer class from OK to great.

Cornerback is perhaps Mississippi State’s most improved position from the transfer portal. All-SEC cornerback Kelley Jones is back, but MSU needed better corners opposite of him. Iowa State’s Quentin Taylor Jr. could fill that role, while Florida’s Jamroc Grimsley and Syracuse’s Kaylib Singleton could be in the mix, too.

Transfer wide receivers have had success in Lebby’s offense. Missouri’s Marquis Johnson could be the next one.

Grade: C

Mississippi State’s roster retention in transfer portal

Mississippi State’s biggest losses in the transfer portal were at offensive line with Jayvin Q. James, Jimothy Lewis Jr. and Zack Owens leaving. However, the line struggled as a unit and was probably in need of a refurbish.

None of Mississippi State’s best players entered the transfer portal or left early for the NFL draft. That includes players like Taylor, running back Fluff Bothwell and wide receiver Anthony Evans III on offense and Jones, safety Isaac Smith and linebacker Tyler Lockhart on defense.

That’s different from last season when top players like Brice Pollock, Kevin Coleman Jr. and Mario Craver transferred.

Grade: A-

Mississippi State boosted recruiting class before signing day

Mississippi State capitalized on its better season by flipping some late recruits. The Bulldogs’ two highest-rated signees weren’t part of the 2026 recruiting class until the week of early signing day.

Four-star safety Bralan Womack flipped from Auburn to MSU. He was a five-star at the time of his signing, according to the 247Sports Composite, but has since been downgraded. Womack, from Hartfield Academy, ranks as MSU’s ninth-best signing off all time.

The Bulldogs also flipped four-star edge rusher Micah Nickerson of South Pike from Missouri.

The class ranks No. 23 nationally, up five spots from 2025 and six spots from 2024.

Grade: B

Mississippi State coaching staff shaken up for 2026

Lebby hardly made changes to the coaching staff in 2025 but has done a lot more in 2026, mainly with Arnett as the new defensive coordinator.

Other new defensive assistant coaches include Matt Brock (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers), Ty Warren (defensive line), Kevie Thompson (defensive backs/nickels) and Jermauria Rasco (assistant defensive line).

On offense, Mississippi State has a new quarterbacks coach, Kevin Johns, wide receivers coach, Phillip Montgomery, and assistant wide receivers coach, Desmond Lindsey.

The Bulldogs have one opening after safeties coach Matt Barnes left for Maryland, but it’s possible Arnett takes that role since he is not assigned a position.

It should be a big boost for MSU if Arnett can return the defense to where he had it while being the coordinator under coach Mike Leach.

Grade: B+

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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When does Mississippi State football start spring practice? What’s new for 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 15, 2026

Press Room

When does Mississippi State football start spring practice? What’s new for 2026

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football spring practices are beginning soon.

The Bulldogs open spring practice March 17.

MSU is looking to build off its 5-8 record from coach Jeff Lebby’s second season with Kamario Taylor as the new starting quarterback. Success in 2026 could hinge on the defense though with Zach Arnett rehired as the new coordinator.

Here’s what to know about Mississippi State before the Bulldogs begin spring practice.

When does Mississippi State start spring practice?

Mississippi State will hold its first spring practice on Tuesday, March 17.

When is Mississippi State football spring game?

Mississippi State has not announced details about a spring game.

When is Mississippi State’s Pro Day?

Mississippi State’s Pro Day is scheduled for March 27.

Mississippi State football spring practice schedule

Mississippi State has not announced a spring practice schedule, other than that it starts on March 17.

What coaches did Jeff Lebby hire, fire and promote for 2026

Here are Mississippi State’s primary assistants in 2026.

Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett (hired from Florida State to replace Coleman Hutzler, who was fired)
Co-defensive coordinator/LB coach Matt Brock (hired from UConn)
Associate head coach for offense/WR coach Phillip Montgomery (hired from Virgina Tech to replace Chad Bumphis, who was fired)
Assistant head coach/pass game coordinator/RB coach Anthony Tucker
QB coach Kevin Johns (hired from Oklahoma State to replace Matt Holecek, who was not retained)
Run game coordinator/TE coach Jon Cooper
OL coach Phil Loadholt
CB coach Corey Bell
DE and OLB coach Vincent Dancy
DB and nickelbacks coach Kevie Thompson
DL coach Ty Warren
Special teams coordinator Cliff Odom
Strength and conditioning coach Shaud Williams

Mississippi State football returning starters in 2026

RB Fluff Bothwell
WR Anthony Evans III
C Cannon Boone
DT Kalvin Dinkins
DE Trevion Williams
LB Zakari Tillman
LB/S Isaac Smith
CB Kelley Jones
K Kyle Ferrie
P Ethan Pulliam

Mississippi State football starters lost from 2025

QB Blake Shapen
WR Brenen Thompson
TE Seydou Traore
OT Albert Reese IV
OG Jacoby Jackson
OG Zack Owens
OT Jayvin Q. James
DE Branden Jennings
DT Kedrick Bingley-Jones
LB Nic Mitchell
CB DeAgo Brumfield
S Brylan Lanier
S Jahron Manning
LS Ethan Myers

Who Mississippi State, Jeff Lebby added, lost in transfer portal for 2026

Additions:

Missouri WR Marquis Johnson
Florida State edge Jayson Jenkins
Appalachian State QB AJ Swann
Iowa State CB Quentin Taylor Jr.
Syracuse CB Kaylib Singleton
Florida State OT Mario Nash Jr.
Florida CB Jamroc Grimsley
Rice S Marcus Williams
Florida State OT Ja’Elyne Matthews
Florida State edge Amaree Williams
Arkansas IOL LJ Prudhomme
Southern Cal edge Gus Cordova
Oregon State TE Riley Williams
Oklahoma WR Zion Ragins
LSU OT DJ Chester
Oklahoma OT Isaiah Dent
Oklahoma S Kendel Dolby
LSU S Jardin Gilbert
Texas A&M DL Dealyn Evans
LSU OT Tyler Miller
LSU OT Miles McVay
Florida State LB Gav Holman
Sacramento State QB Jaden Rashada

Departures:

S Stonka Burnside (Memphis)
DL Terrance Hibbler Jr. (Jackson State)
WR Markus Allen (Middle Tennessee State)
K Marlon Hauck (Tulsa)
WR Jordan Mosley (Colorado State)
Edge Joseph Head Jr. (Memphis)
WR Cam Thompson (Northern Illinois)
OT Alex Lopez (Western Kentucky)
S Tony Mitchell (Ole Miss)
OT Jaekwon Bouldin (Jackson State)
TE Max Reese (North Texas)
IOL Brennan Smith (TBD)
WR Jaron Glover (South Florida)
OT Jimothy Lewis Jr. (Cal)
S Lo’Kavion Jackson (TBD)
WR Ferzell Shepard (TBD)
TE Emeka Iloh (TBD)
TE Cam Ball (West Virginia)
QB Luke Kromenhoek (South Florida)
S Tyler Woodard (Coastal Carolina)
CB Dwight Lewis III (TBD)
DL Ashun Shepphard (Cal)
WR Davian Jackson (Texas State)
P Nathan Tiyce (Penn State)
DL Corey Clark (Florida Atlantic)
RB Jonnie Daniels (Tulane)
S Cyrus Reyes (Kentucky)
CB Elijah Cannon (Kansas)
OT Luke Work (Missouri)
RB Seth Davis (Tulsa)
IOL Koby Keenum (Memphis)
LB Montrell Chapman (Old Dominion)
DL Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Alabama)
CB Jayven Williams (BYU)
CB DK McGruder (TBD)
DL Kai McClendon (Washington)
IOL Zack Owens (Missouri)
WR Ricky Johnson (Utah)
OT Jayvin Q. James (Alabama)

Mississippi State football 2026 recruiting class

The Bulldogs signed 30 players to the 2026 recruiting class. The class ranks 23rd nationally by the 247Sports Composite.

QB Brode McWhorter
RB Cooper Crosby
RB Jaeden Hill
WR Jayden Cration
WR Zion Crumpton
WR Camden Capehart
WR Keymian Henderson Jr.
WR Matt Mayfield
TE Zayion Cotton
TE Adam Land
TE Luke Hutchinson
OL Dalton Toothman
OL Leon Noil Jr.
OL Jayden Ross
OL Kison Shepard
OL Dylan Steen
Edge Micah Nickerson
Edge Chris Addison
DL Tico Crittendon
DL Kaleb Morris
DL Davon Young
CB Camron Brown
CB Terrell Johnson Jr.
S Bralan Womack
S Dre Riley
S Kolby Barrett
S Antavius Watts
ATH Jaiden Taylor
K Hayden Chambers
LS Kyle Rushing

Mississippi State football 2026 schedule

Conference games are bolded.

Sept. 5: vs. Louisana-Monroe
Sept. 12: at Minnesota
Sept. 19: at South Carolina
Sept. 26: vs. Missouri
Oct. 3: vs. Alabama
Oct. 10: Open
Oct. 17: at LSU
Oct. 24: vs. Oklahoma
Oct. 31: at Texas
Nov. 7: vs. Vanderbilt
Nov. 14: vs. Auburn
Nov. 21: vs. Tennessee Tech
Nov. 27: at Ole Miss

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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A Mississippi bill will ban abortion pill prescriptions or sales

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2026

Press Room

A Mississippi bill will ban abortion pill prescriptions or sales

A Mississippi bill would make prescribing abortion-inducing medication illegal, with violators facing up to 10 years in prison.
The legislation was added as an amendment to a bill originally focused on trafficking illegal drugs.

A House bill is one step away from making it illegal for doctors to prescribe abortion-inducing medication to Mississippians. People who violate the provision could face up to 10 years in prison.

The bill originally focused on the trafficking of illegal drugs such as marijuana and scheduled controlled substances. It added a single phrase to existing Mississippi law, clarifying the number of dosage units of a scheduled drug that someone needs to transport in order to charge them with aggravated trafficking.

Rep. Celeste Hurst, R-Sandhill, seized the opportunity to add abortion-inducing drugs to the bill when it was heard on the House floor in early February. Her amendment would allow the prosecution of people who knowingly dispense, sell or prescribe the medications.

She clarified on the floor that her intention is to require an in-person visit with a patient before a doctor can issue the medication, which is most frequently prescribed when someone is going through a miscarriage. Neither the text of her amendment nor the Senate version that passed March 11 mention a doctor’s visit.

The bill cleared the hurdle of a full House vote on Feb. 11 easily, passing with support from nearly two-thirds of the chamber. It crossed the aisle to the Senate, where first a committee, then the full chamber, also approved the bill’s new language.

Unlike with all of the other drugs mentioned, the bill doesn’t specify the amount of abortion-inducing medication that would warrant prosecution, nor does it clarify how many units would classify the crime as a felony.

Additionally, the bill allows the Attorney General to sue a person who is accused of violating the law and recover a financial penalty. Being acquitted of the criminal charge, the bill states, is not a defense in a civil case, so someone who is determined to be innocent can still face civil litigation.

The bill joins Mississippi’s existing abortion laws, which ban the practice in nearly every circumstance, barring a proven case of rape or a situation where an abortion is needed to save someone’s life. Medical providers can also face a minimum of one year and maximum of 10 years in prison for performing an illegal abortion.

Neither the House nor the Senate bill would punish people who receive or use the abortion-inducing medication illegally. This policy is meant to protect women in vulnerable situations, said Grace Bailey, a domestic violence counselor, but the impact on their wellbeing is the same as if they could be prosecuted for abortions.

Bailey, who provides counseling at women’s shelters throughout Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, said the strict abortion laws in these states have presented significant roadblocks for many women trying to leave abusive relationships.

“One of the first signs of abuse is control. We see women whose husbands or boyfriends have forced them to stop birth control or take their IUD out, and they end up pregnant, which makes them stay in the relationship way longer than they should,” she said in a March 9 interview.

Often, Bailey said, becoming pregnant is the sudden sign that makes a woman realize that she needs to leave her abusive partner.

“Women come to us at the shelter trying to get away from a man who hurt them, who took all their money, who made them feel completely out of control of their own life,” she said. “The last thing they can handle as they’re trying to make a clean break is a baby that will connect them to their abuser for the rest of their life.”

Some women decide that an early-stage abortion, before the point of viability around 24 weeks, is the best course of action for them, Bailey said. When Mississippi outlawed abortion in 2022, she recalled a woman at a Vicksburg domestic violence shelter who chose to go back to her estranged husband because she was pregnant.

“She told me, ‘I don’t have any money, I don’t have a job, and I have no family support,’” Bailey recounted. “She felt like she had no choice, so she went back to the man who scared her more than anyone in the world. Even worse, she brought a baby into that situation.”

Bailey clarified that she supports banning abortion after 12 weeks, as opposed to Mississippi’s near-total ban, but she thinks that laws should include an exception for victims of domestic violence.

“If you can prove that you’ve gone to a women’s shelter and gotten counseling, and you’re trying to get away from an abusive relationship,” she said, “I think the compassionate thing to do is let you get a safe abortion, especially if you’re just taking a pill.”

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