Mississippi
Tigers 'top three' for Mississippi DL
Auburn’s had some success in recent years recruiting the state of Mississippi.
Corey Wells is another prospect out of the Magnolia State to keep an eye on.
The 6-foot-5 defensive lineman out of Petal, Miss., wrapped up a midweek official visit Thursday, as the Tigers are one of four SEC schools getting Wells on an official this summer.
“I loved it, I ain’t gonna lie,” Wells said. “From the moment I stepped in, I already knew I was gonna love it. I mean, it’s big, it’s beautiful. I mean, the coach is great, and it just feels right.”
Auburn was the second official visit for Wells, who previously took an official with Ole Miss. He has upcoming officials with Texas and Mississippi State, but the Tigers made a strong impression during his first ever trip to the Plains. What stood out the most about his Auburn visit?
“Talking with the coaches, watching the coaches practice with the players, the photo shoot, the food — the food was real good,” Wells said.
Wells spent plenty of time with defensive tackles coach Vontrell King-Williams during the visit. His biggest takeaway was that King-Williams genuinely cares for his players and gets the best out of them.
“Coach Vontrell, he’s a good coach, he gets after it,” Wells said. “He loves his players, he’s gonna teach his players, he’s gonna make sure his players get after it, make sure they’re good.”
Head coach Hugh Freeze also is involved in Wells’ recruitment.
“He loves us Mississippi boys,” Wells said. “Mississippi is very underrated, and coaches like him just coming to get us. I appreciate it, and I feel like all Mississippi boys are gonna appreciate it.”
Following the visit, Wells has Auburn sitting “top three” in his recruitment, with a plan to make a decision sometime before his senior season.
Mississippi
Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable
NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.
The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.
Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.
It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.
Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.
NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.
The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.
Mississippi
Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr
Mississippi
Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs
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Staff
A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.
The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.
“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.
“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”
Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.
The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.
The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.
Stone County is also contributing to the project.
The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.
The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.
Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.
The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.
This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
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