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Former Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren Jr. transfers to LSU

By Thomson Reuters Dec 15, 2024 | 2:50 PM

Former Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. announced on social media Sunday that he is transferring to LSU.

Van Buren, who has three years of eligibility remaining, made eight starts as a true freshman this season for Mississippi State (2-10). He played in 10 games and completed 140 of 256 passes (54.7 percent) for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for five TDs.

Bulldogs starter Blake Shapen sustained a season-ending injury in the fourth game of the season against Florida on Sept. 21 and Van Buren took over. Shapen said Monday that he plans to return as a sixth-year senior in 2025.

LSU’s QB room includes starter Garrett Nussmeier, who announced his plans to return, as well as former Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann.

The Tigers’ Class of 2025 recruiting has not included a quarterback after No. 1 prospect Bryce Underwood changed his commitment from LSU to Michigan last month.

“My family and I are forever thankful to coach (Jeff) Lebby, the staff, my teammates, the administrative team and the professors for their contributions to my growth as an individual,” Van Buren had posted on social media on Tuesday in announcing he was transferring. “For the past year, we have worked arm in arm to generate some memorable moments in coach Lebby’s first year, and I am confident there is more greatness to come from the program.”

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Van Buren was a four-star prospect out of Bowie, Md., who initially committed to Oregon before signing with Mississippi State.

–Former Nebraska quarterback Daniel Kaelin committed to Virginia on Sunday, he announced on social media.

The true freshman from Elkhorn, Neb., redshirted this season. Kaelin (6-foot-3, 220) was behind true freshman starter Dylan Raiola and junior Heinrich Haarberg on the depth chart.

–Field Level Media