How 5-star flip Bralan Womack changed Mississippi State football's 2026 recruiting class

STARKVILLE — The vibes surrounding Mississippi State football’s 2026 recruiting class were not good entering the week of the early signing day.

MSU’s class was ranked No. 46 nationally early on Dec. 1, according to the 247Sports Composite. It was on pace to be the program’s lowest-ranked class since 2008.

By signing day Dec. 3, the Bulldogs’ recruiting class surged to No. 27. That would be the Bulldogs’ best class under coach Jeff Lebby.

Mississippi State added five players to the class between Dec. 1-3, highlighted by five-star Hartfield Academy safety Bralan Womack.

Womack flipped from Auburn to MSU on Dec. 1 as the No. 1 safety in the country.

“We were aggressive with him from Day 1,” Lebby said on Dec. 3. “We wanted him to be a guy who can lead this class."

Womack is Mississippi State’s first five-star signee since Charles Cross in 2019, and the program’s seventh-best recruit of all-time, according to the 247Sports Composite. He was the 2024 Mississippi Gatorade player of the year, a 2025 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen member and won two MAIS state titles with Hartfield Academy.

“I love the skill set from the standpoint that he’s got this offensive skill set but a defensive mentality,” Lebby said. “This is a guy who can play in the post defensively. He can play in man coverage. When the ball is in the air, it’s his.”

Mississippi State football recruiting momentum builds with Bralan Womack

The Bulldogs also gained a top commitment on signing day when South Pike four-star edge rusher Micah Nickerson flipped from Missouri and signed. He was previously committed to MSU, but flipped to Missouri in September before changing his mind.

It gave MSU a second four-star in the class along with Grenada tight end Zayion Cotton.

Mississippi State also signed three three-stars who weren’t previously committed to the class: defensive lineman Tico Crittendon, wide receiver Keymian Henderson Jr. and running back Cooper Crosby.

Lebby said the Bulldogs could still add more to the class before the signing period ends. He also said he anticipates a quieter February signing period, with their exact level of activity still to be determined.

“When 27’s come on campus and they’re around Bralan, they’re going to know who he is,” Lebby said. “He’s going to be able to talk them through the entire process and knowing that at the end of the day, relationships matter. Understanding where we’re going is something that he’s excited about, and I think that will create a ton of momentum for guys to come.”

Mississippi State football recruiting class strengths, weaknesses

Development on Mississippi State's offensive line will be key as the program aims to build on its 5-7 season. That position has been a weakness in both of Lebby's seasons. The Bulldogs signed five offensive linemen, led by Vancleave offensive tackle Dalton Toothman.

They also signed two running backs in the class, Crosby and Tupelo's Jaeden Hill.

"They are the best two backs inside our state," Lebby said. "I believe that they are SEC backs. They are SEC players. I don't know what people were so weary on J.J. All he's done is produce."

MSU did not sign any linebackers in the class, but listed Nickerson as a jack linebacker on its signing day roster.

MORE: Why DB Bralan Womack flipped to Mississippi State football from Auburn

Mississippi State football signs Kamario Taylor’s brother

The jewel of Mississippi State’s 2025 recruiting class was four-star quarterback Kamario Taylor. He made his first career start in the Egg Bowl, and demonstrated why Mississippi State is so excited about his future when he’s expected to be the starter next season.

The Bulldogs signed his younger brother, Jaiden Taylor, on Dec. 3, a three-star athlete from Noxubee County. He’s ranked as the No. 44 athlete by the 247Sports Composite, and Lebby said he’s expected to play safety.

“For these two guys to be able to play together this close to home, the family being so involved in their lives every single day is special,” Lebby said. “I think people will be talking about these two guys for a long, long time.”

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football 2026 recruiting surge led by Bralan Womack