Jeff Lebby gives honest thoughts on Michael Van Buren's transfer to LSU

Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby only had QB Michael Van Buren for one season until he transferred back in December. Van Buren now plays for LSU and will back up Garrett Nussmeier this season.

Lebby, who’s a known QB whisperer from his time as a coordinator, certainly had talent at the position last year with the Bulldogs. Blake Shapen is back as the starter after playing just four games last year, giving him a second opportunity at Mississippi State.

Van Buren opted to leave Lebby and Starkville after starting the final eight games of the year due to injury to Shapen. Rather than backup Shapen this year, he’ll be behind Nussmeier, but Lebby was complimentary of his former quarterback when asked Wednesday.

“Mike is a talented young man,” Lebby said at SEC Media Days. “A talented young man that has the ability to be a good player as he continues to grow with the position.”

Van Buren just went 1-7 as a starter last season as Mississippi State struggled and finished 2-10. He threw for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 54.7% completion percentage. He also ran for five touchdowns.

It was seemingly a tough decision for Van Buren to leave Mississippi State. But he was gracious towards Lebby and others on his way out last winter.

“Mississippi State faithful, you all have embraced me, supported me and nurtured me both academically and athletically in our short time together,” Van Buren wrote in the announcement. “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. 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.

“After a lot of consideration, prayer and consultation with my family, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal with three years of eligibility left.”

As a member of the Class of 2024, Van Buren was a four-star recruit out of Bowie (MD) St. Frances Academy, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 12 overall prospect in the state, the No. 24 quarterback in the class and the No. 385 overall prospect in the class.

Unfortunately for Van Buren and Lebby, the two will not reunite on the field during the regular season as LSU and Mississippi State do not play each other this year. Perhaps in the future.