Skip to main content
Mississippi State

2028 four-star safety Cyion Smith recaps Mississippi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby: Paul Jones10/10/25PaulJonesOn3
Cyion Smith
Cyion Smith

In late September Blountstown (Fla.) High School defensive back Cyion Smith got his first look at Mississippi State’s program and Davis Wade Stadium.

That experience stayed fresh on Smith’s mind for the following two weeks. Eventually, that feeling led to the Rivals four-star safety becoming the first 2028 commitment for the Bulldogs. Smith is rated as the nation’s No. 8 safety and the state’s No. 22 prospect by Rivals, and is also listed as the nation’s No. 75 overall prospect.

“It was just outstanding there,” Smith mentioned. “It was just a place like nowhere else. I just felt like Mississippi State is where I need to be.”

Smith also holds offers from Miami, South Carolina, South Florida and Troy among others. He talked of his game-day experience at Davis Wade Stadium and the response he got from the coaching staff.

“That Mississippi State-Tennessee game was my first visit there,” recalled Smith. “It was great and was perfect. I loved the energy from the fans and the coaches showed a lot of love.”

Smith also shared his thoughts on head coach Jeff Lebby’s second season in Starkville. He’s also been able to talk a good bit with assistant Corey Bell and recruiting specialist Courtney Williams.

“They are 4-2 now and Coach Lebby is doing good so far this season,” Smith explained. “They could win out. I also talk to Coach Courtney and Coach Bell a lot. We talked a lot in the pregame and just talked about a lot of things.”

And when Smith first told Bell of his intentions, naturally there was excitement from Bell and the coaching staff.

“It was last Thursday when I first texted Coach Bell last Thursday and told him I wanted to commit,” noted Smith. “Coach Bell was excited and told me ‘Hail State’. He told me congratulations and he was fired up.”

Heading down the second half of his sophomore season, Smith has enjoyed a perfect 6-0 start on the field. Going into Friday night’s matchup with Dixie County (Fla.) High School, Smith has totaled 24 tackles (16 solos), three interceptions, two PBUs, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss.

“We’ve gotten on a roll this year and trying to win a championship,” Smith remarked. “I’ve just had my head down and working. Last year I was at safety and this year they also have me at corner. It’s been pretty easy moving to corner and I like playing there. It was an easy adjustment.”

You may also like