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2026 juco safety Dre Riley discusses Mississippi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby: Paul Jones3 hours agoPaulJonesOn3
dre riley
Photo courtesy of Dre Riley

Just a couple of days ago, 2026 safety prospect Dre Riley received his Mississippi State offer and didn’t take long to accept that offer. This past weekend, the Northwest Mississippi Community College product committed to the Bulldog coaches in person and then went public with his decision on Monday evening.

Riley played his prep career at Charleston High School and also held offers from East Carolina, Arkansas State, Old Dominion, North Texas, Charlotte and Marshall among several others. With his decision, Riley becomes the 23rd commitment for State’s Class of 2026. and the first juco defensive back in the class.

“I let their coaches know at this past game when they played Texas,” recalled the 6-foot-1 and 185-pound Riley. “I was at the game and that environment, man, I knew it was the place to be. I knew I wanted to play at Mississippi State.”

Growing up in the Magnolia State, Riley said it was always a goal of his to play for one of the in-state SEC programs. Now he has made that happen with Monday’s decision.

“I grew up in Mississippi so it was always my dream to play for Mississippi State or Ole Miss,” added Riley. “I wanted to stay in the state for college and once I got that opportunity, I just felt like it was a dream come true.”

On the recruiting trail, Riley has already taken a pair of official visits. He has also scheduled his official visit to Mississippi State for late November.

“I went to East Carolina and Charlotte for official visits already,” Riley remarked. “Then I will be taking my official visit to Mississippi State on Egg Bowl weekend. I really looked forward to that and look forward to getting back.”

Of late, Riley has talked often with Mississippi State safeties coach Matt Barnes about his future role at Mississippi State. He is also confident in his own abilities to make an impact in the SEC sooner than later.

“Coach Barnes is my boy,” shared Riley. “He loves my film and he wanted to make it happen. He sees me playing the same role that Jahron Manning plays and I am a dog. I will show everybody how versatile and how talented I am. I will show everybody that I belong.”

So far this season, Riley has totaled 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and four PBUs. He earned all-state honors last year as a freshman and totaled 44 tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Riley is on schedule to be a December graduate and enroll at Mississippi State in January. And following Monday’s announcement, he is ready to take advantage of his opportunity in Starkville.

“It just feels great to know I am going to Mississippi State,” noted Riley. “Like I said, it’s a dream come true. It’s what I’ve been praying for and God made it happen. I can’t wait to get there in January to show everyone what I’m about.”

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