2025 punter Jack Richardson collects Mississippi State offer

Madison Central High School’s Jack Richardson entered his junior season seeking to gain more attention for his talents on special teams. The 2025 punter prospect did just that and even more last season.

Richardson ended his junior season with a 46.3 yard punting average and was also recognized for his efforts with All-American honors by Kohls.

“My junior season was pretty good,” recalled the 6-foot-2 and 213-pound Richardson. “I had the highest (punting) average among juniors and I got first-team All-American (by Kohls). I was very consistent and a lot of hard work and dedication with me and my snapper throughout the whole season.”

Those efforts also produced more looks for Richardson on the recruiting trail. He is already receiving interest from several Power 5 programs and Richardson received his first Division 1 offer from Air Force last week. Then on Monday, he collected his first Power 5 offer from Mississippi State.

“The schools showing interest are South Florida, Southern Miss, Florida, Oklahoma and Georga Tech,” noted Richardson. “I also picked up a recent offer from Air Force and then Mississippi State offered (Monday). This year I have visited Florida, Mississippi State and USF. This spring I plan to visit some of those same schools and maybe one or two more.”

Regarding Mississippi State, Richardson unofficially visited the Bulldogs’ program the first weekend of February and right before the dead period began. He noted of that experience and his time around head coach Jeff Lebby and special teams coordinator Cliff Odom.

“It was great at Mississippi State,” remarked Richardson. “My sister goes to grad school there so I’ve been up there a lot. It really felt like home and Coach Lebby and Coach Odom talked to me about the usual stuff. They told me what Mississippi State has to offer and the punting schemes they run with directional and all of that.”

Richardson received some interest from State’s previous staff but so far, the Bulldogs’ new staff has pursued Richardson with more interest. He also noted of his talks with Odom about State’s plans for punters in the Class of 2025.

“We talked about who he wants to sign,” Richardson added. “Coach Odom said he wants to sign a punter in the 2025 class, a high school guy, and probably an older guy, too. They’ve been interested in me for awhile now. Coach Odom thinks I am one of the best in the country and definitely the best in the state. He told me to keep working on everything and said I definitely have a strong leg.”

Looking ahead, Richardson expects his college decision to happen late in the summer period or in the fall. And so far, he has one school catching his eye the most.

“I would like to make my decision during the season or late summer,” mentioned Richardson. “Right now Mississippi State is definitely sticking out to me. I’ll definitely be considering them heavily and I really appreciated the opportunity and the love I get from the entire coaching staff.”