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Mississippi State

2026 three-star wing Jalyn Collingwood breaks down Mississippi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby: Paul Jones10/16/25PaulJonesOn3
Jalyn Collingwood
Jalyn Collingwood

2026 forward and Rivals three-star prospect Jalyn Collingwood was one of the top risers this past summer in the basketball rankings and that led to offers from all parts of the country.

After taking in several official visits, the Sidwell Friendship (Wash., D.C.) School standout made his college decision and committed to Mississippi State. Collingwood entered Thursday’s decision with a final three of Mississippi State, Michigan State and Ohio State.

In the end, Collingwood cited his relationships with head coach Chris Jans and his staff as a major factor. Collingwood is rated as the nation’s No. 19 power forward and the state’s No. 2 prospect by Rivals composite.

“What stood out the most was the relationship I have with Coach Jans,” added Collingwood. “They are real genuine people. Nothing seemed to be forced and it was also nice meeting his wife at dinner during my visit there. We had good conversations and good laughs. They are just really good people.”

Collingwood was initially planning to officially visit Michigan State earlier this month and he didn’t take that visit due to being sick. He noted recently that he might reschedule that visit and also still officially visit Vanderbilt.

However, he already had a good idea that he would be joining Mississippi State’s class and opted to not take any more visits.

“I would say I knew, for sure, about a week or two ago,” Collingwood shared. “Overall, I thought my recruiting process was good. I got to see a lot of nice programs and a lot of schools showed me love. It was just a great journey and I am happy with my decision.”

Mississippi State was Collingwood’s first official visit and that took place in September. He also ended up taking official visits to Ohio State and Texas tech. And it is safe to say that his first trip to Starkville opened his eyes to the program and the atmosphere.

“Before I went some were saying there’s nothing to do around there but I saw for myself and that was wrong,” Collingwood explained. “I saw there is a lot to do there. Coach (Chris) Jans and his staff are great guys and the team is full of great guys. They showed me a lot of love and it was great.”

And since that visit, Collingwood’s relationships with the coaching staff only grew stronger.

“It’s always been good with Mississippi State since that visit,” Collingwood remarked. “I’ve been talking to Coach Jans nearly every day so it’s been good. They also came to see me last week and it was good to see them again.”

Collingwood is ranked as a power forward. But he displayed his perimeter skills often this summer and for the Bulldogs, he has discussed his possible position at the next level.

“Mississippi State has talked to me about the two and the three,” said Collingwood. “I think that would fit me very well in their system. I can come off ball screens and create, as well.”

And through all of his interactions with Mississippi State, Collingwood felt from the start that he was a top priority to the program. Being able to observe their practices during his official visit and gave him a comfortable feeling about finding the right fit for his style of play.

“Mississippi State always let me know that I’m a guy they really want,” noted Collingwood. “They believe I am a good fit there. They were doing everything they can in their power to get me. I like Coach Jans and I enjoyed watching them practice. I love how they get after and they play a great style of basketball, which I like to play as well.”

With his decision, Collingwood becomes the third commitment in State’s Class of 2026. He joins Rivals four-star guard Willie Burnett and Rivals three-star power forward Ladarius Givan.

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