Mississippi State reportedly set to retain pair of 2025 defenders for 5th season
By Ethan Stone
Published:
A pair of former Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to return home for the 2026 season.
According to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Mississippi State has initialed the process to retain defenders Malick Sylla and Jahron Manning after their eligibility was previously exhausted in 2025. They’re eligible to play in 2026 amid waves of legal battles driven by the NCAA’s adoption of their newest 5-in-5 eligibility model — specifically Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s ruling in Colorado.
This is big news for the Bulldogs.
Both Manning and Sylla arrived in Starkville at the start of last season. Sylla, a transfer from Texas A&M, led Mississippi State in tackles for loss last season (7) while also totaling a pair of sacks, 33 tackles and a pass deflection. A big question mark for Mississippi State this season was the pass rush, and Sylla’s involvement should suppress those concerns.
Manning transferred in from Old Dominion after a few seasons in the JUCO ranks. The Bulldogs safety totaled 91 tackles in 2025 along with 5 pass deflections and 1 interception against Tennessee. His presence is likely to be felt less than Sylla, but the Bulldogs certainly won’t be turning away any players with SEC experience.
Keep an eye on the Bulldogs this season, folks.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
