Mississippi State takes major leap in recruiting rankings after flipping elite in-state prospect

The 2026 recruiting cycle had been a rather quiet one for Jeff Lebby and the Mississippi State staff — until Monday.

With National Signing Day less than 48 hours away, the Bulldogs have pulled off one of the biggest flips of the entire cycle. Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy four-star safety Bralan Womack, the No. 35 overall prospect in the nation, has flipped from Auburn to Mississippi State.

The in-state standout immediately becomes the top-ranked commit in the Bulldogs’ 2026 class. He also vaults the SEC program up 17 spots in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings from No. 47 to No. 30.

Womack, the No. 4 safety and No. 2 recruit in Mississippi this cycle, was back in Starkville over the weekend to watch the Egg Bowl. Mississippi State began to draw some buzz down the stretch amidst uncertainty with Auburn and the star defensive back is now staying home.

Should he sign on Wednesday — the first day of the Early Signing Period — he’ll be the highest-rated Bulldogs signee since five-star offensive tackle Charles Cross in 2019.

Across his four seasons at the varsity level, Womack has totaled 116 tackles and 16 interceptions, including eight picks last season as a junior.

Bulldogs get massive flip from Womack

Before adding Womack, Mississippi State had just one other blue-chipper in its class in Grenada (Miss.) four-star tight end Zayion Cotton. In total, there’s now 25 total pledges in the class for Lebby and his staff. While NSD is just two days out, it remains to be seen if the addition of Womack will spark some late momentum heading into the big week.

In-state recruiting is, of course, a big deal for Mississippi State and it now has nine Magnolia State prospects in the fold. Joining Womack and Cotton includes JUCO safety Dre Riley from Charleston, as well as Canton three-star wide receiver Jayden Cration, Vancleave three-star interior offensive lineman Dalton Toothman, Noxubee County three-star athlete Jaiden Taylor and Tupelo three-star running back Jaeden Hill.

This story will be updated.