Syracuse transfer LB James Heard signs with Mississippi State

Syracuse transfer redshirt sophomore linebacker James Heard has committed to Mississippi State . On3’s Pete Nakosreported the news.

Across two seasons at Syracuseunder head coach Fran Brown , Heard totaled 25 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. He played in three games for West Virginia in 2023, but did not record a statistic.

Mississippi Stateis heading into the third year of the Jeff Lebby era in Starkville. Across his first two seasons in charge, Lebby led the Bulldogs to a 7-18 (1-15) record. Former head coach Zach Arnett returns to the program this season as Mississippi State‘s defensive coordinator.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Mississippi Stateand lead this defense,” Arnett said in a statement following his return. “This place means a great deal to me and my family, and Starkville has always felt like home. I’m excited to get to work for Coach Lebby, support his vision and do my part in contributing to the program.”

Arnett took over the Mississippi Stateprogram following head coach Mike Leach ‘s tragic passing in 2022. After a 4-6 campaign in 2023, Arnett was fired. He spent 2024 as an analyst under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss , and looked to be joining UNLV as its defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under former Mississippi Statehead coach Dan Mullen .

The Albuquerque native, however, resigned before the season and never coached at the program. He now heads back to Starkville, as the Bulldogs seek a return to success after a rough few seasons.

Mississippi State’s Transfer Portal additions

James Heard is the 25th  Transfer Portal  addition for  Mississippi State.

• OT Isaiah Autry-Dent ( Oklahoma )

• IOL DJ Chester ( LSU )

• DL Gus Cordova ( USC )

• CB Kendel Dolby ( Oklahoma )

• DL Dealyn Evans ( Texas A&M )

• S Jardin Gilbert ( LSU )

• CB Jameer Grimsley ( Florida )

• LB James Heard ( Syracuse )

• LB Gav Holman ( Florida State )

• DL Jayson Jenkins ( Florida State )

• WR Marquis Johnson ( Missouri )

• OT Jaelyne Matthews ( Florida State )

• IOL Miles McVay ( North Carolina )

• OT Tyler Miller ( LSU )

• OT Mario Nash ( Florida State )

• IOL LJ Prudhomme ( Arkansas )

• WR Zion Ragins ( Oklahoma )

• QB Jaden Rashada ( Sacramento State )

• OT Brandon Sneh ( UAB )

• S Kaylib SIngleton ( Syracuse )

• QB AJ Swann ( Appalachian State )

• CB Quentin Taylor ( Iowa State )

• EDGE Amaree Williams ( Florida State )

• S Marcus Williams ( Rice )

• TE Riley Williams ( Oregon State )