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Eastern Michigan transfer tight end Max Reese breaks down Mississippi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby:Paul Jones•04/25/25•

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Max Reese
Max Reese

Mississippi State’s transfer additions on the offensive side of the ball continued on Friday for head coach Jeff Lebby. Former Eastern Michigan tight end Max Reese announced his Bulldog decision and becomes the fourth transfer commitment of the week for Mississippi State.

With his decision, Reese is also the second transfer tight end commitment of the week, joining former Indiana transfer Sam West. Earlier this week the Bulldogs also added transfer offensive linemen Jaekwon Bouldin (Purdue) and Blake Steen (Virginia).

For Reese, his decision revolved around the opportunity at Mississippi State.

“I made my decision on Thursday and told the coaches then,” explained the 6-foot-2 and 240-pound Reese. “The coaches wanted a guy to come in and make an immediate impact and I told them they got their guy.”

Last season Reese was Eastern Michigan’s starting tight end and he had 27 catches for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Another factor for Reese, he said, was playing for Lebby and Mississippi State tight ends coach Jon Cooper.

“Just the staff, Coach Cooper and Coach Lebby,” added Reese, who has two years of remaining eligibility. “They are really good guys, personable people. They trust me to come into their program to make an impact and I trust them with my future.”

Reese officially visited Mississippi State last weekend and also took official visits to Purdue and Florida International before making his decision. During his time in Starkville, Reese was quickly enamored by the hospitality of those within the program and in the city.

“What stood out to me the most was the hospitality and the fanbase,” Reese added. “I also went to the baseball game against Florida. So I got to see the fans and how much they enjoy the school and the players. How they embrace everyone was just amazing to me.”

Of course, his visit also allowed Reese to learn more about Lebby’s offensive system and his desire to get the tight ends involved often in that scheme.

“The offense is a good fit,” Reese noted. “Coach Lebby has a good track record of using the tight ends in his offense. So it is a move that I feel is best for me and the program. Being able to come in and make an immediate impact. We are trying to win and we are trying to win now.”

Reese will be the second Eastern Michigan transfer on the 2025 Mississippi State roster and will be reunited with former Eastern Michigan receiver Markus Allen. Another Eastern Michigan transfer – center Carson Lee – signed with Mississippi State last December but opted to enter the transfer portal again on Friday.

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