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Mississippi State's MJ Russell entering the transfer portal

3rupauk8_400x400by:Robbie Faulk03/28/25

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Martavious Russell
Martavious Russell played in 10 games last season. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Martavious “MJ” Russell has decided to move on from Mississippi State.

The redshirt sophomore entered the portal on Thursday and became the third Bulldog to leave the team since it officially opened on Monday. Russell joins Kanye Clary and Michael Nwoko to this point with more expected in the coming days.

Russell leaves State after playing in 21 career games over the course of his three seasons in Starkville. This season he played in 11 contests and made the most of his time with 24 points in 55 minutes. He was 10-of-17 from the field and made 4-of-8 three-pointers with eight total rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal.

Before redshirting last season, Russell played in 10 games as a freshman in 2022-23 and averaged 1.7 points, 0.6 rebounds and 6.6 minutes per game. He shot 30% from the field and made 2-of-12 three-pointers.

The Sipsey Valley (Ala.) standout was twice first-team All-State in the state of Alabama and was the No. 2 recruit in the state for the class of 2022. He earned Class 5A Player of the Year in the state as a senior when he racked up 28.3 points per game, 10.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 3.3 blocks and 2.9 steals.

The Bulldogs are coming off of a third-straight season of 20 or more wins and the third-straight NCAA Tournament for the second time in school history. Coach Chris Jans is expected to have another heavy roster turnover this offseason with a top 20 signing class already secured and several players likely from the portal.

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