2025 offensive lineman Spencer Dowland breaks down Mississippi State decision
It’s been quite the week for 2025 offensive lineman Spencer Dowland. But at the end of this weekend, the On3 three-star prospect remains in the SEC albeit with a different program.
The Athens (Ala.) High School standout officially visited Mississippi State this weekend. And on Friday, the first day of his visit, Dowland committed to the Bulldogs and became the second offensive lineman commitment in the class, joining Madison Central’s Josiah Clemons.
Earlier in the week, Dowland decommitted from Auburn after being committed to the Tigers since June. Dowland is rated as the nation’s No. 53 offensive tackle and the state’s No. 34 prospect by On3. He also holds other Power 4 offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Arkansas.
“Once I got that feeling, I was very confident about Mississippi State,” explained Dowland. “I committed to Coach (Jeff) Lebby on Friday night. Then we talk more all weekend and it was just great to make that decision.”
Dowland noted that he is no stranger to Mississippi State’s campus. He began making the trips to Starkville early in his prep career and then this weekend, it all felt like home again.
“I used to go to Mississippi State when I was younger and I went to camps there,” Dowland mentioned. “But back then it wasn’t a great time for my recruiting cycle when they had Coach (Mike) Leach. So I didn’t look at them. Then Mississippi State came back into the picture with Coach Lebby and it was a full circle moment for me. I really worked out well.”
Of course, Dowland had an enjoyable time on his official visit judging by his college decision. And he credit the hospitality surrounding the program for making that visit feel comfortable.
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“It was great,” Dowland recalled. “I really enjoyed it all. It was just the family feel and all of the coaches and the players. They all made us feel welcomed and it was nice.”
While rated as an offensive tackle, Dowland expects to move to the interior of the offensive line at the next level. He discussed that opportunity with Lebby and offensive line coach Cody Kennedy over the weekend.
“It was good with Coach Lebby and Coach Kennedy,” added the 6-foot-6 and 290-pound Dowland. “I think I will do great with them and they certainly have a plan for me. They know what it takes and I look forward to all of it. They like me more as a guard and I will play wherever they put me.”
In just a few more weeks, Dowland will return to Mississippi State for a much longer extended stay. He is set to graduate high school soon and will enroll at Mississippi State in January.
“I am graduating early so I will be back there soon,” Dowland remarked. “It’s been kind of tough having to rush this process but Mississippi State has been great. I didn’t feel rushed by them and I already had good connections there. Now I am ready to get started.”
