New Mexico State transfer receiver Trent Hudson breaks down Mississippi State decision

Since arriving in Starkville in last November, Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby has put an emphasis on upgrading the Bulldogs’ skill positions on offense. On Sunday, Lebby and his staff added to that production with the commitment of former New Mexico State transfer receiver Trent Hudson.

Hudson, who has one season of eligibility remaining, officially visited Mississippi State over the weekend and becomes the third transfer receiver added to State’s 2024 roster, joining Kelly Akharaiyi (UTEP) and Kevin Coleman (Louisville), who were in spring drills with the Bulldogs and among the top spring standouts.

“It was really about how everyone treated me,” explained Hudson. “It is a big SEC school but it is not that big where everyone is just a number or a statistic. Everyone here is like family and everyone is supportive. I saw that at the baseball game and how supportive their fans are. It’s just one big family.”

This past season at New Mexico State, the 6-foot-3 and 180-pound Hudson had 35 catches for 551 yards and a team-best 10 touchdowns. Hudson was also expected to officially visit Houston and West Virginia in the coming days but canceled those plans following his Mississippi State commitment.

Regarding his State official visit, which began Friday and ended Sunday afternoon, Hudson noted that he felt comfortable as soon as he stepped on campus.

“It was great,” recalled Hudson of his official visit. “I love it here and it is like a family environment and I felt like I was at home. I was around almost all of the players so that was good, too. Hunter Washington was one of the main ones I was with and he was fun to be around. He said they need a receiver like me and said they need more guys to make plays.”

During his stay in Starkville, Hudson was able to learn more about State’s offense from Lebby and is eager to have opportunities in that system.

“Coach Lebby was good to be around,” Hudson remarked. “He was telling me about their offense and stuff, and how they want to throw the ball around. I think it’s an explosive offense, especially with Blake (Shapen) back there at quarterback.”

Hudson also talked well of his time with receivers coach Chad Bumphis. Since entering the transfer portal, Hudson has been a target for Bumphis and Hudson said they connected instantly.

“Man, it was great with Coach Bump, too,” added Hudson. “That’s my guy and we clicked as soon as I saw him. He was telling me about his room of receivers and how the offense is going to work.”

Before signing with New Mexico State, Hudson played two seasons at Trinity (Texas) Valley Community College and is a Texas native. In his final juco campaign, Hudson led the team with 50 catches for 778 yards and eight touchdowns (played 10 games that season).

In another week or so, Hudson plans to return to Starkville for good. He is ready to hit the ground running this summer and take advantage of his opportunity in the SEC.

“It takes a lot of weight off my shoulders, for real,” Hudson noted. “I have a good chance to earn a starting spot and I am ready to play and keep working. Being in the SEC, I am grateful for that and it’s something I wanted my whole life.

“I will be there on May 15th so I am about to pack and turn around to go back to Mississippi State. I want to get in there this summer and get to the field. I want to learn the playbook, get ready for school and just get going.”

With Hudson’s decision, Mississippi State its third addition from the spring transfer portal, joining Memphis cornerback DeAgo Brumfield, who committed to the Bulldogs during Super Bulldog Weekend, along with Utah State running back Davon Booth, who committed this past Tuesday.

Other Bulldogs to enter the transfer portal this spring include defensive end Wilky Denaud, offensive tackle Jimmy Bell, safety Avery Sledge, offensive linemen Jayden Hobson and Zay Alexander, linebacker Khalid Moore, defensive lineman Caleb Bryant, cornerback Luke Evans, receiver Justin Robinson, safety Trent Singleton and punter Keelan Crimmins.